[2025 Sunan Attraction] Travel Guide for Alien Valley Star Theme Geopark (Updated Jul)

Don't just travel—experience the journey | Complete guide to Sunan tourism If you yearn for a trip that takes you far from the hustle and bustle, reconnects you with nature, and offers deep immersion in ethnic culture and historical heritage, then Sunan Yugur Autonomous County is undoubtedly your perfect choice. Located in Zhangye, Gansu, this hidden gem of the northwest boasts stunning ecological beauty, magnificent natural landscapes, rich ethnic traditions, and abundant historical relics, waiting for you to unveil its mysteries. I. Pre-trip Preparation 1. Documents: Bring your ID card and any discount cards (student ID, senior citizen card, etc.) to enjoy ticket discounts. 2. Clothing: Sunan has significant temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, pack a thick jacket. Spring and autumn are windy with sandstorms, so windproof clothing is recommended. In winter, bundle up with down jackets, snow boots, and other warm gear. 3. Sun protection: The UV rays are strong here, so sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and UV-protective clothing are essential. 4. Medicine: Prepare common medications like cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills in case of discomfort. 5. Other: Power bank, camera, and some cash (mobile payments may not be available in remote areas). II. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation - By air: Fly to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, then take a 1.5-hour bus ride to Sunan. - By train: Arrive at Zhangye Station or Zhangye West Station, then take a bus to Sunan from Zhangye South Bus Station. There are frequent departures, making it very convenient. 2. Local Transportation - Public transport: Buses and coaches connect Sunan to major attractions, but schedules are limited, so check timetables in advance. - Private car/rental: For more freedom, renting a car is ideal. You can find rental companies in Zhangye or Sunan, with prices varying by vehicle type and itinerary. The scenic routes are perfect for spontaneous photo stops. III. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Barsi Snow Mountain: Dubbed the "Oriental Alps" and known as the "Secret Land of Western China," it ranges from 3,500 to 5,100 meters in elevation, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Try paragliding for an adrenaline rush, challenge yourself with mountain climbing, or relax at a snow mountain café while soaking in breathtaking views. At night, camp under a sky full of stars, feeling as if you could touch the Milky Way. 2. Alien Valley Interstellar Theme Park: Its rare, dreamlike, and mysterious Danxia landforms resemble an alien world. Marvel at the surreal red cliffs like "Louvre Phantom" and "Camel Greeting," showcasing nature's artistry. Dress in futuristic gear for cyberpunk-style photos. 3. Mati Temple Grottoes: Carved during the Northern Liang period, these grottoes are one of the "Three Great Buddhist Art Treasures" of the Hexi Corridor, alongside Mogao and Yulin Caves. The "Thirty-Three Heavens" grotto is particularly awe-inspiring, with 21 caves carved into a 30-story-high cliff. The climb is thrilling, and the summit offers panoramic valley views. Around June, you can capture the stunning contrast of snow-capped peaks and ancient Buddhist caves. The grottoes house exquisite murals and statues, rich in Buddhist heritage. 4. Yugur Cultural Corridor: Here, you’ll encounter sacred snow mountains, vast grasslands, endless forests, and pristine blue skies. Immerse yourself in Yugur culture through traditional performances and local delicacies like hand-grabbed lamb and butter tea. Spin the world’s largest prayer wheel, the Sunan Shangri-La Chörten, a Guinness World Record holder, to bless your loved ones. 5. Sacred Deer Park: Get up close with the gentle red deer of the Qilian Mountains. The picturesque grasslands, with deer grazing against a backdrop of distant snow peaks, evoke a poetic scene straight out of ancient verses. IV. Food Recommendations 1. Hand-Grabbed Lamb: Made from local highland sheep, the meat is tender and barely gamey. Simply boiled and dipped in salt and pepper, it’s juicy and deeply satisfying. 2. Fried Liver Wrapped in Fat (Zhire): Wrapped in sheep net fat and stuffed with blood and liver, it sounds strong but tastes mild. Fried after stewing, it’s crispy outside and soft inside, with a lingering flavor. 3. Stuffed Sheep Intestines: Minced lamb neck and tenderloin mixed with spices and fried flour are stuffed into intestines. Sliced and served with garlic sauce and vinegar, it’s rich but not greasy, delicious hot or cold. 4. Butter Tea: A blend of rich milk and tea, it’s creamy and warming—a staple in Yugur daily life. 5. Shaokezi (Baked Bread): Dough the size of a pot is buried in burning sheep dung until golden and crispy outside, soft inside, with a unique smoky aroma. V. Accommodation Options 1. Sunan County Hotels: Options like Xizhi Hazhi Hotel and Yuxin Business Hotel offer convenience and amenities, priced between ¥200–500. 2. Yugur Homestays: Near attractions like Alien Valley and Binggou Danxia, these homestays (¥300–800) immerse you in ethnic culture with traditional décor. 3. Scenic Campgrounds: Campsites like Barsi Snow Mountain are perfect for nature lovers. Sleep under the stars to the sound of wind and insects, but bring gear or book rentals in advance. VI. Itinerary Suggestions 3-Day Trip: - Day 1: Zhangye → Alien Valley → Yugur Cultural Corridor → Yugur Homestay - Day 2: Sacred Deer Park → Barsi Snow Mountain (optional camping) - Day 3: Mati Temple Grottoes → Return 5-Day Trip: - Day 1: Jiayuguan → Wenshu Temple → Barsi Snow Mountain - Day 2: Barsi Snow Mountain → Sacred Deer Park → Yugur Homestay - Day 3: Yugur Cultural Corridor → Alien Valley - Day 4: Binggou Danxia - Day 5: Free time/shopping → Return VII. Tips 1. Respect local customs and religions, especially in temples—avoid loud noises and unauthorized photography. 2. Some high-altitude areas may cause altitude sickness; avoid strenuous activity. 3. Drive cautiously on mountain roads. 4. Be mindful of food hygiene to prevent stomach issues. 5. Protect the environment—no littering! Sunan’s beauty lies in its harmony of nature and culture, history and modernity. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey!

🚀 Heading west along the Qinghai Grand Loop? Don’t miss Zhangye’s "Earth’s Palette"! The Rainbow Mountains / Binggou Danxia / Pingshanhu Grand Canyon / Alien Valley—each of these four scenic spots has its own legendary charm. Here’s how to pick the perfect one for your needs, plus photography tips from the pros👇 🌟 **Rainbow Mountains | The Iconic "Rainbow Rolled into Mountains"** 🎫 Ticket: ¥94 (includes shuttle bus) | In-depth tour: ¥328 (access to 3 special reserve areas) 📸 Must-See Highlights: ✔️ **No. 4 Viewing Platform "Bacon Landform"**: The red-orange gradient at sunset is breathtaking, and colors are most vibrant within 24 hours after rain (trust us—don’t skip it on cloudy days; the moment the sun breaks through is magical!). ✔️ **No. 2 Viewing Platform "Colorful Screen"**: Drones banned? No problem! Use a telephoto lens to compress the layers, creating a painterly effect. ❗️ Fun Fact: Drones are prohibited, but the in-depth tour includes an off-road ride to **"Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley"**—a secluded spot perfect for stargazing. 💡 **Best For**: First-time visitors, color enthusiasts, and families with kids or elderly parents. 🗿 **Binggou Danxia | The Sculpture Museum of Nature** 🎫 Ticket: ¥60 (includes sightseeing bus) | In-depth tour: ¥188 (includes camel ride) 🌉 **Landscape Features**: ✓ **"Louvre Phantom" Stone Pillars**: Resemble medieval castle ruins—best captured by drone (allowed here! Launch from **Xiaoxitian Viewing Platform**). ✓ **"Camel Welcoming Guests" Giant Rock**: Shoot at noon for dramatic shadows. 👟 **Hiking Route**: Try the **Xiaoxitian Loop**—a 2-hour light hike through crimson cliffs, less crowded but highly photogenic. 💡 **Best For**: Photography buffs, geology lovers, and off-the-beaten-path explorers. 🌋 **Pingshanhu Grand Canyon | China’s Answer to the Wild West** 🎫 Ticket: ¥130 | In-depth tour: ¥328 (includes camel cart + adventure vehicle) ⚡️ **Thrilling Experiences**: ▫️ **"One-Line Sky" Canyon Trek**: Climb ladders hands-on for an adrenaline rush (wear grippy shoes!). ▫️ **"General Rock" Sunset**: The orange-red cliffs glow like fire—perfect for drone shots of the zigzag canyon road. 🐫 **Hidden Gem**: Ride a camel through the canyon for a retro Western vibe (bargain hard—under ¥100 per person). 💡 **Best For**: Outdoor adventurers, families (kids love the adventure vehicles), and thrill-seekers. 🌌 **Alien Valley | A Private Starlit Wilderness** 🎫 Ticket: ¥110 (self-driving allowed! The only park permitting private cars.) ✨ **Unique Perks**: ➀ **"Mars Surface" Terrain**: A mix of Yardang and Danxia with black gravel—rent a silver spacesuit for sci-fi photos (available on-site!). ➁ **"Galaxy Harvest"**: Minimal light pollution; the Milky Way is visible in summer. Drones can capture stars and Danxia together (best 2–4 AM). ➂ **Freedom to Explore**: Camping and pro-level drones allowed (register in advance)—enjoy the solitude! 💡 **Best For**: Road-trippers, astrophotographers, and those avoiding crowds. 🚗 **Trip Planning Tips** **Route Combos**: - **One-Day Dash**: Rainbow Mountains (sunset) + Binggou Danxia (sunrise). - **Deep Dive**: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon (Day 1) + Alien Valley (Day 2, camp under stars). **Outfit Guide**: - Rainbow Mountains: White/solid-color dresses. - Binggou Danxia: Black trench coats. - Alien Valley: Silver/bright windbreakers. **Pitfall Alerts**: - Book Rainbow Mountains’ in-depth tour a day ahead (solo travelers can join groups). - Avoid midday camel rides at Pingshanhu—it’s scorching! ✨ **Zhangye’s Ultimate Romance** ...is watching sunlight gild the Rainbow Mountains’ ridges, stumbling upon a marmot in Binggou’s stone forest, feeling your heartbeat echo in Pingshanhu’s canyon, or whispering to the universe under Alien Valley’s stars. No matter your preference, Zhangye offers a **"feast for the eyes and soul."** Bring curiosity—every rock here holds 130 million years of Earth’s stories. #CtripCustomTrips #QinghaiGansuLoop #ZhangyeRainbowMountains #HowToExploreZhangye #HexiCorridor #InstaFamousSpots #OutdoorAdventures #ScenicRoadTrips #HiddenGems #BestSunsets #CulturalSnaps #KidFriendlyTravel #CouplesGetaway #SoloTravel #HoneymoonGoals

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.

Location Alien Valley is located in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, and is part of the Zhangye World Geopark. It is approximately 50 kilometers from the city center. The landscape here resembles an alien planet, earning it the nickname "China's Cappadocia." Transportation By Car: Drive from Zhangye city center along the S213 Zhangsu Highway for about 1 hour. By Bus: Take a bus from Zhangye West Bus Station to Kangle Town, get off at Yumuzhuang Station, and walk to the scenic area. Best Seasons to Visit June to October: Clear weather with optimal lighting, perfect for photography. Winter: Unique snowy landscapes, though some areas may be closed. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Wooden Mars: Features colorful mountains like the Welcoming Mountain, Ten Thousand Buddha Mountain, and Heavenly Book Gorge, resembling an oil painting. 2. Mars Valley: A rugged canyon that turns crimson at sunset, resembling the Martian surface. 3. Sky-Piercing Pillar: A solitary peak resembling the root of life, especially stunning after snowfall. 4. Great Steelmaking Site: Well-preserved traditional steelmaking furnaces with a strong historical vibe. Tips High-Altitude Sun Protection: Strong UV rays require sunglasses and sunscreen. Drones: Aerial photography is allowed but must comply with scenic area regulations. Eco-Friendly Travel: Avoid damaging the fragile terrain and carry out your trash.

Hey everyone! Get ready for a fantastic three-day trip to Zhangye, Jinchang, and Jiayuguan in Northwest China! Here's a super practical guide to make your journey even more amazing. Take it, you're welcome! Must-see attractions: 🌟 Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area: With its towering peaks, rugged rock formations, and vibrant colors, you'll feel like you've stepped onto another planet!🌈 🌸 Danxia Entrance Cultural Tourism Town: Featuring charming bridges, flowing streams, and numerous restaurants, it's the perfect place to stroll, eat, and experience the local culture and cuisine!🍜 Travel essentials: 👕 **Clothing**: The temperature in Northwest China in February is moderate, but there's a significant difference between day and night. Pack a down jacket, thermal underwear, and some light spring clothing. 👜 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are essential to protect yourself from the strong UV rays. Don't forget an umbrella or raincoat in case of unexpected rain or snow. 📱 **Electronics**: Bring your phone, charger, and power bank to stay connected and entertained. If you enjoy photography, pack your camera and extra batteries. 🎫 **Documents and finances**: Keep your ID card, driver's license, cash, and bank cards safe and secure while traveling. 🍞 **Food and water**: Pack some snacks and water for the road, just in case. While Northwest China offers delicious food, journeys can sometimes be long, so it's always good to be prepared. 💊 **Emergency medication**: Pack a small bag with cold medicine, painkillers, and band-aids. These can be lifesavers in emergencies. Come to Zhangye, Jinchang, and Jiayuguan and experience the unique charm of Northwest China. Don't miss the beauty and legends of this land!

3-day tour of Zhangye, Jinchang, and Jiayuguan: Explore the important towns along the Silk Road, experience the beauty of the desert, and enjoy the unique charm of Northwest China. Don't miss it! -- Recommended attractions: 🪨 Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area: Travel through the stars and see the strange peaks and ridges! The rock pillars here are rugged and colorful, making you feel like you're in an alien world. 🌉 Danxiakou Cultural Tourism Town: Enjoy the tranquility of the small bridges and flowing water, and taste authentic local food while experiencing the charm of the ancient town. -- Travel essentials: 👕 **Clothing**: The temperature in Northwest China is moderate in January, but the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended to bring a warm coat, sweater, and comfortable pants or jeans. 👟 **Shoes**: There are many outdoor activities, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers or outdoor shoes. Non-slip and wear-resistant shoes are preferred. 🎩 **Accessories**: Hats, scarves, and gloves can keep you warm and stylish. Sunglasses are also a must-have to protect you from the sun and make you look cool. 📖 **Documents**: Don't forget your ID card, driver's license, and other documents. Safety comes first when traveling. 💧 **Moisturizing products**: The northwest is dry, so bring moisturizer and lip balm to keep your skin hydrated. 📷 **Electronic devices**: Use your phone and camera to capture beautiful moments. Bring a power bank to prevent your devices from running out of power. 💊 **Common medicines**: Cold medicine, painkillers, and band-aids are good to have on hand. Be prepared to travel with peace of mind. -- 🎉 Enjoy the charm of Northwest China on a trip to Zhangye, Jinchang, and Jiayuguan. We hope you have an unforgettable journey!

Hey friends, join us for a 3-day tour of Jinchang, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye, and explore the best of Gansu! This super practical guide will help you set off with ease and make the most of your time! . Must-visit attractions: - 🎨 Fantawild Silk Road Dreamland in Jiayuguan: Experience the charm of the Silk Road and the grandeur of nature in this beautiful dreamland waiting for you to explore! - 🌈 Alien Valley Scenic Area in Zhangye: Traverse through strange peaks and rocks, and marvel at the wonders of nature and the magic of colors. - 💜 Lavender Sea: Immerse yourself in this purple romance and let your soul wander in the sea of flowers. . Travel checklist: 🧳 👕 **Clothing**: Short-sleeve T-shirts and lightweight long pants. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so remember to bring a thick coat. Avoid mesh shoes and opt for boots or high-top shoes for sand protection and comfort. 🎩 **Accessories**: Sunglasses and sun hats are essential, and always carry sunscreen. A scarf can provide sun protection and serve as a stylish photo prop, offering a dual benefit! 🆔 **Documents**: ID card and driver's license. If you have a student or teacher ID, bring it along, as there may be special ticket discounts. 💊 **Other essentials**: A basic first aid kit with band-aids, motion sickness medicine, etc., for emergencies. Hydrating face masks and disposable bed and toilet seat covers for a more comfortable hotel stay. A water bottle to stay hydrated and maintain body fluid balance. These are the essentials for your Jinchang-Jiayuguan-Zhangye adventure. Once you're ready, set off! 🎉 . 🎉 The mystery of Jinchang, the grandeur of Jiayuguan, and the vibrant colors of Zhangye await you. Are you ready for this three-city journey? 🎉

Winter is a great time to explore! Check out this 8-day itinerary for Lanzhou-Jingtai-Badain Jaran Desert and save it for later! -------------------- 🚩Route suggestion: A magical journey through Lanzhou-Jingtai-Badain Jaran DAY 1: Arrive in Lanzhou Explore the city at your own pace. DAY 2: Yellow River Stone Forest National Geopark Discover the Yellow River Stone Forest and marvel at this natural wonder. DAY 3: Badain Jaran Desert - Badain Lake - Bilutu Peak - Miaohaizi Explore Badain Jaran and experience the fusion of desert and lake. Conquer Bilutu Peak and spend the night at Miaohaizi under the stars. DAY 4: Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area - Ghost Forest Visit the Heicheng Ruins and admire the resilience of the Ruoshui Populus Euphratica. Stroll through the Ghost Forest and marvel at nature's wonders. DAY 5: Juyan Lake - Erdaoqiao - Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area Watch the sunrise at Juyan Lake, stroll through Erdaoqiao, and explore the magnificent Populus Euphratica Forest. DAY 6: Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area Enter Alien Valley and explore the unknown world of outer space. DAY 7: Balz Snow Mountain - Hongwan Temple Climb Balz Snow Mountain and admire its majesty and beauty. Visit Hongwan Temple and experience the tranquility and depth of religious culture. DAY 8: Wuwei - Binggou River - Lanzhou Depart from Wuwei and enjoy the natural scenery of Binggou River. Return to Lanzhou and end this unforgettable journey. -------------------- Travel preparation: 🧳 Don't forget to bring these things to Lanzhou-Jingtai-Badain Jaran Desert! 👕 Clothing: The temperature is moderate in December, but it is cool in the morning and evening. Bring a warm coat and sweater. In the desert, long boots are good for keeping out sand and keeping warm. 🎩 Accessories: Sunglasses and sun hats are essential to protect against UV rays. Masks protect against sand, and scarves can be used for decoration and sun protection. 💳 Documents: ID card, driver's license, cash, and credit card for a worry-free trip. 💧 Supplies: Fill a water bottle and bring some snacks to replenish your energy. 📱 Electronics: Phone, charger, and power bank so you can take photos without worry. 💊 Medicine: Bring cold medicine and painkillers just in case. 🎒 Other: Choose a lightweight backpack and pack some tissues and wet wipes for easy cleaning. All set? Let's go! 🚀 -------------------- I hope this guide helps you have a great time and make the most of your trip to Lanzhou-Jingtai-Badain Jaran!

Zhangye Alien Valley is an interstellar-themed geological park located in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province. It is an important part of Zhangye National Geological Park. Here is a detailed introduction to Zhangye Alien Valley: ❇️ Scenic Area Overview: Alien Valley Interstellar-themed Geological Park covers an area of 17.34 square kilometers, including Alien Valley Visitor Center, Great Steel Smelting Site Scenic Area, Mars Valley Scenic Area, Mercury Valley Scenic Area, and Jupiter Valley Scenic Area. ❇️ Landscape Features: The landforms here are unique, with attractions such as Five-colored Welcoming Mountain, Ten Thousand Buddha Mountain, World's Granary, Pillar of Heaven, Prayer Wheel, Jupiter Canyon, and more, making you feel like you're on another planet. ❇️ Opening Hours: The scenic area is open from 07:40 to 19:30, and ticket sales stop at 18:30. ❇️ Ticket Price: The ticket price is 100 yuan per person. ❇️ Recommended Visit Time: 1-3 hours. ❇️ Transportation Guide: ✨ Self-driving: Depart from Zhangye, drive along National Highway G227 to Kang Le Town, and navigate to Alien Valley Visitor Center. ✨ Public Transportation: You can take a bus to the scenic area.

Getting There - You can get there by taxi or by a tourist bus 🚌. Attractions - Alien Valley Alien 👽 Valley is one of the coolest places to visit in Zhangye. You can rent an astronaut suit and take pictures while wearing it. It will look like you went to the outer space or Mars. You can also check out the nearby attraction “Binguo Danxia”. Food & Restaurants - The place is a bit far from the city center and there are no restaurants once you enter the place, so it’s advisable to bring water and some snacks. #alienvalley #Zhangye #China

#timetotravel The alien valley is one of the tourist spots when you go to Gansu Province in China. We came here supposedly for the Danxia Rainbow Mountains only but this is such a huge surprise. We never expected to see such an unexpected place that looks like and feels like I am on another planet. This is not as famous as the Rainbow Mountains yet so there aren't a lot of tourists yet. You can reach this place by car. For sure your hotel will help you book a car that will drive you to this unbelievable place or if you have your own car then you can just make your way there. The rock formations and landforms are just out of this world. Enjoy the experience! #mytripvlog #tripblazers #chinatravel #attraction