Nestled in the far reaches of Western China lies a province of immense beauty and cultural significance: Xinjiang. This 10-day tour promises travelers a journey through time and space, from the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains to the vast expanses of the Sayram Lake and Bayanbulak Grassland. Here’s what to expect from this epic Xinjiang adventure.

Highlights of the Journey:

• Depart on a whim! No additional fees for solo travelers.
• Experience a high-quality, pure play tour of enchanting Northern Xinjiang. Say goodbye to repetitive, uninspired itineraries. Zero shopping stops.
• Visit the fairytale-like Tianshan Tianchi.
• Explore the serene blue bays of Keketuohai, known as China’s “cold pole.
• Marvel at the colorful Wuhai Beach.
• Take in the core attractions of the Kanas National Nature Reserve.
• Travel to the world-famous Hemu Village, home to the Tuwa people.
• Conquer the ancient Devil City and feel the power of the Yardang landscape.
• Journey to Sayram Lake, known as the “last tear of the Atlantic,” and circle its perimeter.
• Check in at the trendy Guozigou Bridge.
• Venture to the grasslands atop the Tianshan Mountains – Bayinbuluke, China’s second-largest grassland.
• Explore the beautiful Nalati Grassland, where Kazakh folk culture and scenic landscapes merge.
• Dine and unwind in Urumqi city, experiencing the unique cultures of the Uighur and Kazakh ethnic groups.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi (Airport Pickup) Gather with fellow travelers in Urumqi:

• Known as the city furthest from any sea globally, Urumqi stands at Asia’s geographic heart. It’s an essential stop on the famed ancient Silk Road’s northern route.
• Covering about 1/6 of China’s land, Xinjiang boasts a dry continental climate with an annual natural rainfall of 155 mm.
• Numerous rivers formed from melting snow in the region, with oases situated around basins and river valleys.

Offering: 24-hour airport pickup service in Urumqi. Accommodation: Yilite Hotel or similar. Meals: None.

Day 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area – Fuyun After breakfast, we’ll journey to the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area. Here, one can admire the reflection of snow peaks on clear green waters and explore the Kazakh customs. Following a delectable lunch, we traverse the Junggar Basin and head to Fuyun for a restful night.

Accommodation: Heijin Hotel or similar. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3: Fuyun – Keketuohai – Altay – Burqin Post breakfast, we drive to the Keketuohai National Geological Park, China’s first park majorly focused on earthquake remnants. Afterwards, we’ll head to Burqin. One of the main attractions, Wuhai Beach, showcases a striking landscape molded by natural forces over time.

Accommodation: Friendship Peak Hotel or similar. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4: Burqin – Hemu – Jiadengyu Setting off from Burqin, we approach the quaint village of Hemu. After exploring the village, we’ll head to Jiadengyu National Forest Park, presenting Xinjiang’s distinct blend of mountains, waters, forests, and grasslands.

Accommodation: Tuwa wooden hut stay. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5: Jiadengyu – Kanas – Jiadengyu

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a journey to the mesmerizing Kanas Natural Scenic Reserve. The beauty of this place was once extolled by a United Nations environmental officer, who proclaimed, “Kanas showcases some of the finest natural landscapes on Earth. Its sheer existence reminds us of the once pristine habitats humans enjoyed. It’s the last untouched paradise, breathtakingly exquisite.”

On your adventure:

1. Wolong Bay: Named for its pot-bottom shape, this bay is situated 140 kilometers from Burqin County en route to Kanas and only 10 kilometers away from Kanas itself. Surrounded by dense forests, vibrant flowers, and lush green grass, it offers a picturesque view. Amidst the bay stands an island and a colossal rock at the lake’s inlet, creating splashing waves. A wooden bridge stretches across the lake, from where one can view the placid waters to the north and the raging Kanas River to the south.
2. Moon Bay: A jewel in the Kanas River, Moon Bay’s appearance alters with the fluctuations of the Kanas lake water. Legend tells of footprints left behind by the moon goddess Chang’e or by Genghis Khan in pursuit of his foes. Moon Bay, serene and beautiful, stands as a hallmark of Kanas.
3. Fairy Bay: South of Yaze Lake, the Kanas River widens here, reaching up to 700 meters due to blockages from downstream landslides and debris, making it the broadest section within the Kanas lake area. The gentle terrain forms expansive marshes and meadows along its banks. A few islands dot the river, rumored to be the dwelling place of immortals, giving the bay its mystical name.
4. Fish Viewing Pavilion: Located within the Kanas Scenic Area in Xinjiang’s Burqin, this pavilion is perched atop the Harakaiette Mountain (Mongolian for “Camel Peak”) at an altitude of 2030 meters. With a sheer drop of over 600 meters to the lake below, it’s the perfect vantage point to soak in the stunning vistas of Kanas.

Accommodation: Xianfeng Hotel or equivalent Meals: None

Day 6: Jiadengyu – Wuerhe – Ghost City – Karamay – Kuitun

Rise and shine around 7:00 AM and savor your breakfast. Depart from the hotel and drive to the intriguing Ghost City (Devil’s City). Although the temperature remains high towards evening, the site offers an expansive view of varied earthen mounds and mountains. While it doesn’t seem as desolate or frightening as legends might suggest, when the winds howl under a moonless night, eerie cries resonate, giving the city its haunting name. After admiring the majestic landscapes of the Ghost City, journey onward to Karamay and settle for the night in Kuitun.

Accommodation: Jinze Hotel or equivalent Meals: Breakfast only

Day 7: Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yining Start your journey in Kuitun, traveling along the Lianhuo Expressway, and head west towards the breathtaking Sayram Lake. As you drive along the Tianshan Mountain range, admire the persistent snow reflecting the sunlight, portraying a majestic beauty. Once you reach Sayram Lake, embark on a lake circuit, pausing occasionally to take in the vistas from various angles. Just 2 kilometers from the lake, you’ll encounter the stunning Guozigou Bridge, likened to a jade belt dropped in the mountains. Your day ends in Yining, where you’ll rest at the Hengrun International Hotel.

Day 8: Yining – Bayanbulak – Narati Grassland Kick-off your day traveling to China’s second-largest grassland, Bayanbulak. Here, a local shuttle will take you to the Swan Lake, where you can closely interact with the ethereal creatures. As you wave goodbye to Bayanbulak, set course for the aerial plains of Narati Grassland. Opt to rent a horse and gallop across the vast terrains, embracing the raw beauty of the region. Stay overnight at Longting Hotel.

Day 9: Narati – Urumqi Your scenic drive back to Urumqi offers a myriad of natural spectacles. Once in Urumqi, you’re free to explore its unique blend of Uighur and Kazakh cultures, or sample the local cuisine in the Grand Bazaar. Your resting place for the night is the Yilite Hotel.

Day 10: Farewell from Urumqi Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll transport you to the airport, concluding your memorable Xinjiang journey.

Cost Breakdown:

What’s Included:

• Documentation: All Xinjiang travel documentation.
• Transport: Regular licensed tourist vehicle (includes driver’s accommodation, tolls, and fuel).
• Accommodation: Stay at recognized foreign standard hotels.
• Meals: Breakfast provided at hotels. Not available at homestay cabins.
• Guidance: Services of a skilled Chinese-speaking guide. For groups of eight or fewer, the driver will double as a guide.
• Insurance: Travel agency liability and personal accident insurance.

What’s Excluded:

• Travel: Round-trip transport from your location to Urumqi (booking services available).
• Entrance Fees: On-the-spot ticket purchases (complimentary tickets worth about ¥1000 per person for those registering now).
• Meals: Order and pay for your meals (roughly ¥20-50 per meal).
• Tips: Daily tips for drivers and guides (¥30 each, totaling ¥600 per person).
• Miscellaneous: Personal expenses and any other costs not mentioned above.

Dive deep into the heart of Xinjiang and uncover its ancient allure. Embark on this tour and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget. Make sure to book soon for exclusive offers!