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Take a flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Urumqi is famous for its singing and dancing, melons and fruits, and treasures like gold and jade. The name means “beautiful pasture” in Mongolian.
Stay in Urumqi
Morning:
Afternoon:
B, L, D, Stay in Fuyun
Morning:
Afternoon:
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
After breakfast, drive to Kanas National Geopark, known as the “Pure Land of Humanity.” In Mongolian, Kanas means “beautiful and mysterious lake”. The area has mountains, rivers, virgin forests, lakes, grasslands, and a Tuva village of the Mongolian ethnic group. Take the shuttle bus to Guanyu Pavilion to enjoy the full view of Kanas.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiadengyu
After breakfast, take a bus to Hemu Village. Hemu is a gathering place for the Tuva people who keep their traditional lifestyle. Enjoy the mountain scenery with the Hemu River, traditional villages, birch forests, snow-capped mountains, and green grasslands. Later, visit Colorful Beach, known as “the most beautiful Yadan landform in Xinjiang”.
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
After breakfast, drive to Urho Devil City, also known as “Urho Wind City”. This area is a typical example of Yadan landform. Heavy rains and strong winds have slowly shaped the land into valleys and isolated rock towers. The place feels like an empty, abandoned city. Local stories call it “Dragon City.” In summer and autumn, strong winds blow through the valleys with a sound like a ghostly wail.
B, L, D, Stay in Kuitun
Today, drive to Sayram Lake Scenic Area. This mountain lake is famous as “the last tear of the Atlantic”. The lake sits on a mountain ridge. The average depth is 46 meters, and the deepest point is 106 meters. The lake originally had no fish. In the 1990s, cold-water fish such as whitefish were introduced from Russia. Over the years, it has become an important base for cold-water fish farming in Xinjiang. The scenic area has zones for lake views, grassland pastoral life, a reserve for swans and rare birds, and a comprehensive tourist service area.
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
After breakfast, drive to Nalati Scenic Area. Take a shuttle bus into the park. You will see a vast sea of green, blue skies, white clouds, and surrounded mountains. There are Kazakh yurts, tall pine forests, and Mongolian tents dotted on the grassland. Herds of cattle and sheep roam like little clouds on the green field. The blue sky, white clouds, and animals create a peaceful scene.
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
After breakfast, return to Yining. On the way, see the Yili River Bridge, a Soviet-style structure built in 1975. Then, visit Liuxing Street. This street shows the history of Yining. The winding alleys tell the story of the city’s change over time. The old city has been carefully preserved. Here, you can see Cobblestone alleys, Uyghur cafes, and handicraft shops selling embroidered hats and musical instruments.
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Urumqi. When you arrive, tour the International Grand Bazaar in the city center. “Bazaar” means market in the Uighur language. The bazaar shows the busy life of the ancient Silk Road. It has a strong mix of Western Chinese ethnic cultures and regional traditions. The market is a center for Xinjiang tourism products and is known as “Xinjiang Window”, “Central Asia Window”, and “World Window”. This is a must-see place for those who love history or shopping.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum. This museum shows history, culture, and art. It has a collection of old ceramics, jade, bronze, calligraphy, and traditional costumes. It tells the long history and brilliant culture of Xinjiang. After lunch, visit the Wild Horse Ancient Ecological Park. The park focuses on ecological protection, education, and tourism. It has a variety of wild plants and animals and unique natural views, such as silicified trees, poplar forests, and grasslands. There is also a base for the famous Przewalski’s horses, a folk culture park, and an art gallery.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
Today, pack your things and finish your 12-day tour of North Xinjiang in China. Head to the airport to fly back home.
B, Leave from Urumqi
Late spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. Summers are hot but great for grasslands, while winters are cold with snow-covered landscapes. Avoid July-August crowds if possible.
Yes, but options may be limited in remote areas. Notify your guide in advance. Local dishes include fresh fruits, naan bread, and vegetable stir-fries.
Most destinations are below 3,000m. Heavenly Lake (1,900m) and Sayram Lake (2,070m) are moderate. Consult a doctor if you have heart/lung conditions.
Major cities (Urumqi, Yining) accept Alipay/WeChat Pay. Carry cash (CNY) for small vendors, rural markets, and tips.
Hotels in cities have Wi-Fi. Remote areas (Kanas, Hemu) may have weak/no signal. Buy a local SIM card (China Mobile/Unicom) for better coverage.
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aksu - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar - Urumqi
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Jiadengyu - Kuitun - Yining
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Hemu - Jiadengyu - Kanas - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Naraty - Dushanzi - Turpan - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar
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Serene Landscapes & Spicy Noodles ?️
Yuto Kobayashi –
Kanas Lake = peace. Xinjiang laghman too spicy but addictive! Homestay family patient with my Mandarin. ありがとう for memories!
Unforgettable!
Liam Cooper –
Tried Kazakh dance—FAILED ?! Eagle trainer let me snap selfie. Yining’s Russian buildings = cool surprise. Xinjiang, you’re wild & wonderful!
Horseback Riding Under the Stars ?
Amirul Hakim –
Galloped on grasslands at sunset—UNREAL! Ate lamb kebabs daily. Yining’s night market chaos… squat toilets ?. Still, best trip ever!
A Feast for the Senses ?
Naree Thongdee –
Sayram Lake’s blue water stole my heart! Uyghur bread so fluffy. Long drives worth it. Miss Xinjiang already!
Silk Road Secrets
Priya Sharma –
Felt like Marco Polo! Sayram Lake’s tranquility, Uyghur dance nights ?. Miss apricot desserts ?. MUST-DO TOUR!
Warm Hospitality
Hlaing Myat –
Kanas Lake like fairy tale! Stayed with Kazakh family, learned milk tea recipe. Grasslands perfect for photos ?.