Best 10 Days Northern Xinjiang Scenic Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Urumqi Arrival

   So happy to see you on our 10-day North Xinjiang tour package! Upon arrival, a local driver will pick you up from the exit gate and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you. You can have a good rest at the hotel or freely explore the city.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Urumqi

2. Day 2: Urumqi to Burqin
   See Wildlife Paradise at Kalamaili Nature Reserve

   After breakfast at the hotel, drive along the National Highway 216 through the Gurbantunggut Desert and feel the charm of the wildlife paradise at Kalamaili Nature Reserve. If you are lucky, you may see wild donkeys and goats running in the Gobi desert.

   Passing by Huoshaoshan Mountain, be amazed by the vast expanse of "red sea". The rocks that were not red originally turned red due to spontaneous combustion of the underlying coal seam. It looks as if the mountain is still burning. Pulling over to take some beautiful pictures here would be great! Then, continue driving and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.

   In the evening, you can have a relaxing walk in Burqin Market to further enjoy the local snacks and culture.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Burqin

   

3. Day 3: Kanas Nature Reserve
   Appreciate Beautiful Scenery and the Legend of Water Monster

   The amazing Kanas Nature Reserve is a must-see for visitors who traveling to Xinjiang. After about a 3-hour ride on the winding road, you will arrive at Jiadengyu for lunch (at your own expense), and then take the scenic shuttle bus to the legendary Kanas Lake.

   You may have never seen so beautiful mountain lake. As the seasons change, the lake bursts into different colors, crystal blue, dark green, or even gray. Walking from one bay to another and taking some pictures, you will have a relaxing time immersing yourself in the idyllic beauty and embracing nature.

   Because the natural beauty is unspoiled and local people still keep the original simple lifestyle here, it is dubbed as "the pure land on earth" as well as "oriental Switzerland".

   Strolling along the Kanas River, you will see the virgin forests, Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Wild Duck Lake which would be a perfect chance to take nice pictures! After finishing the relaxing sightseeing, you will check into the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Kanas

   

4. Day 4: Leisure Day in Hemu
   Stroll along the Village to Feel the Peace and Tranquil

   If weather permits, you can get up early to catch the stunning sunrise of Kanas Scenic Area, and then drive to Hemu Village. Known as the 'Number One Village in China', Hemu Village is renowned for its pristine scenery. This is the main settlement of the Tuva people, and your private tour guide will explain some of their unique ways of life to you.

   The village is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with dense white birch forests and rivers flowing through it. The pointed wooden houses are arranged in a staggered manner, full of primitive charm. Climb onto the observation deck to overlook the entire village, or take a stroll along the Hemu River. The scenery varies in different seasons in Hemu Village, especially in autumn when it is dyed golden, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. ‌

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Hemu

   

5. Day 5: Hemu to Karamay
   Astonished by Wind-eroded Landforms

   Get up early and you will be rewarded with the amazing sunrise of Hemu Village. After saying goodbye to this breathtaking place, drive for 5-6 hours to the famous oil city, Karamay.

   On the way, stop to visit Urho Ghost City. It is also known as "Wind City" because of the howling winds throughout the year. The eerie landform is the joint result of intermittent torrential scouring and strong wind erosion. You can tour the whole Ghost City on a shuttle bus. After visiting this seemingly horrifying site, drive to Karamay and check into a local hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Karamay

   

6. Day 6: Drive from Karamay to Yining
   Enjoy the Highest and Largest High-altitude Lake in Xinjiang

   Today, your driver will take you to Yining. On the way, we will stop at the amazing Sayram Lake, the 'last tear of the Atlantic'. It is the highest and largest high-altitude cold water lake in Xinjiang.

   The lake is clear and blue, surrounded by mountains. In spring and summer, you can see the magnificent lakeside flower sea; while in autumn and winter, it presents a beautiful scenery of golden and silver. Stroll around the lake, experience the nomadic style, observe rare birds up close...

   After the sightseeing, continue driving to Yining for the night.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Yining

   

7. Day 7: Yining to Naraty
   Capture the Natural Picture of Wildflowers & Snowy Mountains

   After breakfast, drive for 3 hours to visit the beautiful Nalaty Prairie in the morning! Also named Ili Prairie, which means "the place witnesses the sunrise firstly" by National Geographic, Naraty Grassland impresses visitors with good quality grass, colorful wildflowers in summer, snowy mountains, and blue sky as a background for the lovey animals wandering there. That's a good place for people to approach and interact with nature.

   After the tour, check in at a local hotel in Nalaty Town.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Nalaty Town

   

8. Day 8: Yining to Urumqi by High-speed Train
   Experience the Exotic Flavors of Uyghur Folk Customs

   After breakfast, drive back to Yining to visit Kazanqi Folk Custom Street, famous for its unique Tiffany blue color. Known as the "Morocco of the East", it is an excellent place to experience Uyghur folk customs. The neighborhood is full of exotic flavors and the buildings are rich in national characteristics.

   There are not only lively bazaars, but also quiet alleys and lanes, which are good for taking photos and tasting local food.

   After the visit, take a high-speed train to Urumqi for the night.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Urumqi

   

9. Day 9: Urumqi to Heavenly Lake
   Enjoy an Optional Boat Trip on the Charming Lake

   Today we will drive for 1.5 hours to Tianchi. Heavenly Lake, formerly known as "Yaochi", has multiple titles such as national 5A level tourist attraction and world natural heritage. The lake has an elevation of 1,910 meters and an area of 4.9 square kilometers.

   It is surrounded by mountains, with snow peaks reflecting and spruce trees surrounding it. In addition to the natural scenery, the tour guide will explain myths and legends such as the Queen Mother of the West to you. ‌If interested, you can enjoy an optional boat ride on the lake.

   

   Later, drive back to Urumqi city for a visit to the Xinjiang Regional Museum, a cultural landmark in Xinjiang. It houses a large amount of historical artifacts, silk textiles, and ethnic relics showing the folk customs of 12 minorities. The most popular exhibits in the museum are the rare ancient mummies from 1,500 to 3,800 years ago.

   Last, stroll around the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, aka Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar. The largest bazaar in the world features a strong Islamic architectural style and rich cultural characteristics. You will see various ethnic products from clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts to local specialties and musical instruments.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Urumqi

   

10. Day 10: Urumqi Departure

    After breakfast, enjoy your leisurely time in the morning. Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel at the agreed time and transfer you to the airport for your home flight. Wish you had a great time with us on this 10-day Northern Xinjiang tour.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A