Share:
Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Upon arrival at the airport, we will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city (approximately 25 km, 30 minutes). The rest of the day is free for you to relax.
Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, we will drive about 1.5 hours to visit the Heavenly Lake(天池) of Tianshan, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. Known as“Tianchi” in Chinese, this turquoise lake sits at an altitude of 1,980 meters and is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Xinjiang.
After exploring the lake, we’ll drive toward Fuyun County, passing through vast grasslands and dramatic desert landscapes.
Driving Distance: Approx. 520 km / 7 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Fuyun
This morning, take a shuttle into Koktokay National Geopark(可可托海国家地质公园), On the way, you can expect spectacular granite formations, birch forests, and the rushing Irtysh River. Koktokay is also famous for its rich mineral deposits.
After lunch, drive about 5 hours to Burqin County, where you’ll visit the breathtaking Rainbow Beach(五彩滩), a surreal landscape of wind-eroded formations glowing in reds, yellows, and purples at sunset.
Driving Distance: Approx. 380 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
Today, take a 4-hour drive to Kanas National Geopark(喀纳斯国家地质公园). The park is known for its stunning landscapes—glacial lakes, alpine meadows, deep forests, and snow-capped peaks. The highlight is Kanas Lake, formed by melting glaciers and rainfall, with a depth of 188 meters. Its color changes with the seasons, offering picture-perfect scenery all year round.
The park is also home to the Tuva people, a small ethnic group of Mongolian descent who live in wooden houses and maintain their ancient lifestyle. You’ll get a glimpse of their traditional village and way of life.
We’ll take the scenic shuttle bus through the park, stopping at famous viewpoints such as Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay, where you can admire the calm waters and reflections of the surrounding nature. Overnight in Jiadengyu, near the park.
Driving Distance: Approx. 150 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Jiadengyu
This morning, travel to Hemu Village(禾木村庄), one of the most picturesque and well-preserved Tuva villages in Xinjiang. Explore the village, listen to the melodic Khoomei throat singing, and take in the untouched wilderness that surrounds you. After your visit, return to Burqin for the night.
Driving Distance: Approx. 180 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
After breakfast, drive to Urho Ghost City(乌尔禾魔鬼城), also known as the Wind City. This otherworldly landscape features striking yardang formations sculpted by centuries of wind and rain. When the wind whistles through the gullies, it creates eerie howling sounds—hence the name “Ghost City”.
Later, continue your journey to Kuitun for an overnight stay.
Driving Distance: Approx. 480 km / 7 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kuitun
Today, we’ll take a scenic drive to Sayram Lake(赛里木湖), often called“the last tear of the Atlantic.”Nestled on the western edge of the Tianshan Mountain. The lake is divided into different zones—lakeside sightseeing, nomadic culture area, and birdwatching zones.
After visiting the lake, we’ll continue our journey by crossing the impressive Guozigou Bridge(果子沟大桥), one of the most spectacular and highest viaducts in China. The bridge offers panoramic views of the lush Guozigou Valley, known for its winding roads, pine forests, and summer wildflowers.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Yining. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Driving Distance: Approx. 550 km / 6 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
After breakfast, drive to the famous Nalati Grassland(那拉提草原), one of the four largest alpine meadows in the world. Take a shuttle into the scenic zone to enjoy its green slopes, mountain streams, and traditional yurts. Return to Yining in the afternoon.
Driving Distance: Approx. 450 km / 6 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
After breakfast, we will drive to Dushanzi Grand Canyon(独山子大峡谷). At the viewpoint, you can see the vast U-shaped valley from above. The canyon walls rise up to 200 meters, creating a jaw-dropping landscape. For thrill-seekers, the park has built a glass bridge and a cliff swing that allow visitors to experience the canyon from a whole new perspective. After the visit, we will drive to Kuitun for an overnight stay.
Driving Distance: Approx. 500 km / 8 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kuitun
Today, drive back to Urumqi and visit the famous International Grand Bazaar(国际大巴扎), a vibrant center of Uyghur culture filled with shops, local crafts, music, and delicious street food. It’s the perfect place to experience the colorful charm of the Silk Road.
Driving Distance: Approx. 250 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, pack up and prepare for your departure. We hope this unforgettable journey through Northern Xinjiang leaves you with beautiful memories and stories to share. See you next time for more adventures on the Silk Road!
B
Yes, spring (April to June) is a great time. The weather is mild, flowers bloom, and it’s less crowded than summer.
Must-try dishes include: Lamb Kebabs(Yangrou Chuan), Big Plate Chicken(Da Pan Ji), Nang Bread, Pilaf (Zhua Fan), Xinjiang Yogurt, and Dried Fruits & Nuts.
Yes. While not as famous as eastern China, Xinjiang has unique tea culture. Locals enjoy milk tea, brick tea, and Uyghur-style spiced tea, often shared with naan and dried fruits.
The best way is by private car with a guide for flexibility and comfort， because Xinjiang is a big place and attractions are far away from each other.
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aksu - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar - Urumqi
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Hemu - Jiadengyu - Kanas - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Naraty - Dushanzi - Turpan - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar
Urumqi - Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu - Hemu - Burqin - Colorful Beach - Urho Devil City - Kuitun - Sayrm Lake - Guozi Valley Bridge - Yining - Nalati - Yining - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun - Urumqi
Let's co-create your adventure along the Silk Road.
Tell us your vision for a Silk Road tour, and we'll make it a reality this year.
Let your Silk Road tour tell a thousand-year-old story.
Top Destination
Information
Copyright © 2009-2025 AsiaSilkRoadTours. All Rights Reserved.
Magic of Kanas Lake ?
Ayu –
I didn’t know what to expect before coming to Xinjiang, but honestly, this trip blew me away. The highlight for me was definitely Kanas Lake—it was like something from a dream. The water was SO clear and the color kept changing from green to blue depending on the light.
The guide was super friendly, he told us stories about local legends, and he helped me get vegetarian food at every meal (which was a bit hard sometimes). The scenery was unreal every day: from Heavenly Lake to Colorful Beach and even the Ghost City with its spooky wind sounds—seriously, nature in Xinjiang is next level!
Would totally recommend it to anyone who loves nature, photography, and culture. It’s a long ride every day, yes, but so worth it. Xinjiang, I’ll be back ❤️.
Dream tour!
Nguyen Thi Hoa –
I dreamed about visiting Sayram Lake for 3 years and it finally happened. I even cried a little there. Thank you to our guide Mr. Liu for taking care of us.
Long drives, big rewards
Camille –
Yes, the drives are long, but you see grasslands, camels, rivers, and snow mountains through the windows.
Uyghur Food， 10/10
Lalita –
The kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and fresh naan bread… OMG. I think I gained 3kg but no regrets ?
Super smooth trip
Hafiz Daeng –
All things arranged well. Driver very nice. Hotel comfort. Food halal and tasty. Long trip but very happy ☺️