Danxia Landscape

The Danxia geological formations at Longhu are among the most accessible examples of this landform type in China. Red sandstone cliffs rise directly from the Luxi River, weathered over millions of years into pillars, overhangs, and alcoves that range from a few metres to over a hundred metres tall. The colour shifts from rust-orange in direct sunlight to deep crimson at sunset, and the reflections in the river on still mornings are particularly striking.

The formations are best appreciated from the water — the boat trip along the river provides changing angles that are impossible from the walking paths above. The walking trails on the east bank of the river allow closer examination of individual formations and give views down over the river and cliff system from above. Both perspectives are worth having.

things to do sight
A story
Longhu is one of six sites collectively inscribed as the China Danxia UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The Danxia landform — named after the area in Guangdong where it was first scientifically described — forms when red sandstone beds are uplifted and then eroded along vertical joint lines, producing the characteristic sheer red-orange cliffs, isolated pillars, and narrow gorges. The iron oxide content of the sandstone gives the formations their distinctive warm colouring, which intensifies in low-angle sunlight.