China Danxia, Sandstone cliffs in South China
China Danxia consists of red and orange sandstone cliffs that spread across multiple provinces in South China, towering hundreds of meters above the surrounding terrain. The rock formations display varied layers and erosion patterns that create a distinctive landscape across each site.
These sandstone formations began taking shape roughly 80 million years ago during the Cretaceous period through tectonic activity and erosion. Over vast stretches of time, water and weathering carved the rock layers into the varied forms visible today.
Local residents have developed ways of living and working that connect directly to this dramatic landscape for generations. Their daily routines and traditional crafts reflect a deep relationship with the natural surroundings.
Visitors can access the sites through established routes from major nearby cities, with multiple viewing platforms offering different perspectives of the formations. Spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures for exploring the area.
The red and orange hues come from varying iron oxide content in the sandstone layers, with each site displaying its own color palette. These natural pigments shift throughout the day as the sun moves, creating constantly changing visual effects that never look quite the same twice.
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