Binggou Danxia

Binggou Danxia is a quieter Danxia area on the north bank of the Liyuan River in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, about 80-100 km southwest of Zhangye city in Gansu, China. There is no regular public bus, so visitors hire a car with driver from Zhangye for about CNY 400-700 per car, or join an organized tour at about CNY 250-450 per person that combines Binggou with other Danxia sights. The drive takes about one and a half to two hours each way, following provincial road 213. The scenery consists of layered, multicoloured sandstone hills in a more natural setting than the main Zhangye geopark, with fewer visitors and wider views across the valley. Entry is about CNY 40-60, to be confirmed at the gate. Walking routes are less developed than at the main park, so visitors should expect some uneven ground and a more rugged feel, which makes it a good second Danxia stop for those who want to avoid the crowds. A one-day plan leaves Zhangye early in the morning, reaches Binggou by mid-morning, spends two to three hours on the viewpoints and trails, eats a packed lunch or a simple meal nearby, and returns in the afternoon, with an optional stop at the Zhangye Danxia National Geopark for sunset on the way back. The best window is May to October, with warm weather and dry roads; summer afternoons can be hot, and light is most dramatic in the morning and late afternoon. Facilities are limited, so water, snacks and sun protection should be brought from Zhangye. The Yugur and Tibetan villages along the road add cultural interest, and the surroundings of the Qilian foothills give a sense of remoteness. The trip suits photographers and those who have already seen the main geopark.