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Start your trip by taking a flight and then transferring to Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Urumqi is known as the home of singing and dancing, as well as fresh melons, fruits, gold, and jade. The name means “beautiful pasture” in Mongolian. The city welcomes you with its lively culture.
Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, drive onto the S21 Desert Highway. Along the road, you will see huge sand dunes that roll like waves and stand like mountain peaks. To your left, the sparkling Ulungu Lake shimmers in the sunlight. To your right, the Yadan landform looks like a devilish city with ancient secrets in its strange rock shapes. End the day with a visit to the local night market to taste local treats and see lively street scenes.
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
After breakfast, set off to explore Kanas National Geopark. Known as the “Pure Land of Humanity”, Kanas means “beautiful and mysterious lake” in Mongolian. This park boasts stunning mountains, rushing rivers, deep virgin forests, shimmering lakes, and broad grasslands. You will also see a Tuva village where the local Mongolian ethnic group lives. Ride the shuttle bus to Guanyu Pavilion and take in the breathtaking panorama of Kanas.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiadengyu
After breakfast, board a bus to Hemu Village. This charming village is a gathering place for the Tuva people, who still keep their cherished traditions. Enjoy the unspoiled mountain scenery where the Hemu River flows through rustic villages, birch forests, and snow-capped peaks. The bright blue sky and white clouds complete the picture.
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
After breakfirst, we start to drive to Colorful Beach(Wucaitan), known as the most beautiful Yadan landform in Xinjiang, and feel nature’s vibrant spirit. Later, drive to Urho Devil City, also known as “Urho Wind City.” In this area, natural forces have turned flat hills into stone pillars and piers. The landscape looks like an abandoned city, and ancient stories even call it “Dragon City.” The striking views will make you feel as if you have stepped into a mysterious ancient world.
B, L, D, Stay in Kuitun
After breakfast, drive to the Sayram Lake Scenic Area in the western Tianshan Mountains. This high mountain lake is known as the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean because of its deep, clear water. The area divides into a lakeside zone, a nomadic grassland, and a protected habitat for swans and other rare birds. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the scenic beauty all around.
After soaking in the beauty of the lake, continue your journey to Guozigou Bridge. This impressive bridge spans a deep, winding valley. Pause here to admire the powerful river below and the rugged mountain landscape. The view from the bridge is both dramatic and memorable.
From Guozigou Bridge, drive on to Yining. In Yining, you will find a mix of modern comforts and traditional culture. Explore local markets, sample tasty snacks, and notice the old-style architecture that tells the story of this historic town. End your day in Yining with a relaxing dinner, surrounded by the vibrant local atmosphere.
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
Beginning your day in Yining, set out for Nalati Tourist Scenic Area, a true alpine grassland. Take the shuttle bus into the park and be greeted by an endless sea of green. Herds of cattle and sheep dot the landscape, much like blooming cotton on the vibrant grass. Under the bright blue sky with gentle white clouds, the peaceful prairie invites you to relax and take in the natural beauty.
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
Once you’ve enjoyed your morning meal, drive to Kuitun and visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon. Formed 100 million years ago, this canyon is a magical natural wonder. Carved by the steady erosion of snow and rain from the Tianshan Mountains, it cuts through the sloping plain southwest of Dushanzi. The deep valley and its classic canyon shape let you feel the power and history of nature.
B, L, D, Stay in Kuitun
After you have enjoyed your morning meal, begin your journey back to Urumqi. Your first stop is Red Hill Park, perched on the highest point in the city. As you climb its gentle slopes, the entire city unfolds beneath you like a living tapestry. The view is breathtaking, with the urban landscape mingling with distant mountains under a vast blue sky.
Later, wander through the International Grand Bazaar. The marketplace is bursting with energy—colorful stalls overflow with handmade crafts, local spices, and bright fabrics. The buzz of conversation and laughter fills the air, and the tempting aroma of street food invites you to try delicious local snacks. Each step you take helps you feel the heartbeat of the city.
After a satisfying lunch in the bazaar, set off for Xinjiang Wild Horse Ecological Park. In this serene haven, nature greets you with open arms. Stroll along winding paths shaded by mature trees and listen to the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The park is alive with the sound of birds and the soft murmur of a nearby stream. Take a moment to relax by a quiet pond, watching ripples form in the water and feeling the fresh air rejuvenate your spirit. By the end of your visit, you feel connected to both the vibrant energy of Urumqi and the calming embrace of nature.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
With your morning meal complete, board your flight and embark on your journey home. Cherish the warm memories of your adventure through Xinjiang, with its varied landscapes and rich culture accompanying you back to everyday life.
B, Leave from Urumqi
Passport & Visa: A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and a Chinese visa. Border Permits: Some areas (e.g., Kanas, border zones) require special permits. Your tour operator will arrange these in advance. ID Copies: Carry photocopies of your passport and visa as backups.
Moderate fitness required: Expect long drives (5–8 hours daily) and light walking on uneven terrain (e.g., Kanas trails, Devil City). Altitude: Most areas are below 2,000m, so altitude sickness is rare.
Basic rest stops: Most highway stations have squat toilets. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
Vaccines: No mandatory vaccines, but consult your doctor for Hepatitis A/B and typhoid. Water: Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water, even for brushing teeth.
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aksu - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar - Urumqi
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Jiadengyu -Â Kuitun - Yining
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Hemu - Jiadengyu - Kanas - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Naraty - Dushanzi - Turpan - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar
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Photographer’s Dream ?
Nguyen Van Hung –
Kanas Lake mirroring snow peaks—UNREAL! Woke up at 5 AM for fog shots. Yining’s Blue Mosque stunning, but no photos inside ?. Guide Ahmet carried my tripod—legend! Ate too much polo (lamb rice)—food coma daily!
Epic Fail
Carlos Silva –
Tried skiing in Kanas—faceplanted instantly! Local kids taught me instead. Yining’s Russian-style buildings = surprise! Guide Gulnaz spoke Portuguese (badly ?). Xinjiang stole my heart… and my dignity!
Winter Wonderland Magic!
Arif Wijaya –
Kanas Lake frozen—like Narnia! Stayed in Kazakh yurt, drank fermented mare’s milk… tasted weird but local family laughed with me. Guide Bahadir sang Kazakh songs by fire. Minus 20°C? Survived with 5 layers! Unforgettable!
Autumn Colors
Aina Mohd –
October in Kanas—golden forests, red cabins, epic photos! Tried lamb kebabs in Yining Night Market ?. Shepherd’s sheep blocked our van—hilarious delay! Homestay toilet? Squat style… practice your balance!
Summer Trekking & Honey Heaven ?
Liza Dizon –
July hike to Kanas Lake—wildflowers everywhere! Local beekeeper let me taste honey straight from hive. Yining’s Grand Bazaar: bought jade bracelet (real? Who cares, pretty!).
Nomad Life
Chatchai Srisuk –
June in Xinjiang—sunset at 10 PM! Slept in felt yurt, helped milk cows. Kanas’ wooden walkways slippery—almost fell twice! Yining’s dapanji (big plate chicken) fed 4 people. Guide Zulpikar’s jokes… cheesy but cute!