2026 Private Car Rental in Northern Xinjiang 3 Day Leisure Trip to Sulfur Gully Yardang Landform near Changji, Preferred Itinerary and Quotes Now Fully Released Recommended Route Price

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation

Star Recommendation✨:2026 3-Day Custom Vehicle Tour of Sulfur Gully in Northern Xinjiang – Explore the Yadan Secret Realm and Unlock Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences Near Changji
I. In-Depth Analysis of Itinerary or Destination
The Yadan landform cluster in Sulfur Gully, located 40 kilometers south of Changji City, is a rare “underexploited” composite area of Danxia and Yadan landforms in Northern Xinjiang. This geological wonder, spanning approximately 30 square kilometers, formed during the Jurassic period 140 million years ago. Through long-term wind erosion, water erosion, and oxidation, it features layered rock walls in red, yellow, gray, and white, known by geologists as the “natural color palette.”
[Core Attractions]
Sulfur Gully Main Canyon:Stretching 12 kilometers long with vertical rock walls up to 80 meters high, hiking here allows observation of sedimentary rock textures from hundreds of millions of years ago. During dawn or dusk, oblique sunlight creates flame-like light and shadow effects on the rock walls.
Peacock Screen Viewing Platform:Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the entire canyon, with the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains in the distance creating a striking visual contrast against the nearby colorful rock walls—a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.
Red Cliff Danxia Area:Dominated by reddish-brown rock formations, some areas feature golden patches due to mineral infiltration. Color saturation peaks in summer after rain when the rock walls are moist.
Geological Science Corridor:Featuring 12 interpretive signs along the route, it introduces the formation principles of Yadan landforms and the geological evolution of Xinjiang, suitable for interactive learning for families with children.
[Transportation Advantages]
Departing from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport via the Lianhuo Expressway (G30) to Provincial Highway S101, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by car on paved roads suitable for vehicles with fewer than 7 seats. Compared to popular attractions like Kanas and Sayram Lake, Sulfur Gully has lower tourist density, ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil experience.
II. 3-Day Selected Itinerary
[Day 1:Urumqi → Initial Geological Exploration of Sulfur Gully]

Star Recommendation✨: 2026 3-Day Custom Vehicle Tour of Sulfur Gully in Northern Xinjiang – Explore the Yadan Secret Realm and Unlock Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences Near Changji09:00 Pick-up in Urumqi city area; check vehicle insurance and tire condition (focus on confirming spare tire and emergency tools)
10:30 Arrive at the main entrance of Sulfur Gully; receive a hand-drawn map of the scenic area and transfer to the scenic shuttle bus (included in ticket price)
11:00-13:00 Hike the精华段 (highlight section) of the main canyon (approximately 3 kilometers); stop at 3 viewing platforms for photography along the way
13:30 Lunch at a characteristic Changji farmhouse (recommended: “Nuerlan Farmhouse” for hand-grabbed mutton with nang pit meat)
15:00 Head to the “Red Cliff Danxia” area for drone aerial photography of the panorama (requires prior approval from the scenic area management)
17:30 Return to the Sulfur Gully campsite to experience the yurt culture of various ethnic groups (participate in dairy product-making experience)
20:00 Campfire evening at the campsite (subject to weather conditions; nighttime temperatures around 15°C in May-June)
[Day 2:In-Depth Geological Exploration + Surrounding Connections]
08:30 After breakfast, head to the “Peacock Screen” viewing platform to await the dawn light and shadow (summer sunrise around 06:40)
10:00 Visit the Geological Museum (exhibiting local fossil specimens and landform models)
12:00 Proceed to Toutunhe Valley Forest Park (25 kilometers from Sulfur Gully) for cycling along the riverbank (tandem bicycles provided by the scenic area)
15:00 Return to Sulfur Gully to participate in the “Geology Little Classroom” interactive activity (led by scenic area guides to identify rocks)

I. In-Depth Analysis of Itinerary or Destination18:00 Dinner at the campsite (specialty dried meat narin noodles)
21:00 Stargazing (campsite equipped with professional telescopes; Milky Way visible in summer)
[Day 3:Cultural Experience + Return Journey]
09:00 Visit the workshop of an intangible cultural heritage inheritor in Sulfur Gully Town to observe embroidery-making by various ethnic groups
11:00 Purchase local specialties (recommended: “Sulfur Gully Colored Rock” crafts, naturally grown blackcurrant jam)
13:00 Free time at Changji City’s “Hui Ethnic Snack Street” (recommended: youxiang, jiuwan sanhangzi, and other delicacies)
15:00 Depart for Urumqi to conclude the itinerary
III. Cost Breakdown and Quotation Explanation
[Basic Custom Vehicle Costs] (calculated for 3 days, including driver, fuel, and toll fees)
5-seat economy car (e.g., Buick Excelle):1,800-2,400 yuan/vehicle
7-seat business van (e.g., Maxus G10):2,800-3,600 yuan/vehicle
4WD off-road vehicle (e.g., Toyota Prado):3,800-4,800 yuan/vehicle

The Yadan landform cluster in Sulfur Gully, located 40 kilometers south of Changji City, is a rare “underexploited” composite area of Danxia and Yadan landforms in Northern Xinjiang. This geological wonder, spanning approximately 30 square kilometers, formed during the Jurassic period 140 million years ago. Through long-term wind erosion, water erosion, and oxidation, it features layered rock walls in red, yellow, gray, and white, known by geologists as the “natural color palette.”[Scenic Area Fees]
Sulfur Gully Geopark ticket:80 yuan/person (includes shuttle bus)
Toutunhe Valley Forest Park:Free admission
Geological Museum guided tour fee:50 yuan/group (up to 10 people)
Campsite activity package (includes yurt experience, campfire evening):200 yuan/person
[Dining References]
Farmhouse main meal:60-80 yuan/person/meal
Campsite light meal:40-50 yuan/person/meal
Specialty meal (hand-grabbed meat/narin noodles):100-120 yuan/person
[Total Budget Example] (calculated for 4 people in a 7-seat business van)
Custom vehicle cost:3,200 yuan (mid-range value)
Tickets + activities:600 yuan (4 people × 150 yuan)

[Core Attractions]Dining:800 yuan (calculated for 3 main meals + 2 light meals)
Average total cost per person:Approximately 1,150 yuan (excluding major transportation to/from Urumqi)
Pricing Notes:
1. June-August is the peak tourist season in Northern Xinjiang, with costs 20%-30% higher than in May
2. Vehicle choice directly affects the experience: off-road vehicles can access unpaved canyon routes, while business vans are suitable for family comfort
3. The final cost is subject to the signed tourism contract; real-time quotations can be obtained from Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency
IV. Registration and Consultation Methods
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency; consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure availability, vehicle selection, and customization needs. It is recommended to book 7-10 days in advance, as some vehicle types may require queuing during peak season.
V. Service Standards and Precautions
[Services Included]
Licensed operational vehicles (including seat insurance ≥500,000 yuan/person)
Certified driver services (familiar with roads around Sulfur Gully)

Sulfur Gully Main Canyon: Stretching 12 kilometers long with vertical rock walls up to 80 meters high, hiking here allows observation of sedimentary rock textures from hundreds of millions of years ago. During dawn or dusk, oblique sunlight creates flame-like light and shadow effects on the rock walls. Fuel, toll, and parking fees within the itinerary
Basic travel insurance (visitors are advised to supplement with high-value accident insurance)
[Self-Paid Items]
Secondary consumption within the scenic area (e.g., horseback riding, off-road vehicle crossings)
Personal dining and consumption expenses
(Single registrants will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; special cases require negotiation)
[Special Reminders]
1. Sulfur Gully has large temperature variations between day and night; in June, daytime temperatures are around 25°C, and warm clothing is needed at night
2. Signal strength is weak inside the canyon; it is recommended to download offline maps in advance
3. In case of extreme weather (e.g., heavy rain, sandstorms), the scenic area may temporarily close some areas, and both parties will negotiate to adjust the itinerary
4. Respect the customs and habits of local ethnic groups; alcohol consumption is prohibited within the campsite
VI. Compliance Statement
This itinerary information is based on a field inspection in June 2026 and publicly available scenic area materials. Specific service content, cost composition, and liability division are subject to the signed tourism contract. In case of policy changes, road restrictions, or other force majeure factors, Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will assist visitors in reasonably adjusting the itinerary and strive to maintain travel and experience quality.

Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation