Northern Xinjiang 12-Day
Premium Classic Tour
🌄 1. Stunning Natural Landscapes
Northern Xinjiang is famous for its lush scenery—crystal-clear lakes like Kanas Lake, vast grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful regions in China for nature lovers.
🐎 2. Rich Nomadic Culture
Experience traditional Kazakh and Mongolian lifestyles in areas like Ili Valley, where you can see yurts, horseback culture, and open grassland living.
🌿 3. Perfect for Relaxing & Scenic Travel
With fresh air, wide-open spaces, and peaceful environments, northern Xinjiang is ideal for slow travel—enjoying lakes, hiking, photography, and unforgettable sunsets.
Key Locations:
Urumqi、Altay 、Hemu Village、Kanas Scenic Area、Huyanghe City、Yining City、Nalati Town
Your Treasure Map
Discover Culture & Beauty Together
Highlights of the Trip
Urumqi: 🛍️ International Grand Bazaar
Altay: 🛣️ Desert Highway 🏜️ Karamay Desert 🌄 Sunset Cable Car🏡 Hemu Village🏞️ Kanas🔥 Bonfire
Yining:🌊 Sayram Lake 🌉 Guozigou Bridge
Narati Town:🌾Narati Sky Meadow
Duku Highway: 🏞️ Tangbala Hundred-Mile Gallery📍 Duku Highway Kilometer Zero Landmark
Day 1 - Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi - a local driver will provide 24-hour airport pickup and take you to the hotel for check-in. If time permits, you may visit the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar.
Meals - Please feel free to choose your own dining options at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel
Urumqi is the largest city in Western China and the gateway to the vast region of Xinjiang. Surrounded by the stunning Tianshan Mountains, it blends modern city life with rich Silk Road history and diverse cultures.
Visitors can explore vibrant markets like the Grand Bazaar, learn about regional history at the Xinjiang Museum, and take day trips to breathtaking natural spots such as Heavenly Lake. Known for its mix of ethnic traditions, local cuisine, and scenic landscapes, Urumqi offers a unique introduction to Xinjiang’s culture and beauty.
Day 2 - Karamay Desert Park
Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Karamay Desert Park – General Mountain Sunset Cable Car – Altay
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel in Altay
Karamay Desert Park showcases the striking beauty of Xinjiang’s desert landscapes, where golden sand dunes stretch beneath wide open skies. Known for its unique blend of natural scenery and modern development, the park offers visitors a chance to experience the contrast between the raw desert environment and the nearby oil city of Karamay.
Visitors can enjoy desert walks, scenic viewpoints, and stunning sunsets that paint the dunes in warm colors. Karamay Desert Park is a perfect stop for those looking to experience the quiet beauty and vast openness of northern Xinjiang.
Day 3 - Altay
Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village – Bonfire Party
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - Fir B&B or similar characteristic B&B
Note: The bonfire party is a complimentary activity. No refund will be given if it is canceled due to weather conditions.
Altay is one of the most scenic and peaceful regions in Xinjiang, known for its breathtaking mountains, forests, and open grasslands. Located near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, Altay offers a unique blend of cultures and stunning natural beauty.
Visitors can explore famous destinations like Kanas and Hemu Village, enjoy fresh mountain air, and experience traditional Kazakh nomadic life. With its untouched landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, Altay is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet escape in northern Xinjiang.
Day 4 - Kanas Lake
Hemu Sunrise – Hemu (Sunrise from Viewing Platform) – Kanas Lake – Kanas Three Bays (Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, Immortal Bay) – Burqin
Meals: All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: Xiaojieyue B&B or similar characteristic B&B
Note: The Tuva intangible cultural heritage performance and bonfire party are complimentary activities. No refund will be given if the scenic area cancels these events.
Kanas Lake is one of the most beautiful natural destinations in China, famous for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain scenery. Surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks, the lake changes color throughout the day, creating a magical and ever-changing landscape.
Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, scenic viewpoints, and unforgettable views, especially during autumn when the forests turn vibrant shades of gold and red. Kanas Lake is a perfect destination for nature lovers, offering a calm and picturesque escape in northern Xinjiang.
Burqin – Devil City – Kuytun
Meals - All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: 4-diamond hotel in Huyanghe City
Note: Today's drive is quite long. You may prepare some snacks in advance to keep your energy up.
Kanas Three Bays refers to the three most scenic sections of the Kanas River—Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Shenxian Bay—each offering a unique and breathtaking view. Surrounded by dense forests and mountains, these river bends create stunning shapes and reflections, especially when seen from above.
Known for their crystal-clear waters and ever-changing colors, the Three Bays are perfect for photography, sightseeing, and peaceful walks in nature. This area captures the essence of Kanas’ natural beauty and is a must-visit highlight in northern Xinjiang.
Day 5 - Kuytun
Kuytun – Sayram Lake Self-Drive Loop – Guozigou Bridge – Yinin
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation: 4-diamond hotel in Yining
Note: The Lavender Field is a complimentary activity (blooming season: June–July). No refund will be given if it is canceled due to weather conditions.
Guozigou Bridge is one of the most impressive engineering landmarks in Xinjiang, spanning across the dramatic Guozigou Valley. Surrounded by lush mountains and deep gorges, the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ili region.
As part of a major highway route, it not only connects key destinations but also provides travelers with a scenic drive through one of northern Xinjiang’s most beautiful landscapes. The Guozigou Bridge is a perfect blend of modern engineering and natural beauty, making it a must-see highlight on any Xinjiang journey.
Day 6 - Sayram Lake
Yining – Self-Drive Yizhao Highway – Tianma Cultural Park – Zhaos
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel in Narati Town
Note: The Kazakh wedding experience is a complimentary activity. No refund will be given if the scenic area cancels this event.
Yining is a vibrant and culturally rich city in the heart of the Ili Valley, known for its colorful streets, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse ethnic heritage. Often called one of the most livable cities in Xinjiang, Yining offers a unique blend of Kazakh, Uyghur, and Russian influences.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, including nearby grasslands and lavender fields, as well as lively markets and local cuisine. With its warm atmosphere and scenic setting, Yining is a perfect place to experience the cultural charm and natural beauty of northern Xinjiang.
Day 7 - Yining
Narati – Zhaosu – Zhaosu Jade Lake – Tekes Bagua City – Tekes
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel in Urumqi
Note: If the Duku Highway is closed, the itinerary will be adjusted to: "Narati Town – Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – Urumqi"
Hundred-Mile Gallery is one of the most picturesque stretches along the famous Duku Highway, showcasing the natural beauty of northern Xinjiang. This scenic route features rolling grasslands, winding rivers, snow-capped mountains, and wide open skies that change with the seasons.
Known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, the Hundred-Mile Gallery is perfect for photography, sightseeing, and relaxing drives. It offers travelers a breathtaking journey through some of Xinjiang’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes.
Day 8 - Zhaosu
Tekes – Karajun Grassland (Flower Terrace, Falcon Terrace) – Gongli
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: Gongliu (4-Diamond Hotel)
As your journey comes to an end, you depart Urumqi with unforgettable memories of Xinjiang’s stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and unique experiences. From mountains and lakes to deserts and historic towns, each moment has been part of a remarkable adventure. We wish you a smooth journey home and hope to welcome you again in the future. ✈️
Day 9 - Texes
Gongliu – Self-Drive Kuerdening – Nalati Sky Meadow – Nalati Ayixiamu Wedding (Lamb Cuddling, Naan Making, Kazakh Nomadic Dinner) – Nalati Tow
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: Gongliu (4-Diamond Hotel)
As your journey comes to an end, you depart Urumqi with unforgettable memories of Xinjiang’s stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and unique experiences. From mountains and lakes to deserts and historic towns, each moment has been part of a remarkable adventure. We wish you a smooth journey home and hope to welcome you again in the future. ✈️
Day 10 - Nalati Town
Nalati – Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery – Duku Highway – Duku Highway Zero Kilometer Photo Op – Urumq
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: Gongliu (4-Diamond Hotel)
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As your journey comes to an end, you depart Urumqi with unforgettable memories of Xinjiang’s stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and unique experiences. From mountains and lakes to deserts and historic towns, each moment has been part of a remarkable adventure. We wish you a smooth journey home and hope to welcome you again in the future. ✈️
Day 11 - Umurqai
As your journey comes to an end, you depart Urumqi with unforgettable memories of Xinjiang’s stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and unique experiences. From mountains and lakes to deserts and historic towns, each moment has been part of a remarkable adventure. We wish you a smooth journey home and hope to welcome you again in the future. ✈️
Day 12 - Urumqi Departure
✨Special Arrangements
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Upgrade to self-drive tour around Sayram Lake
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Upgrade to self-drive tour of Narati Sky Meadow
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Complimentary Tuva intangible cultural heritage performance (May–August)
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Complimentary visit to Lavender Field (June–July)
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Complimentary Kazakh wedding experience in Narati
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4-diamond accommodation throughout + high-end 7-seat minivan