The Most Mars-like Place on Earth

Travel Guide for Alien Valley in Zhangye: 1. Travel Methods • Self-driving Route: Start from Zhangye and navigate to the Alien Valley Visitor Center. Purchase tickets and follow navigation instructions along Provincial Road 213, then turn onto County Road 005 to enter the scenic area. The total distance is about 30 kilometers, and along the way, you can see key attractions such as the Colorful Welcome Mountain, Ten Thousand Buddha Mountain, Prayer Wheel, Jupiter Canyon, and Sky-Piercing Pillar. 2. Key Attractions 1. Colorful Welcome Mountain: The mountain features a mix of purple, white, and gray colors, resembling an oil painting. Located at the entrance of the scenic area, it is perfect for photo opportunities. 2. Ten Thousand Buddha Mountain: Composed of purple, red, and milky white sandstone, this 2.5-kilometer-long mountain forms a three-dimensional cluster of peaks, resembling a scene of ten thousand Buddhas worshiping. 3. Prayer Wheel: Located in the middle section of Heavenly Book Canyon, the rock wall is engraved with Nima patterns, forming a prayer wheel shape that exudes a mysterious atmosphere. 4. Jupiter Canyon: This canyon is about 300 meters long, with clear rock wall textures forming colorful ribbons, ideal for hiking and exploration. 5. Sky-Piercing Pillar: A reddish-yellow sandstone formation that towers into the sky, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape and offering a sense of awe. 3. Tips • Respect the Scenery: The area features fragile landforms, so avoid stepping on them and keep the environment clean. • Self-driving Experience: The entire route consists of gravel roads that are passable for normal vehicles. It is suitable for self-driving tours, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, perfect for free exploration. • Time Management: Plan at least 2-3 hours for the visit, and choose key attractions based on personal interests to avoid crowded areas. Alien Valley is renowned for its unique Danxia landforms and the freedom to explore, making it a must-visit internet-famous spot in Zhangye.