2026 3 Day Short Term Chartered Car Tour in Northern Xinjiang Gobi S101 Rainbow Danxia Landform Off the Beaten Path Scenic Spot SUV Rental Cost Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Explore the Gobi Desert of Northern Xinjiang:S101 Rainbow Danxia 3-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Custom Car Tour✨
Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination:Unlock the Geological Tapestry of the Tianshan Heartland
Nestled between the vast Gobi Desert and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang lies the S101 Provincial Highway, known as the “Tianshan Geographic Scenery Corridor.” This 301.6-kilometer road stretches from Xishan Farm and Pasture in Urumqi to Bayingou in Usu, connecting diverse landscapes such as Yardang formations, deserts, canyons, and meadows—earning it the nickname “Geological Museum.” The Rainbow Danxia section (K33-K36) is the highlight—where millions of years of wind erosion and seismic activity have sculpted red sandstone into layered, wave-like mountains. Bathed in sunlight, hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, and dark green intertwine, resembling a spilled palette across the earth.
Driving along the S101, you’ll encounter four scenic sections:
Asian Heartland Landmark Section:Begin at the Asian Continental Geographic Center Monument and traverse the Toutun River Valley, embracing the ceremonial significance of geographic coordinates.
Rainbow Danxia Section:The core viewing area; recommended停留 (stay) for 1-2 hours to capture the grandeur of the Danxia peaks with a wide-angle lens.
Herdsmen’s Tianshan Section:Enter the grasslands beyond the Santun River Coal Mine fork, encountering yurts and flocks of local herders from various ethnic groups.

Explore the Gobi Desert of Northern Xinjiang: S101 Rainbow Danxia 3-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Custom Car Tour✨Flower Field Grassland Section:In summer (June-August), wildflowers blanket the route, while the Lujiaowan Summer Pasture offers a fairy-tale scene of grasslands and snow-capped mountains.
Sample Itinerary:3-Day Immersive Experience, Avoiding Crowds for Stunning Photos
[Day 1:Urumqi → S101 Rainbow Danxia → Kensiwat Reservoir → Kuitun]
Morning:Depart Urumqi and drive west along the S101. First stop: Rainbow Danxia Viewing Platform. Arrive early morning for soft light and vibrant colors, ideal for portraits and landscapes.
Noon:Enjoy a quick meal in Liuhuanggou Town, savoring Xinjiang-style noodles or pilaf (30-50 RMB per person).
Afternoon:Continue west to Kensiwat Reservoir, where turquoise waters mirror Yardang formations. Take a boat tour (approx. 50 RMB/person, subject to change) or hike along the shore.
Evening:Check into an economy hotel in Kuitun (200-300 RMB/night). For dinner, try grilled stuffed buns and kvass beverage.

Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination: Unlock the Geological Tapestry of the Tianshan Heartland[Day 2:Kuitun → Anjihai Grand Canyon → Lujiaowan Summer Pasture → Sayram Lake]
Morning:Drive to Anjihai Grand Canyon. Stand at the cliff’s edge to overlook the red river valley and winding Anjihai River, feeling nature’s awe (free admission, caution advised).
Noon:Enjoy a meal in Tacheng Region, recommended: cold-water fish dishes (60-80 RMB per person).
Afternoon:Traverse Lujiaowan Summer Pasture, where wildflowers bloom from June to August. Stop for photos or horseback riding (approx. 100 RMB/hour).
Evening:Arrive at Sayram Lake Scenic Area. Check into a lakeside hotel (400-600 RMB/night) and stargaze after dinner.
[Day 3:Sayram Lake Circular Drive → Guozigou Bridge → Urumqi]
Morning:Self-drive around Sayram Lake (admission: 145 RMB/person, includes circular-drive shuttle). Key stops include Dianjiang Terrace, Swan Waters, and Pine Tree Head.
Noon:Enjoy a meal in Huocheng County, sampling ethnic specialties like pilaf and roast whole lamb.

Nestled between the vast Gobi Desert and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang lies the S101 Provincial Highway, known as the “Tianshan Geographic Scenery Corridor.” This 301.6-kilometer road stretches from Xishan Farm and Pasture in Urumqi to Bayingou in Usu, connecting diverse landscapes such as Yardang formations, deserts, canyons, and meadows—earning it the nickname “Geological Museum.” The Rainbow Danxia section (K33-K36) is the highlight—where millions of years of wind erosion and seismic activity have sculpted red sandstone into layered, wave-like mountains. Bathed in sunlight, hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, and dark green intertwine, resembling a spilled palette across the earth.Afternoon:Cross Guozigou Bridge, photographing the “First Scenic View of Ili,” then return to Urumqi to conclude the trip.
Pricing Details:Transparent SUV Custom Car Rental Fees, Based on Contract
Current (July 2026) market reference prices for SUV custom rentals in Northern Xinjiang (includes vehicle rental, driver service, fuel, tolls):
5-Seater Urban SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V):800-1,200 RMB/day (20%-30% higher in peak season)
7-Seater Business Van (e.g., Buick GL8):1,200-1,600 RMB/day (ideal for 4-6 person groups)
Driver’s Accommodation & Meals:Typically covered by guests (80-120 RMB/day for meals; hotel room shared with guests or 150-200 RMB/day subsidy)
Scenic Area Admission:Sayram Lake: 145 RMB/person; Anjihai Grand Canyon: free; no admission fees along S101

Driving along the S101, you’ll encounter four scenic sections:Note:Prices may fluctuate based on vehicle type, season, or itinerary changes. Final pricing is based on the signed travel contract.
How to Book:Professional Customization, Peace of Mind Departure
Book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will tailor an itinerary to your needs, whether adjusting accommodation standards, adding photography spots, or optimizing meal arrangements.
Fee & Service Explanation:Transparent Details, Guaranteed Rights
Included Fees:Vehicle usage, driver labor, fuel, tolls, basic insurance (carrier liability insurance ≥5 million RMB).
Excluded Fees:Scenic area optional activities (e.g., Sayram Lake boat tours, Lujiaowan horseback riding), main meals, (single travelers will be matched for room-sharing where possible; special cases require separate negotiation), personal travel accident insurance (recommended at ~30-50 RMB/day).
Service Details:

Asian Heartland Landmark Section: Begin at the Asian Continental Geographic Center Monument and traverse the Toutun River Valley, embracing the ceremonial significance of geographic coordinates.Vehicle Qualifications:All vehicles are licensed for tourism operations, holding road transport permits and under 3 years old.
Driver Services:Experienced drivers familiar with road conditions and scenic area policies can assist with ticket purchases and parking but do not provide professional tour guiding (additional fees apply for guiding services).
Emergency Support:In case of weather, road conditions, or policy changes, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For details, contact customer service.
Travel Tips
Best Seasons:June-August (flower-filled grasslands), September-October (autumn Danxia views)
Recommended Items:Sunscreen, sunglasses, warm jacket (large temperature variations), offline maps (limited signal in some areas)
Photography Tips:Use a drone for aerial shots of the S101 Danxia section; capture Sayram Lake during morning or evening for soft lighting.
Northern Xinjiang’s vastness lies in its diversity—the desolation of the Gobi, the vibrancy of Danxia, the gentleness of grasslands, and the tranquility of lakes. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder’s SUV custom rental service for professional route planning and meticulous attention to detail, allowing you to focus on the scenery and savor this visual feast across the Tianshan Mountains!

Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.