Highlights of the Trip:

• Ready-to-Go – No additional charges for solo travelers
• Pure enjoyment, no shopping detours, ensuring a high-quality experience for international guests
• Visit the largest inland freshwater lake in China – Bosten Lake
• Marvel at the beauty of South Xinjiang’s Tarim Poplar Forest
• Discover South Xinjiang’s geological wonders: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, and Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon
• Explore the ancient city of Kashgar
• Immerse in the Pamir Plateau’s scenic spots: White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Peak, Wakhan Corridor, Panlong Ancient Road, and Bandire Blue Lake
• Professional drivers and guides ensure an in-depth exploration of South Xinjiang’s charm

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi (Airport Pickup)

• Meet up in Urumqi, the city furthest from any sea in the world and the geographical center of Asia. An essential stop on the ancient “Silk Road”, Urumqi occupies about 1/6 of China’s total area. It’s the largest province and experiences a dry continental climate with an average annual rainfall of 155mm. The melting snow from the mountains forms numerous rivers, with oases spread around the basins and river valleys.
• Special Offer: 24-hour airport pickup service in Urumqi
• Stay: Four-star standard hotel in Urumqi
• Meals: None

Day 2: Urumqi – Bosten Lake – Korla

• Bosten Lake, which means “oasis” in Uighur, is China’s largest inland freshwater lake. Fed mainly by the Kaidu River, it is also the source of the Peacock River. Surrounding the lake are lush reeds, making it China’s major reed production base. Moreover, the lake is teeming with a variety of freshwater fish, making it Xinjiang’s largest fishery. Designated as a national scenic area in 2002, Bosten Lake became a 5A tourist attraction in 2014.
• Stay: Four-star standard hotel in Korla
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Korla – Tarim Poplar Forest – Kuqa

• Tarim Poplar Forest National Park spans over 100 square kilometers and is situated at the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, by the middle stream of the Tarim River. This park holds Xinjiang’s largest primary poplar forest and stands as the most concentrated original poplar forest area in the Tarim River basin.
• Stay: Four-star standard hotel in Kuqa
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Kuqa – Kuqa Royal Palace, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon

• Kuqa Royal Palace was constructed by Han craftsmen dispatched by Emperor Qianlong in 1759 to honor the local Uighur chieftain’s contribution in suppressing rebellions. In the early 20th century, only a few houses and walls of the original palace remained, leading to a reconstruction in 2004.
• Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves is an ancient Buddhist site and forms part of the famous Kucha grottoes. These caves began in the 5th century, showcasing a significant Buddhist cultural heritage.
• Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, also known as Kuqa Grand Canyon, is a stunning natural marvel characterized by its vibrant red mudstone formations, offering an exquisite spectacle.
• Stay: Four-star standard hotel in Kuqa
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Kuqa – Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon – Aksu

• Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon is the grandest and most aesthetically valuable red-layered canyon in the Tianshan Mountain range. Often dubbed the “King of Canyons”, this site boasts a plethora of diverse geological formations and scenic vistas.
• Stay: Four-star standard hotel in Aksu
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Jiadenyu to Kuitun via Devil’s City and Karamay

Start your day early with breakfast around 7:00 AM and then set off from your hotel. Arrive at the Devil’s City – an incredible landscape of earth mounds that rise and fall in a stunning fashion. While the temperature might be warm, the sight itself is far from the desolate and horrifying tales you might have heard. But come nightfall, the howling wind makes a haunting sound, which is how this city got its name. After admiring its rugged beauty, drive on to Karamay. Your night’s rest will be at Kuitun.

Accommodation: Jinze Hotel or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: From Kuitun to Yining via Sailimu Lake and Guozigou Bridge

After breakfast, embark on a journey to Sailimu Lake. The route takes you along the Lianhuo Expressway, heading west parallel to the Tianshan Mountains. Marvel at the year-round snow on the distant peaks and the serene ambiance. Enter Sailimu Lake through the eastern gate and indulge in the picturesque beauty of the pristine lake. As you leave the lake, take a detour to the scenic Guozigou, where the Guozigou Bridge stands majestically, resembling a jade belt left behind by fairies. Your evening retreat will be in Yining.

Accommodation: Hengrun International Hotel or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: From Yining to Nalati Grassland via Bayanbulak

After your morning meal, head to Bayanbulak Grassland, China’s second-largest prairie. Here, interact with the beautiful swans at Swan Lake, and enjoy panoramic views of the landscape. Later, make your way to the Nalati Grassland, famous for its expansive landscapes, where you can opt to ride a horse and embrace the vast beauty around you.

Accommodation: Longting Hotel or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Nalati to Urumqi

The beauty of the day lies en route as you drive back to Urumqi. Explore the city on your own, experiencing the diverse cultures of the Uighur and Kazakh minorities. Don’t miss out on savoring authentic Xinjiang delicacies at the traditional market – Grand Bazaar.

Accommodation: Elite Hotel or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Departure from Urumqi

It’s time to bid adieu to the enchanting Xinjiang. Based on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport.

Pricing Details

Included:

• Documentation: All necessary Xinjiang travel documents.
• Transportation: Licensed tourist vehicle (including driver’s accommodation, tolls, and fuel).
• Accommodation: Stay at standard foreign-affiliated hotels throughout the journey.
• Meals: Breakfast provided at hotels. (No breakfast provided in homestays)
• Guide: Expert Chinese-speaking guide services.
• Insurance: Travel agency liability and personal accident insurance.

Not Included:

• Transportation: Round-trip travel from your starting point to Urumqi (booking assistance available).
• Admission: On-site ticket purchase (Register now and get complimentary admission to all attractions, valued around 1000 RMB/person).
• Meals: Order and pay for meals independently (Approximately 20-50 RMB/meal).
• Tips: Tips for driver and guide (30 RMB/day each, totaling around 600 RMB/person).
• Other: Personal expenses and any other expenses not mentioned in the “Included” section.

Experience the allure of Xinjiang, where every day promises a unique adventure and memories to last a lifetime!