China’s vast terrain is filled with a dazzling range of landscapes, many of which are bursting with colors. From red-hued mountains to crystal-clear lakes, here are 10 of China’s most colorful and mesmerizing landscapes that captivate visitors from all over the world.

1. Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu

The Zhangye Danxia Landform is a wonder of nature, with its rainbow-colored hills stretching across the landscape. The combination of mineral-rich soil and natural erosion has created multicolored layers of rock that shift from red to yellow, orange, and even green, making this site a visual masterpiece.

2. Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan

Jiuzhaigou Valley is known for its vibrant hues, particularly in autumn when the forests turn golden and red, contrasting against the deep blue of the lakes. The striking colors of the valley’s multi-layered waterfalls and snow-capped mountains make it one of the most scenic spots in China.

3. Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Anhui

Mount Huangshan is often bathed in a rich golden glow, particularly at sunrise, where the peaks light up in hues of orange and pink. The surrounding green pine trees and the rolling mists add to the dramatic color contrasts, making it one of the most photographed mountains in the world.

4. The Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye, Gansu

These stunning mountains, part of the Danxia Landform, are known for their bright and vibrant red, yellow, and green stripes. The colorful formations are a result of millions of years of geological activity and create an otherworldly scene that is simply breathtaking.

5. Lake Qinghai, Qinghai

Lake Qinghai, located in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, is known for its clear blue waters that contrast against the snow-capped mountains and arid plains surrounding it. The deep blue of the lake and the vastness of the sky create a colorful and tranquil scene.

6. The Li River, Guangxi

The Li River is famous for its emerald green waters and dramatic limestone karsts. The lush greenery that surrounds the river reflects its color, and the mist rising from the water in the early mornings only enhances the colorful landscape. This tranquil, jade-colored river is a photographer’s paradise.

7. Kanas Lake, Xinjiang

Kanas Lake in northern Xinjiang is a serene, deep blue lake surrounded by golden forests, and it is particularly stunning in the autumn months when the trees turn brilliant shades of red and yellow. The contrast of the lake’s rich blue water with the fiery colors of the autumn forest is spectacular.

8. The Dongchuan Red Land, Yunnan

The Dongchuan Red Land in Yunnan is famous for its striking red soil and colorful terraced fields. The colorful contrast between the red earth, green crops, and golden sunrays gives the landscape a vibrant, almost surreal quality.

9. Mount Emei, Sichuan

Mount Emei offers a mesmerizing display of color, with lush greenery blanketing the mountain and golden temples dotting its slopes. In the spring, the mountain’s vibrant blossoms add a splash of color, and in the winter, it becomes covered in snow, creating a stunning contrast of white and green.

10. Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie

The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is home to hundreds of towering sandstone peaks that stretch into the sky. The deep green forests contrast with the sheer stone cliffs, and the changing colors throughout the day, particularly at sunrise and sunset, add a magical, colorful touch to the landscape.