Danxia

Danxia refers to a distinctive type of geomorphology found in southern China, named after Danxia Mountain in Guangdong where the landforms were first described. The term 丹霞地貌 translates as “red cliffs” and describes a landscape formed by red-colored sedimentary rocks that have been sculpted into cliffs, pinnacles, and ravines.

Danxia landforms are composed mainly of red sandstones and conglomerates deposited during the Cretaceous period. The rocks acquire a red to orange hue from iron oxide. Erosion by rainfall, rivers, and weathering over long timescales has carved steep cliffs, deep valleys, and irregular towers, often arranged in stair-step or amphitheater-like patterns.

These landforms are widespread in southern China, with notable concentrations in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Hunan, and Guangxi. Danxia landscapes attract visitors for their dramatic scenery and are often protected within national parks and nature reserves. They also provide important records for studies of sedimentology, tectonics, and erosion processes, illustrating how sandstone and conglomerate beds respond to uplift and surface weathering.

In addition to their scientific interest, Danxia sites play a role in local culture and tourism, featuring in photography and hiking routes and contributing to regional identity. Ongoing conservation efforts emphasize the protection of fragile rock formations, cliff surfaces, and associated ecosystems from natural and human pressures.