Introduction: The ancient Silk Road was a historic trade route connectingAsia,AfricaandEuropein ancient China. Today, it also attracts thousands of tourists from around the world with its numerous historical relics, magnificent natural landscapes, and diverse ethnic cultures. So, where can you find the most spectacular colors along the Silk Road?
My answer is — Zhangye Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon.Located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, Zhangye Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon lies in the middle section of the Hexi Corridor along the Silk Road. Owing to the natural barrier formed by surrounding mountain ranges, it served as a refuge for many scholars and nobles from the Central Plains fleeing northern wars in ancient times, making it an important stop along the ancient "Silk Road." Compared to the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, known as the "City of Ten Thousand Buddhas," Zhangye Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon may not be as well-known along the Silk Road. However, there’s no denying that its natural scenery is truly one of the most striking features of the ancient Silk Road.
Vast and majestic canyon landscapes
Canyon landforms exist all over the world, and due to their grandeur, awe-inspiring presence, and unique scenery, they have long been favored by photography enthusiasts and adventurers. Globally, the most famous is undoubtedly the Grand Canyon in the United States, which attracts countless visitors from China and abroad with its steep formations, peculiar landforms, and spectacular views. In contrast, China’s Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon lies to the south of the Qilian Mountains and borders the Badain Jaran Desert in Inner Mongolia to the north, offering an even more vast and imposing backdrop. With its deep canyons and uniquely shaped peak forests, the bottomless gorges showcase unparalleled rugged beauty. It has been hailed by many geologists and tourists from around the world as — the “Soul of Heaven and Earth” and the “Painting of the Ocean Floor.” In the world-renowned Geographic magazine 《National Geographic》, five of the most representative canyons in the world are listed: the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Blue Mountains Canyon in Australia, the Victoria Canyon in Africa, the Samaria Canyon in Greece, and China’s Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon. To some extent, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon also represents China’s canyon landforms. In addition to its vast and majestic canyon scenery, the Danxia landform of Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is another highlight.
Unique Danxia landform features
The red Danxia landform makes Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon stand out among various types of canyon landscapes and has drawn worldwide attention. So why is the Danxia here red? Let’s start with iron. We all know that most rocks on Earth contain a certain amount of iron. Typically, iron exists in two forms: black ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) and reddish-brown ferric iron (Fe³⁺). The red color of the Danxia in Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is due to a higher content of ferric iron. Around 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, the Earth experienced a warm phase, and the inland regions of the vast Eurasian continent developed a dry continental climate. The scorching sun baked the land, and ferrous iron ions in rock debris were continuously oxidized into ferric iron after sedimentation, turning the rocks red. The accumulated debris particles in the basin began to cement under immense underground pressure, forming red bedrock.
Within the 180-square-kilometer canyon area, Danxia landforms are widespread. Bizarre rocks, crisscrossing ravines, layered peak forests, and exposed red strata hills display intense colors. Scenic spots such as Nine Dragons Gathering at Sea, Lovers’ Peak, Millennium Poplar Trees, General Rock, and the One-Line Sky are scattered throughout. The contrast with distant snow-capped mountains adds even more splendor to this magnificent landscape.
Profound historical and cultural background
As mentioned earlier, China’s Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is located in Zhangye City, situated in the middle section of the Hexi Corridor along the Silk Road. Historically, Zhangye was the western gateway of the Silk Road, a meeting point of Western Region civilizations and Central Plains culture, making it highly valued by emperors throughout various dynasties.
Historical records indicate that in the fifth year of the Sui Dynasty's Daye era (609 AD), Emperor Yang of Sui made a western tour. Leading hundreds of thousands of troops from the Central Plains to the Hexi region, he traveled along the Wei River, crossed the Long Mountains, traversed the Qilian Mountains, and finally arrived in Zhangye. Emperor Yang’s western journey lasted half a year and was an extremely arduous trek, during which he nearly lost his life. His goal was to personally visit this land, commune with heaven and earth, receive envoys from twenty-seven Western Region countries, and hold a grand international exposition to showcase the prosperity of the Chinese empire.
Standing at Zhangye Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon today, recalling Emperor Yang’s life of military campaigns, how he subdued the four barbarian tribes at a young age and reveled in his success; remembering General Huo Qubing charging into battle on his warhorse; reflecting on the collisions, impacts, and fusions between civilizations — doesn’t it make one ponder how much heroic ambition once graced these lands, and how many sorrowful songs faded into the desolation of time?
A new landmark of the Silk Road
In 2015, when the major historical documentary 《Hexi Corridor》 aired on China Central Television, accompanied by the music of world-renowned composer Yanni — 《Dream of the Hexi Corridor》 — audiences worldwide were introduced to this new, most magnificent and colorful landmark along the Silk Road — Zhangye Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon.
When you come here, you might be reminded of the classic American Western films and dream of becoming a free-spirited cowboy, galloping on horseback through endless sand dunes. Or perhaps you’re filled with the heroic sentiments of the prosperous Han and Tang dynasties. By following in the footsteps and grand poetic verses of literati such as Chen Zi'ang, Wang Wei, and Cen Shen, you can imagine the ancient Central Plains dynasties of the Qin and Han repelling northern invaders here, or Zhang Qian, Ban Chao, and Xuanzang traveling westward through this very land. The sweeping desert scenes, lone cities at sunset, and ancient passes of your childhood imagination will vividly unfold before your eyes. Though the north wind remains fierce, the smoke of war and marching soldiers are now gone.
Thirty thousand miles of ancient Silk Roads, eight thousand years of Chinese civilization. Perhaps what Zhangye Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon offers to humanity is not just the colorful scenery along the Silk Road, but also a profound sense of awe — a feeling that nature holds indescribable beauty beyond words.