30 Secret Travel Spots You’ll Wish You Discovered Sooner

28. The Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia, China

Mother Nature was feeling particularly creative when she sculpted the Zhangye Danxia Landform, a jaw-dropping range of rainbow-colored mountains in northwestern China. This otherworldly landscape is the result of millions of years of mineral deposits and erosion, creating layers of fiery red, electric orange, golden yellow, and emerald green that look as though they’ve been hand-painted across the hills. Unlike China’s more tourist-heavy landmarks, Zhangye Danxia remains relatively unknown, making it a peaceful escape into one of nature’s most vibrant masterpieces. Best explored at sunrise or sunset, the shifting light enhances the already surreal colors, turning the mountains into a living kaleidoscope. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates Earth’s wonders, Zhangye Danxia is a must-visit destination that will make you question if what you’re seeing is even real.