Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Urumqi Arrival
   Erdaoqiao International Bazaar

   Please make your own way to arrive at Urumqi Diwobao Airport between 2-3 pm. When you arrive at Urumqi, the local driver will pick you up with a Joy Travel banner.

   After meeting all group members, you will start the exploration with Erdaoqiao International Bazaar - one of the largest-scaled bazaars in the world with a strong Islam flavor in its buildings.

   

   Eyes are dazzled by the overwhelming of goods in the stalls while ears are excited by the hawking. Try Uighur fruitcakes and dried fruits. At the end of the visit, we will drive around 1.5 hours to a hotel near Heavenly Lake overnight.

   Accommodation: near Heavenly Lake

2. Day 2: Urumqi - Koktokay Town (460km/6hrs driving)
   Heavenly Lake, Kalamaili Nature Reserve

   In the morning, go to the amazing Heavenly Lake, a picturesque Alpine lake that is 2,000m up in the Tianshan mountain range. You can choose to absorb the beautiful surroundings by taking a cruise, or trekking along the lake... (boat cruise is an optional activity, please pay by yourself if you want to experience)

   

   Later, drive to Fuyun for the night. On the way, we will pass by the Gurbantunggut Desert and the Kalamaili Nature Reserve. If you are lucky, you may see wild donkeys and goats running in the Gobi Desert. Stay overnight in Koktokay Town.

   Accommodation: in Koktokay Town

   

3. Day 3: Koktokay Town - Burqin (320km/4-5hrs driving)
   Keketuohai National Geological Park, No.3 Mine

   Today we are going to explore Keketuohai National Geological Park. It is the first national geopark with typical mines and deposits in the country.

   

   We can visit the No.3 Mine, which is the largest mine in the world and known as the Geology and Mineral Museum. Once you come to Keketuohai, you will be hugely impressed by the rare and magical geological heritage.

   After saying goodbye to this world wonder, we will drive to Burqin for the night.

   Accommodation: in Burqin

   

4. Day 4: Burqin - Hemu (160km/3.5hrs driving)
   Hemu Village

   Today, drive to Hemu Village - one of the three settlements of Tuva people in China. We will enter the village on a shuttle bus. It's truly a paradise for photographers. The tranquil village, dense woods, and herds of cattle and sheep make a picturesque landscape. You can freely walk around the village to experience the unique lifestyle of the local Tuva people who have lived here for centuries.

   

   Special note: please have lunch or dinner in this hotel, otherwise no breakfast will be provided. The Chinese-style meal is available in the hotel, around RMB80 per person, please pay there on your own.

   Accommodation: in Hemu

5. Day 5: Hemu - Kanas (95km/2-3hrs driving)
   Kanas Lake, Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Wild Duck Lake

   The mesmerizing Kanas Nature Reserve is a must-see for visitors to Xinjiang. After a 3-hour ride on the winding road, you will arrive at Jiadengyu for lunch, and then take the scenic shuttle bus to the legendary Kanas Lake.

   

   You may have never seen so a 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.

   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.

   

   Special note: please have lunch or dinner in this hotel, otherwise no breakfast will be provided. The Chinese-style meal is available in the hotel, around RMB80 per person, please pay there on your own.

   Accommodation: in Kanas

6. Day 6: Kanas - Urho (380km/6hrs driving)
   Five-colored Beach, Urho Ghost City

   Start early in the morning and head out to the Five-colored Beach first. Upon arrival at the beach, take in the stunning view of the colorful rock formations, which create a unique and picturesque landscape. Take a leisurely walk on the beach and snap some photos of the magnificent view.

   

   After spending some time at the beach, leave for Urho Ghost City, a unique geological park featuring bizarre rock formations and eerie landscape, believed to have been formed by wind and water erosion over millions of years. Hop on a shuttle bus and explore the entire Ghost City. Listen to your guide share stories and legends about the Ghost City and its history. Stay overnight in Urho.

   Accommodation: in Urho

   

7. Day 7: Urho - Urumqi Departure

   On your last day, you will check out from your hotel and then drive back to Urumqi for departure. You will be assisted by your tour guide to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to the airport.

   Note: Please book a return flight after 5 pm to ensure no rush for the trip.

   Accommodation: N/A