Dream Canyon West is a wind-carved sandstone landscape about fifteen kilometres from central Wuhai, where millennia of wind erosion have shaped the purple-red rock into abstract columns, arches, and rounded fins. The colour of the rock — deepening from pink to dark burgundy as the afternoon light falls at lower angles — is the attraction, and serious photographers time their visits for the late afternoon or golden hour before sunset. The canyon is not large (a full circuit takes about 90 minutes on foot) but the concentration of interesting formations makes it worthwhile.
The site has attracted a growing rock climbing community in recent years, drawn by the variety and quality of routes on the sandstone faces. The rock is technically well-suited to climbing — good friction, interesting holds, vertical and overhanging sections — and several bolted sport routes have been established, particularly on the eastern faces. The climbing is underdeveloped by the standards of established Chinese climbing destinations, which means you are unlikely to encounter crowds. Bring your own gear; rental is not available locally.