Jingbian Wave Valley, Unique Danxia Landform

Written by Clementine | Updated September 02,2025

Located 22 kilometers southeast of Jingbian county, Yulin City in northern Shaanxi Province, the Wave Valley Scenic Area is a natural tourist attraction for amazing Danxia landforms. As one of the top natural wonders in Shaanbei (northern Shaanxi Province), the landscape of this area is dominated by red sandstone formations with undulating wave-like patterns, hence its name.

According to the geological surveys, the rare wave-shaped red sandstone Danxia landforms in this area were formed approximately 96 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. The surreal landscape we see today is thanks to the natural erosion and weathering of a hundred million years.

• Location: South Wuyang Road, Jingbian County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province
• Opening hours: 8:30-17:00
• Time needed: about 4-5 hours
• Ticket price: CNY 90 per person for the Danxia scenic area; CNY 50 per person for the glass bridge

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• Top Scenic Spots in the Valley
• Jingbian Wave Valley Vs. Antelope Canyon in America
• Recommended Routes for Exploring Jingbian Wave Valley
• How to Get to
• Best Time to Visit
• FAQs about Jingbian Wave Valley
• More Attractions in Shaanbei (northern Shaanxi Province)
• Plan Your Jingbian Wave Valley Tour with China Xian Tour

Top Scenic Spots in the Valley

3D Glass Bridge

The 3D scenic bridge is a specially constructed glass skywalk near the entrance of the Wave Valley Scenic Area. Spanning 340 meters in length and with a height of about 75 meters from the ground, the bridge gives visitors a divine perspective to overlook the Wave Valley. Additionally, it is equipped with modern media technology and #D effects, offering visitors an unforgettable interactive experience.

Flame Danxia (火焰丹霞)

The glass skywalk will lead you to the Flame Danxia which is often hailed as the Mars on the earth by photographers. Viewing from afar, the vibrant color of the red sandstone makes this area looks like a cluster of swirling flames.

Red Cliff Danxia (赤壁丹霞)

The next stop in the secnic area is the Red Cliff Danxia with a small river flowing across. One side of the river is dominated by loess plateau landscape, and the other side is a steep rec rock cliff, creating a striking contrast.

Heart of Earth Danxia (地心丹霞)

Move forward, visitors will get to the Heart of Earth Danxia, an underground Danxia which is known as China’s “Antelope Canyon”. Thanks to its stunning forms, any one can capture some great photos here effortlessly. >> You may also be interested in Zhangye Danxia Landform

Jingbian Wave Valley Vs. Antelope Canyon in America

Jingbian Wave Valley is somewhat different from the wave valley in Arizona, America. The wave valley of Arizona has white lines sandwiched between red lines on rocks, while the wave valley here is predominantly red.

Under the erosion of wind and rain, the sandstone here presents bizarre form and color, shaped like waves, waters, helix, and other different looks. The scenery also varies seen from different angles or periods of time, which always makes the visitors surprise and linger in the valley. The red color is formed mainly by the oxidation of iron and manganese, showing the artistic masterpiece of nature.

Recommended Routes for Exploring Jingbian Wave Valley

There are two main travel routes in the scenic area, you can choose based on your physical strength and time.

Big Loop – Suitable for tourists seeking for in-depth exploration and photographers

Big Loop is a more classic route which covers Flame Danxia, Red Cliff Danxia, Heart of Earth Danxia, One Line Sky, Thousand-Meter Gallery, Huishou Bridge, Divine Tree Bridge, etc. The highlights during the hiking include the Flame Danxia whose pattern resembles rolling waves, the Red Cliff Danxia with steep Danxian cliff on one aide and vast loess plateau on another side, and the beautiful light and shadow in the One Line Sky. The whole journey takes about 3 – 4 hours.

Small Loop – Suitable for elders and kids

Different from Big Loop, Small Loop is more streamlined, which mainly focuses on the area around the Flame Danxia and Flow Wave Platform. This route will take about 1 hour.

How to Get to

There is no tourist direct bus available, so the most convenient way is to get there by taxis or chartered bus. The single way takes about CNY 60 and 30 minutes. And it is highly recommended to reserve a return trip with the driver, because it may be difficult to find a car due to the relatively remote location of the scenic area.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Jingbian Wave Valley is April – May and September – October. Because the temperature is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful during this period. There is relatively little rain, the sky is clear, and the light is soft, which is very suitable for photography.

The best time of the day is before 11:00 and after 16:00. With light at an ideal angle, the texture and layers of the rock are highlighted and the colors are saturated. You can also avoid the overexposure due to the midday strong light.

FAQs about Jingbian Wave Valley

How long does it typically take to explore Jingbian Wave Valley?

For tourists with limited time, you can finish small loop within one hour. If your time is sufficient, Big Loop is more suitable which takes about 3 – 4 hours.

What photography tips or best spots are recommended?

The best spots for photography is the Flame Danxia, One Line Sky, and Water Danxia with characteristic landscapes. While at Huishou Bridge and Divine Tree Bridge, you can take a panoramic photo of the valley. The best light and shadow effect occurs in the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset. And to take more outstanding photos which form a striking contrast with the background, it is recommended to wear clothing with bright color or ethnic-style clothing.

Are there dining options or food available inside the scenic area?

Inside the scenic area, the choices of dining are very limited. There are only a few shops selling common drinks and snacks with higher price. So bringing sufficient water and high-calorie snacks is necessary. After the tour, you can go to the nearby Longzhou Town or return to the Jianbian County to taste local cuisines.

Are there any other attractions nearby worth visiting?

The Ruins of Tongwan City, 70 kilometers to the north of the Wave Valley, is the only remaining capital city built by the Xiongnu Nationality in history, which has a history over 1,600 years. Zhengbeitai Great Wall in downtown Yulin City is one of the largest existing fortresses along the Ming Great Wall, which is renowned as the “Number One Terrace of the Great Wall”.

More Attractions in Shaanbei (northern Shaanxi Province)

• Hukou Waterfalls
• The Mausoleum for the Yellow Emperor
• Maowusu Desert
• Zhenbeitai Great Wall

Plan Your Jingbian Wave Valley Tour with China Xian Tour

Usually, tourists need about 1 – 2 days for a return trip from Xian to Wave Valley. If you want to experience northern Shaanxi customs, you can also spend one day to explore the scenic spots in Yan’an. Here are two itineraries for your reference. Feel free to contact China Xian Tour‘s travel consultant to customize your perfect Xian tour with Jingbian Wave Valley and other highlights in north Shaanxi.

Itinerary 1:

Day 1: Shaanxi History Museum – Muslim Quarter – Bell Tower

Day 2: Terracotta Army – Huaqing Palace

Day 3: Transfer to Jingbian County by high-speed train – Wave Valley

Day 4: Return to Xian – Big Wild Goose Pagoda – City Wall

Itinerary 2:

Day 1: Transfer from Xian to Yan’an by train – Pagoda Hill – Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall

Day 2: Transfer from Yan’an to Jingbian County by train – Wave Valley

Day 3: Ruins of Tongwan City – Return to Xian