Wild Danxia and wild men appear! 1 hour from Lanzhou to a hidden treasure water-view Danxia

Wild Danxia, just 1.5 hours from Lanzhou, is right next to the 4A Ink Danxia, a completely underrated hidden natural gem! (According to locals, they have been raising funds for development, so it should be fenced off and developed soon.) Compared to the well-developed Ink Danxia, which features a vast aerial view perfect for those who love grand panoramas, I prefer exploring the untamed wild charm, so I decisively headed to Kushui Danxia! It’s free and less crowded here, basically a no-man’s land, where you can get up close to the texture of the Danxia formations, making the experience fully immersive. Kushui Danxia belongs to the colored hill landform, with rock layers like a natural crushed palette—red, orange, yellow, and brown layers stacked, all traces of billions of years of wind and water erosion. Every photo looks like a geological textbook image! 📸 Travel & Check-in Tips 1. Water Danxia: At the entrance, there is a clear pool where you can take a boat to a small island in the middle. When the boat moves on the water, the Danxia reflects in the water, as if you’ve stepped into a colorful oil painting. 2. Drone View: Nearby there is a fishing pond and a small shop. You can bring your own drone or rent one from the owner to capture island landing shots from the air, creating stunning photos in minutes. 3. Mountain Climb Overlook: Be sure to climb the small hill beside it! The path is a bit steep at first, but the higher you go, the wider the view. At the top, you’ll be speechlessly amazed—the endless Danxia hills stretch to the horizon, with ravines like the palm lines of the earth. You’ll just want to shout, “The mountains and rivers of our motherland are so magnificent!” ⏰ Duration & Transportation • Taking your time to stroll and take photos, 1.5 hours is enough, with a very comfortable pace. • Self-driving is recommended! A regular car can handle the road conditions. We parked at the designated parking lot, but later found some people drove right to the fishing pond, which is closer and more convenient to the core scenic spots. 🗓️ Itinerary Suggestion If you have enough time, I strongly recommend visiting Ink Danxia and Kushui Danxia together! Ink Danxia offers panoramic aerial views and is well developed. Kushui Danxia offers wild charm and close-up views—both experiences are worthwhile. Also, the latest entry time for Ink Danxia changes with the seasons, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm and avoid rushing or missing out! (Don’t ask me how I know.)