Have you ever explored a natural rainbow etched into stone? 🌈 Nestled in the Altai Mountains of the Chinese mainland, Wucaitan—known as the Five-Colored Beach—splits into two worlds along the winding Irtysh River.
On the northern bank, you’ll find a jaw-dropping yardang landscape painted in red, ocher, light yellow and green sandstone and mud rock. These bizarre formations began hundreds of millions of years ago when a vast lake covered the region.
Over time, rain, wind, thunderstorms and tectonic shifts carved the land, revealing thick coal seams beneath. Then, lightning ⚡ and blazing sunlight sparked underground fires that burned away the coal, leaving behind the sintered rocks we see today—each hue reflecting different minerals and earth processes.
Flip to the southern side and you’re in an unexpected desert oasis. 🌿 Lush vegetation and shady woods create a cool contrast to the colorful cliffs nearby—perfect for a scenic hike or a chill picnic by the river.
And there’s more: Wucaitan sits atop rich deposits of oil, gold, agate, quartz and iron. So this place is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a hub of hidden treasures beneath its surface.
Whether you’re a travel junkie, a geology buff, or just hunting for your next epic photo op, the Five-Colored Beach delivers on all fronts. Pack your bags and get ready to chase rainbows in Xinjiang! 🚀
Reference(s):
Five-colored beach, a Yardang landform born from sunlight and thunder
cgtn.com
