Travel around the northern Xinjiang: Urumqi + Tianshan Heavenly Lake + Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake + Yili Nalati Grassland + Dushanzi Grand Canyon 12 days and 11 nights pure play small group tour

[Number of days]

12 days, 11 nights

[Summary of the trip]

Urumqi-Fuyun-Burjin-Kanas-Hemu-Karamay-Kuitun-Yining-Nalati-Jinghe-Urumqi

[scheduling]

date

scheduling

Day 1

Urumqi

Welcome to Urumqi! Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is the world's farthest city from the ocean and a key stop on the new northern route of the ancient Silk Road. Nestled in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by mountains and water, and blessed with vast fertile fields, the locals affectionately call it' Urumqi, 'which means' beautiful pasture.' Our driver will welcome you at the arrival hall of Urumqi Dikoubao International Airport and escort you to your hotel in the city center for check-in. After that, you can either rest at the hotel or explore the surrounding area.

Play time suggestions:

If you have time, you can arrange your own activities in Urumqi City. For those interested in Xinjiang's cultural and historical heritage, the Xinjiang Museum is a must-visit (free admission, only exits at 16:30 in the afternoon; closed on Mondays). For those seeking an exotic atmosphere, the Xinjiang International Bazaar is a must-visit, offering unique Western Regions culture and a wide variety of goods, where you might find some great deals. For those craving delicious food, the night market at the Bazaar is a must-visit, featuring famous dishes like the nationally renowned Da Pan Chicken, crispy and tender roasted lamb chops, skewers of roasted mutton, Yili horse sausage, and a variety of distinctive noodle dishes.

Catering: Breakfast: self-service lunch: self-service dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Urumqi

Day 2

Urumqi-Tianchi-Fuyun

After breakfast, you will take a vehicle to visit Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains. Known as 'Yaochi' in ancient times, Tianchi is a crescent-shaped lake located on the northern side of Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains, a renowned tourist destination in Xinjiang. The lake sits at an altitude of 1,910 meters, with its deepest point reaching 105 meters. The lake's surface reflects Bogda Peak, and it is surrounded by spruce trees, creating a scene that resembles a fairyland. The scenic area features natural landscapes such as high mountain lakes, wet meadows, and forest canyons. As the light changes, the lake water displays a striking effect of being emerald green in the foreground and blue in the distance, making it a breathtaking sight. You can stroll along the circular lake path (12.5km long, approximately 3 to 5 hours) to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Optional activities at Tianchi of Tianshan (at your own expense):

1. Tour boat around the lake: take a cruise on the lake to enjoy the scenic beauty of Yaochi;

2. Mayashan Cable car: Take the cable car to the top of the mountain at an altitude of 3,056 meters, overlooking the panoramic view of Tianchi and looking at the magnificent Bogda Peak in the distance.

After that, continue on to Fuyun. The scenery gradually shifts from urban landscapes to the Gobi Desert, marking the start of the Junggar Basin. In the heart of the [Gurbantunggut Desert], a haven for wildlife awaits. This area is a protected zone for hoofed animals, where you might come across wild donkeys, horses, and camels. If you're lucky, you can even capture images of them foraging. Upon arrival in Fuyun, check into a hotel and rest. Meals: Breakfast is provided, lunch and dinner are to be prepared by yourself

Accommodation: Hotel in Fuyun County

Day 3

Fuyun-Keketuohai-Wuchaitan-Burjin

After breakfast, you will take a vehicle to visit the Keketuohai Scenic Area. You will travel along the Ertix River on a scenic area vehicle, enjoying the towering birch forests, stone gates, and the couple trees. You will also photograph the iconic Shenzhong Mountain. Afterward, you will head to Kekesuli, one of the main attractions in Keketuohai. This marsh wetland features crystal-clear blue water and a rich variety of aquatic life. From a distance, the water is surrounded by lush green grass and blooming wildflowers, with herds of cattle and sheep grazing nearby. In the afternoon sun, the Kazakh herders' yurts are filled with smoke, creating a scene reminiscent of a pastoral idyll on the frontier. During the summer and autumn seasons, this area is home to a large number of red geese, swans, gray cranes, sandpipers, and wild ducks, which breed and thrive here.

After leaving Fuyun, we continued our journey and arrived at the Wuchai Beach around dusk. The Wuchai Beach features a river on both banks, with distinct differences between the north and south. On the southern bank, the oasis blends seamlessly with the desert and the blue sky, offering a breathtaking view. On the northern bank, the Yadan landform, resembling cliffs, features undulating mountains and a variety of colors. The rocks are predominantly red, with green, yellow, white, black, and transitional hues interspersed. Especially at sunset, the colors become vibrant and enchanting, showcasing the most beautiful Yadan landform in Xinjiang. After the tour, we continued our journey by car to Burjin for accommodation.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Burjin Hotel

Day 4

Bortyn-Kanas-Jadenyu

After breakfast, you will take a vehicle to visit the Kanas Scenic Area. Upon arrival at the Jiadengyu Ticket Center, you will transfer to a shuttle bus to enter the scenic area. First, you will head to the Fish Viewing Platform, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kanas Lake and the surrounding mountains from the highest point in the area. The shuttle bus only reaches halfway up the mountain, and you will need to climb 1068 steps on foot. Then, you can stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, enjoying the stunning scenery of the lake and mountains.

Optional activities (at your own expense): You can take a boat ride on Kanas Lake to enjoy the mountain and water scenery of Kanas and enjoy the wonderful experience of walking in a painting.

After that, continue your tour of the Three Bays: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Sleeping Bay. First, take a sightseeing vehicle to Fairy Bay, where you can enjoy the misty mountains, lakes, and trees that create a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. Then, head to Moon Bay, where a short walk will reveal the full view of the crescent-shaped river bend. After that, take another sightseeing vehicle or hike along the shaded path to Dragon Sleeping Bay, named for the outline of a reclining dinosaur on the riverbank. The scenery here is particularly stunning, especially in autumn, when the lush forests and the emerald lake complement each other beautifully, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Jia Dengyu Hotel

Day 5

Jiadengyu-Hemu-Burjin

After breakfast, a one-hour drive from Kanas will take you to Hemu Village, one of China's most charming leisure villages. [Hemu Village] is a small village where the Kazakhs and Tuvans live together. The houses are all built with logs, giving them a primitive and rustic charm. In the tranquil village, wisps of cooking smoke rise, and the Hemu River flows quietly through the birch forests. Colorful Geshan flowers bloom on the fences in front of the houses, creating a particularly enchanting scene against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds. Once you enter Hemu Village, you can leisurely stroll along the country paths, relax your mind and body, and enjoy the surrounding snow-capped mountains, forests, and village scenery. You can also visit the wooden houses of the Tuvans. If you happen to meet local Kazakhs or Tuvans, you can try to greet or chat with them to learn more about their lifestyle and customs. After your visit, you will head to Burjin County for accommodation.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in Burjin County

Day 6

Bortyn-Karamay-Kuitun

After breakfast, we will say goodbye to Burjin and head by car to visit the Karamay World Devil City, which has been rated as one of the three most beautiful Yardang landforms in China by National Geographic. Also known as Wuerhe Wind City, it is renowned for its stunning Yardang landforms and the eerie sounds of the wind through the valleys. It was also the filming location for the Oscar-winning film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' You can take a scenic sightseeing vehicle to admire the naturally formed ancient city walls, fortresses, and palaces, as well as the vivid and realistic geological landscapes of plants and animals. After the visit, you will travel about 245 kilometers to Kuitun, where you will stay. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Kuitun Hotel

Day 7

Kuitun-Serimu Lake-Yining

After breakfast, we depart from Kuitun and head to Lake Sayram, known as the 'Last Tear of the Atlantic.' [Lake Sayram] The lake displays a variety of colors under different lighting conditions, ranging from deep blue to emerald green, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Today, you will start your exploration at the eastern entrance of the scenic area, enjoying the stunning views of the lake nestled beneath the snow-capped mountains. Then, you will explore the highlights of the 90-kilometer circular road around the lake (about 5-6 hours), immersing yourself in the magnificent and enchanting scenery of Lake Sayram. If the weather is favorable, don't miss the spectacular sunset over the colorful Lake Sayram.

Tips for traveling to Sayram Lake: June to August is the best time to travel to Sayram Lake. At this time, the weather is warm and comfortable, the sky is clear, the grass is green and flowers are blooming, and the scenery is very beautiful.

After the tour, you will pass through the majestic and grand [Guozigou Bridge], which is nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by towering mountains and lush grasslands and forests. Don't miss capturing this breathtaking view with your camera. After leaving Guozigou, the scenery opens up dramatically, and you can continue on to check into your hotel in Yining City.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in Yining

Day 8

Yining-Nalati/Xinyuan

After breakfast, we departed from Yining and headed to the Nalati Grassland, one of the world's four major high mountain river valley grasslands. The Nalati Grassland, once a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road, is now one of the most beautiful grasslands in the world. As you stand there, the endless green expanse greets you, with clear and joyful springs flowing through the river valleys. The grassland is dotted with leisurely cattle and horses, and large areas of fir trees are scattered across the distant hills. Under the blue sky and white clouds, it resembles a masterpiece of nature.

Upon arriving at the Nalati Grassland, you will visit the most classic and popular attraction—the Sky Grassland. You will take a scenic sightseeing vehicle to explore Tianjie Terrace, where you can enjoy the vast grassland scenery; Tianmu Terrace, where you can admire the lush vegetation; and nomadic families, where you can experience unique activities like horseback riding and photo-taking. After your tour, you will head to Nalati Town or Xinyuan County for accommodation.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: hotel in Nalati town or Xinyuan County

Day 9

Nalati/Xinyuan-Yining-Jinghe

Today, you will embark on a scenic journey along the Xinjiang Highway, starting from the lush Xin Yuan, passing through the bustling city of Yining, and heading to the picturesque Jinghe County, covering a total distance of 475 kilometers and taking about 7 hours. Along the way, you will be captivated by the vast green pastures, the distant snow-capped mountains, the meandering rivers, and the fields dotted with wildflowers. If you travel in June, you might also have the chance to see the romantic lavender fields.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Jinghe County hotel

Day 10

Jinghe-Kuitun-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi

After breakfast, you will depart from Jinghe and return to Urumqi. Along the way, you will visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon Scenic Area. The Dushanzi Grand Canyon, formed by the melting snow from the Tianshan Mountains flowing into the Dushanzi Plain, is a natural wonder at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The canyon stretches over 30 kilometers and reaches depths of 400 meters, featuring steep cliffs, winding canyons, and unique geological formations.

Optional activities in Dushanzi Grand Canyon (at your own expense):

1. Duku Glass Bridge: The glass bridge is about 150 meters high, spanning the valley and standing on the abyss under your feet. Every step is full of excitement and challenge, and it is also one of the best views to enjoy the canyon scenery.

2. Canyon zip line: Flying down from a cliff nearly 100 meters high, you can take in the beautiful scenery of the canyon, which is very exciting.

3. Underground track car: the first choice for family travel, with a total length of about 850 meters and 8 high-speed bends. It is easy to go up and fun to go down.

4. Canyon water slide: The 1000-meter-long slide is made of transparent glass, with one large S-bend and two 360° turntables. The ride is carried down by rubber boats, with splashing water and quick pleasure.

After the tour, continue to go back to Urumqi for accommodation.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in Urumqi

Day 11

One day tour of Urumqi: Hongshan Park + Xinjiang Museum + Xinjiang International Bazaar

After breakfast, you will head to the Red Mountain Park in the city center. On foot, you will climb to the top of the mountain to visit the iconic Red Mountain Tower. The tower, a nine-story ochre-red structure, matches the mountain's color. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Urumqi, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling traffic, offering a breathtaking view.

Next, visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum to explore the cultural and historical heritage of Xinjiang and the ancient Silk Road. The Xinjiang Museum, the largest comprehensive museum in the region, offers a rich collection of artifacts, including precious relics from the ancient Silk Road, traditional costumes of Xinjiang's ethnic groups, and folk crafts. The museum also features temporary exhibitions showcasing a variety of themed artworks and historical artifacts. Additionally, visitors can see Chinese national treasures such as the famous' Loulan Beauty 'mummy and the Han Dynasty brocade known as' Five Stars Rise in the East.'

After visiting the museum, you can stroll through Hetian Second Street, a famous food street in Xinjiang, to explore and enjoy the local specialties and snacks, immersing yourself in the vibrant local life. Next, head to the grand Xinjiang International Bazaar, which means 'market.' The Xinjiang International Bazaar is the most culturally rich area in Urumqi and is also the world's largest castle-style bazaar. The architecture here is elegant and beautiful, with a strong Islamic influence. You can browse through the stalls featuring local ethnic products, purchase Xinjiang specialties such as raisins, apricot kernels, and essential oils, and savor various Xinjiang fruits, hand-grabbed rice, mutton, and other local delicacies.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in Urumqi

Day 12

Depart from Urumqi: airport/station pick-up service

After breakfast, we will conclude our wonderful 12-day tour of the natural and cultural landscapes of Northern Xinjiang. Our driver will take you to the airport or train station for your next destination. If you wish to extend your trip and explore more destinations in China, such as Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Tibet, please contact us for arrangements.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: None

[Included]

[Excluded]

Hotel: provide basic double room, i.e. standard room (no guarantee of natural single room, i.e. king size room, no bed reservation and no breakfast); if there is a single male and female in the group, if there are other single out of the same sex guests willing to share the room, the travel agency will assist in arranging the room sharing, if not, you need to pay the difference for a single room;

Dinner: including hotel breakfast, self-service meals, the guide will assist in the arrangement;

Ticket: It includes the first entrance ticket of the listed attractions and the necessary transportation in the scenic spot, such as interval bus. If the tour cannot be carried out due to emergency, the tourist will negotiate with the scenic spot to change the attractions;

Vehicle: the full cost of the vehicle (including road and bridge tolls, fuel costs, mountain entry fees, self-management during free time); the car will be arranged according to the number of people, if tourists give up the itinerary, the car fee will not be refunded;

Guide: Arrange Chinese/British/bilingual guide according to the actual situation;

Insurance: travel accident insurance, tourist car seat insurance, travel agency liability insurance (three insurance)

Single room difference: the hotel defaults to one room for two people (except for multi-person rooms). If you stay in a single room, you must make up the single room difference;

Room damage: since the room is booked in full payment, the room fee will be borne by yourself if the itinerary changes during the trip;

Personal consumption: laundry, telephone, fax, pay TV, drinks, snacks, tobacco and alcohol and other personal consumption in the hotel;

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as irresistible objective reasons and non-travel agency reasons (such as natural disasters, wars, strikes, epidemics, etc.), or airline flight issues, insufficient number of participants, etc., the travel agency reserves the right to cancel or change the itinerary. The agency may charge additional fees for any excess costs. Round-trip transportation: The round-trip transportation costs for the first and last days of the trip are not included in the tour fee. If the travel agency needs to make reservations on your behalf, additional fees will be charged.