Is Zhangye Danxia (Rainbow Mountains) happening right now?

As of today, in season, building toward peak (~September 1). Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.

Zhangye Danxia is a colorful Danxia landform of folded Cretaceous red sandstones and conglomerates on the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains.

Exposure of layered mineral beds plus uplift and long-term erosion produced vivid red, orange, yellow, green and gray banding across broad hill slopes and cliffs, giving the site its nickname 'Rainbow Mountains'.

Where to see it

A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.

Viewing spots
Viewing Platform No. 4 (Rainbow / Sunset Platform)
Viewing Platform No. 1 (Seven-Color Cloud Sea Platform)
+ 2 more spots, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app →

This is the short version

This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.