9 Days | Amazing Northern Xinjiang Tour

Tour Overview

Nestled in the northern reaches of Xinjiang, Northern Xinjiang is a hidden realm where majestic landscapes intertwine with poetic cultural charm. Here, glaciers embrace vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains are mirrored in crystal-clear lakes, autumn forests blaze with colors like an oil painting, and frost-covered ice lakes transform winter into a dreamlike wonderland—each season unfolds as a breathtaking visual symphony. You will definitely immerse yourself among these wonderful sceneries.

We will take you to deconstruct Xinjiang’s 2,400km scenic belt over 9 days – capturing fleeting light with camera shutters, measuring cultural depth with every step, and experiencing the travel philosophy of "living like a local" under professional guidance.

The beauty of Northern Xinjiang lies not only in the dialogue between untamed wilderness and ancient civilization but also in the striking contrast of vibrant hues against serene silence. Pack your journey with wonder, for every step here etches a new verse into the epic saga of its mountains and rivers.

 

Highlights of this tour:

1. Photo Journey Through North Xinjiang

From Hemu Village (the God’s Private Reserve) to the dreamlike Sayram Lake and the Nalati Grasslands, our professional photographers would capture your most radiant moments against backdrops of undulating mountains and dense forests, thus preserving your ultimate North Xinjiang memories.

2. Explore the Stunning Hemu Village

Embrace yourself amidst pastoral landscapes, where lush greenery defines North Xinjiang’s seasonal charm. Whether you rise early for sunrise at Haden Platform or chase golden-hour hues at dusk, Hemu’s vastness liberates the soul. Staying overnight at Hemu Mountain Villa to become neighbors with the stars – a magical night destined linger in your memories.

3. Ahe Highway & Duku Highway Expedition 

As the 2024’s newest viral route, it has condensed North Xinjiang’s most iconic landscapes such as grasslands, snow-capped peaks, primordial forests, and winding rivers into one epic drive, you will enjoy escaping the tourist crowds as we steer toward hidden gems.

 

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

Nationwide Arrivals – Airport/Railway Station Transfer – Urumqi

Transfer Instructions: Our staff will contact you via call or SMS the night before or on the day of your arrival to confirm pickup details. Ensure your phone is reachable. If no contact is received, promptly verify with the designated coordinator.

Once you arrive in Urumqi, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and then you will be arranged to check-in your hotel, freshen up and relax. Please note that hotel check-in in Xinjiang typically begins after 14:00 (Beijing Time). If you arrive early, you may need to wait (luggage can be stored at the hotel reception while you explore the city freely). 

Recommended Activities (Optional)

Urumqi International Grand Bazaar (Free Admission)

You can explore stalls selling Xinjiang specialties like dried fruits, ethnic knives, pottery, musical instruments, carpets, and traditional clothing. Actually, bargaining is acceptable.

Red Hill Tower Park (Free Admission)

It is a landmark offering panoramic views of Urumqi city and the snow-capped Bogda Peak of the Tianshan Mountains, ideal for capturing cityscapes and night vistas.

Meals: N/A

Accommodation: 4-Diamond Hotel in Urumqi

 

DAY 2: Desert Scenery & Big Windmills

Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin

Itinerary & Highlights

07:30-08:00: Hotel breakfast.

08:00-09:00: Driver picks up group members from their respective hotels as prearranged.

09:00-11:30: Depart Urumqi and drive along the S21 Desert Highway, which offers varied views such as deserts, dunes, sunflower fields, and occasional camel sightings. 

13:00-16:30: Continue the journey through diverse terrains—deserts, grasslands and gorges. Finally, we will arrive in Burqin and check into the hotel there.

17:30-18:30: Return to the hotel to rest.

Free Time Suggestions

Explore Burqin Night Market for local delicacies: grilled cold-water fish, lamb skewers, and craft beer. Visit Colorful Beach (if time permits) for sunset views.

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: 4-Diamond Hotel in Burqin.

Important Notes: If the S21 Highway is closed, the alternative route via Beida Highway will lead to Fuyun County or Beitun City for overnight stay.

DAY 3: Unforgettable Hemu and Kanas Views 

Burqin → Hemu → Kanas

Itinerary & Highlights

08:00-09:00: Hotel breakfast in Burqin.

09:00-12:30: Depart Burqin and drive to Hemu Village, which provides you with the serene natural landscapes there—vast grasslands, winding rivers, and snow-capped peaks. All of these are so unparalleled that once you met, you would never forget.

12:30-13:30: Enjoy a local lunch near Hemu Village (try dishes like hand-pulled noodles or roasted lamb skewers).

13:30-18:30: Explore Hemu Village’s iconic wooden cabins and pastoral scenery. Take the shuttle bus within the scenic area to visit the Hemu River Valley and primeval forests. Then you will enjoy capturing photos of the idyllic vistas and alpine meadows.

18:30-20:30: Transfer to Kanas Scenic Area and check into a rustic lodge 

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: Cozy lodge within Kanas Scenic Area

 

DAY 4: Unparalleled Colorful Beach & Splendid Urho Views

Kanas → Colorful Beach (Wucaitan) → Urho

Itinerary & Highlights

08:00-09:00: Breakfast at the Kanas lodge.

09:00-14:00: Take the shuttle bus to explore Three Bays (Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, Dragon Bay) in Kanas Scenic Area, then regroup at Jiadengyu by the scheduled time.

14:00-17:00: Drive to Colorful Beach (Wucaitan), a surreal landscape along the Irtysh River (It finally flows into the Arctic Ocean), where the south bank features lush forests and meadows, while the north bank unveils vibrant Yadan desert formations. Finally, we will drive to Urho, and you will immerse yourself in the vast desert and wind farm views.

17:00-22:00: Check into the Urho hotel and rest

Meal: Breakfast 

Hotel: 4-Diamond Hotel in Urho

 

DAY 5: Fantastic Devil City Experience

Urho → World Devil City (Self-Drive) → Bole

Itinerary & Highlights

08:00-09:00: Breakfast at the Urho hotel.

09:30-12:30: Explore Urho World Devil City by self-driving.

You will be navigated to view surreal Yadan landforms, with golden-red hues under sunset to create a cinematic landscape, which is a prosperous place full of vigor. 

12:30-13:30: Lunch at rest stops (recommend bringing snacks for flexibility).

13:30-20:30: Drive to Bole, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time to explore local cuisine.

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: 4-Diamond Hotel in Bole.

 

DAY 6: Visual Splendor-Sayram Lake

Bole → Sayram Lake (Self-Drive Loop) → Xinyuan

Itinerary & Highlights

08:00-10:00: Depart Bole after breakfast and drive to Sayram Lake Scenic Area

10:00-14:00: Purchase tickets at the entrance and explore Sayram Lake

It is recommended to have fun in the Sayram Lake for 3 hours, our driver will stop at the related scenic areas for you to admire the alpine lake’s crystal-blue waters, snow-capped Tianshan peaks, and meadows dotted with wildflowers.

Capture panoramic views from elevated spots like the East Gate Observation Deck, where the lake mirrors the sky and surrounding mountains.

14:00-15:00: Enjoy lunch at a lakeside rest area (you can try local specialties like spicy beef noodles or roasted lamb skewers from nearby eateries).

15:00-18:30: Drive to Xinyuan and check into the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast 

Hotel: 4-Diamond Hotel in Xinyuan

DAY 7: Amazing Nalati Grassland Experience

Xinyuan → Nalati Grassland → Yining City (Travel Photography) → Yining

Itinerary & Highlights

08:00-09:00: After breakfast, we will drive to Nalati Town, a picturesque village nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains. The landscape here is dotted with grazing livestock, flowing streams, and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

9:00-10:30: Arrive at Nalati Grassland.

10:30-14:30: Take the shuttle bus to enter the "Nalati Sky Grassland". It is recommended to spend 4 hours there. Known as one of the world’s four major grasslands, the grassland features rolling meadows that slope from southeast to northwest, dotted with mountain springs, dense forests, and winding rivers. 

Optional horseback riding (self-paid) to immerse in nomadic culture and enjoy panoramic vistas of the "Sky Prairie," celebrated for its year-round beauty.

14:30-15:30: Quick lunch at the grassland entrance or nearby eateries.

15:30-20:30: Drive to Yining City (Ili) for a complimentary travel photography session.

Visit Six-Star Street (Liuxing Street), a historic hexagonal neighborhood with vibrant blue-painted walls, local artisan shops, and Uyghur cultural charm.

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: 4-Diamond Hotel in Yining.

 

DAY 8: Thrilling Dushanzi Grand Canyon Exploration 

Yining → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Urumqi

Itinerary & Highlights

08:00-09:00: After breakfast in Yining, we will depart for Dushanzi Grand Canyon and it takes a few hours.

13:00-14:30: Arrive at Dushanzi Grand Canyon and enjoy the self-arranged lunch.

14:30-17:00: Explore Dushanzi Grand Canyon

You will marvel at the dramatic canyon cliffs carved by the Tianshan Mountains, a filming site for Nirvana in Fire and Pegasus.

Experience adrenaline activities like the Cliff Swing, Glass Bridge, and High-Altitude Biking (self-paid).

Walk along the First Scenic Spot of Duku Highway, which is renowned for its rugged views.

17:00-20:00: Return to Urumqi and transfer to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: 4-Diamond Hotel in Urumqi

Travel Tips: Carry snacks and water for the long drive and wear sturdy shoes for canyon exploration.

 

DAY 9: Departure

Urumqi → Airport/Station Transfer → Departure

It is the end of the tour, so no activities are scheduled, you may depart at your convenience via flights or trains. The hotel check-out time is 12:00 PM (arrange luggage storage with the hotel if needed).

Meal: Breakfast

 

Tour Price ($=USD)

From $613 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2-6 people. Actually, the price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.

Price Includes  

√ Transportation: Licensed tourist vehicle fees (including seat insurance, tolls, fuel, and driver’s accommodation and meal allowance). 

√ Accommodation: 8 nights of lodgings throughout the trip.

√ Meals: Daily breakfast (lunches and dinners excluded).

√ Attraction Tickets & Shuttle Buses: Entry fees and shuttle buses for Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Five-Colored Bay (Wucaitan), Urho Ghost City, Sayram Lake, Nalati Air Grassland, and Dushanzi Grand Canyon.

√ Insurance: Travel Accident Insurance + Agency Liability Insurance.

√ Price Excludes

√ Round-Trip Transportation: Travel costs to/from Urumqi (flights, trains, etc.).

√ Single Room Supplement: Additional fee for single occupancy.  

√ Other Expenses: Costs arising from force majeure (natural disasters, strikes, etc.), flight/train delays or cancellations, or extended stays due to unforeseen circumstances.