12-Day In-Depth Xinjiang Tour

• Urumqi Arrival
  

• 4+ stars Hotel

• None

Welcome to Urumqi, our guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. You can choose to have a good rest in the hotel to prepare for tomorrow's journey, or you can enjoy free time in the hotel annex to feel the rhythm of life of Urumqi people.

• Xinjiang Museum - Tianchi lake

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit the Xinjiang Museum. This is China's most important museum on the theme of the Ancient Silk Road. The most unique collection here is the mummies. It has a collection of 10 almost intact mummies from more than 4,000 years ago, mostly found in the remains of the ancient kingdom of Loulan.

After leaving the museum, you will explore Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (or Tianchi lake in Chinese) In order to protect the natural environment, visitors' cars are only allowed up to the park entrance. Next you will take a park bus to the depths of the scenic area. It is said that the mythical event of the Peach Banquet organized by the Xiwanmu was held here. Surrounded by hills, green grass and flowers, it is known as the Pearl of Tianshan.

Recommended Activities

There are generally three ways to explore Tianchi. You can take a walk around the lake, take a boat tour, or ride the cable car to the top of the mountain. (Boat trips and cable cars will be charged extra.

If time permits, you can even enjoy all of these experiences.

• Urumqi - Burzin County - Wucai Beach

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we embarked on a journey of about 520 kilometers (estimated driving time of about 6.5 hours), with the destination of Burzin - the nearest county to the earthly wonderland of Kanas in this land. Instead of being boring, the journey will be a feast for the eyes, with stunning and ever-changing scenery along the way. On the way, we will stop at the breathtaking colorful beach, where is nature's masterpiece, the rock after millions of years of weathering, carved out a thousand wonders, as if the earth's palette, painted the hills towering, gullies and ravines, streets and lanes intertwined with towers towering over the marvelous scenery. When the sun sets, the colorful beach is even more golden coat, red, yellow, green, white and other colors are intertwined with the sparkling river surface, forming a moving picture scroll.

At nightfall, we will arrange for you to stay in Burzin County, so that the mind and body in this quiet and beautiful to get a full rest, for the next adventure full of energy.

• Hemu village

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we depart by car towards the Hemu village, known as one of the jewels of Kanas. Upon arrival, you will stay in this paradise-like village and experience a quiet journey away from the hustle and bustle.

Hemu village, a bright pearl embedded in the Kanas Scenic Area, is honored as one of the most beautiful villages in China with its unique charm. This is the home of the Tuva people, whose bloodline carries the resilience and wisdom of the Mongols, and whose ancestors are rumored to have been valiant warriors under Genghis Khan. On this piece of land, about 2,000 Tuva people live harmoniously in Hemu and the neighboring villages of Baihaba and Kanas, guarding the tranquility and antiquity together.
Stepping into Hemu is like stepping into a fairy tale world constructed by logs. The houses here are all made of pure wood, without a trace of reinforced concrete, and they quietly tell the wisdom and tenacity of the nomadic people. Here, the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism, the celebration of ancient festivals and the legacy of nomadic life have been well preserved, constituting a vivid cultural picture scroll.

You will have the honor to walk into a Tuva family and experience the rhythm of their life, tasting local snacks, fresh fruits and sweet drinks made by the hosts.

The afternoon is free for you to explore and relax. Take a hike up the hill next to the village and wait for the sun to set. When the afterglow of the setting sun is spreading over the land, the golden sunlight penetrates through the birch forest and reflects with the green grassland, the whole village seems to be coated with a layer of dreamy gold, at that moment, time seems to be frozen, leaving only this painting-like beauty in front of your eyes, which will make you mesmerized.

• Kanas Lake

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Early in the morning, you will watch the sunrise, for this visual feast, you need to step on the trestle path, winding up to the top of the mountain next to the village, waiting for the moment when the red sun jumps out of the horizon.

After watching the sunrise, go back to the hotel for breakfast to build up your energy for the next adventure. The rest of the day is free for you to arrange according to your personal preferences - whether you want to go hiking in the mountains and forests to experience the pleasure of breathing with nature, or get on your horse and gallop across the grassland to feel the speed and freedom of the wind, or simply find a corner to rest your soul in peace, which is a rare enjoyment.

After lunch, we will drive to the Kanas Scenic Area, a wonderland that will mesmerize you for two days and make you reluctant to leave. In Mongolian, "Kanas" means "beauty, abundance and mystery", which will become so vivid and real when you witness it with your own eyes.

Today, our journey takes us deep into the heart of Kanas Lake. A relaxing hike awaits you on a convenient park bus that will take you right to the lake's shores. This is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism, allowing you to find your own peace and beauty in the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle.

We will then board the park bus again for a leisurely return to the hotel. The rest of the day is entirely at your own personal leisure. Whether it's immersing yourself in a book or simply leaning out of the window, a moment of peace and relaxation is the perfect continuation of this journey. Let your mind be completely free and restored in this freedom and comfort.

Optional Activities: 

If you want to explore Kanas Lake further, we especially recommend the optional boat trip. Imagine a 45-minute boat ride on the blue waves towards the heart of Kanas Lake, taking you to the center of the lake with its unique tranquility and magnificence. The lake, the mountains, the water and the sky, each swing is the most intimate conversation with nature. If you are tempted, express your interest to your guide and let us organize this unforgettable water adventure for you.

• Three Bays of Kanas - Guanyu Platform

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Today, you will embark on a journey in search of the soul of Kanas Scenic Area, visiting its three most famous treasures - Wolong Bay, Moon Bay and Shenxian Bay. The Kanas River, like a silver chain, weaves through the valleys leisurely, outlining these three scenic bays, whose names, like their scenery, are full of poetry and fantasy.

Strolling between the three bays, you will experience unprecedented fun and tranquility. In the early morning, if you are lucky enough, you can also witness the gentle rise of the gauzy mist on the Kanas River, which is like a fairyland. You can easily reach the various sightseeing platforms along the well-paved walkways and enjoy the tranquility and beauty. Of course, you can also choose to take the park bus for a relaxing ride through the bays and experience a different perspective.

Afterwards, the tour will lead you to the Guanyu Platform, the highest point of the Kanas Scenic Area. On the way, why don't you stop for a while to explore the serenity of Yuzhe Lake and the historical relics of Genghis Khan's Pointing Platform, and feel the flow of time and the precipitation of history. The Guanyu Platform, standing on the top of the mountain at the exit of Kanas Lake, reaches an altitude of 2,056 meters above sea level. Although you need to climb 1,086 steps to reach it, the effort will be rewarded with a priceless prize - a panoramic view of the Kanas Lake and the magnificent landscape of the Friendship Peak Snow Mountain (4,374 meters above sea level) in the distance, which is so refreshing and relaxing that it seems like you are in the middle of heaven and earth, and all the fatigue is gone with the wind.

• Hemu Village - Keramayi - Devil City

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will embark on the journey to Karamay, which is about 460 kilometers and is expected to take 7 hours to drive.

We will arrive at a breathtaking natural wonder - Devil City. This is a geopark of Yardang landforms created by wind erosion, and its unique geomorphological landscape is mind-boggling. The name of Devil City comes from the whistling sound of the wind through the rock layers, as if the devil is whispering, adding a bit of mystery and bleakness to this land.

Devil City is famous for its 5-kilometer-long Yardang rock formation, which was selected as the first of the "Three Most Beautiful Yardang Geological Parks in China" by China Geography Magazine. It is not only a masterpiece of nature, but also a favorite of filmmakers, and many classic movies such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" have been filmed here, making this land even more famous.

Inside Devil's Castle, you'll take a scenic train ride through various attractions and enjoy the scenery along the way. When the train comes to a stop, you can walk among the rock formations and capture the beauty of the scenery with your camera.

At nightfall, we will arrive at Karamay City and check into a carefully selected hotel where you can have a good rest.

• Black Oil Mountain Park - Da Oil Bubble - Bole

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will embark on an extraordinary journey to explore natural wonders and industrial memories.

Your first stop will be the mysterious Black Oil Mountain Park, a wonderland where nature meets industrial history. At the heart of the park is a unique hill made of black asphalt, as if it were a black pearl that nature had inadvertently spilled. Hundreds of oil springs of various shapes dot the mountain, tirelessly spitting out precious low pour point crude oil, which, due to its extremely low wax content, can flow freely in the cold as low as -70 degrees Celsius, demonstrating the wonders of nature. Research by geologists has shown that this magical land has been nurturing this underground treasure for 200 million years, witnessing the earth's long history of change.
Immediately afterward, you will head to another iconic attraction of Kelamay City, the Great Oil Bubble Sculpture. This polished stainless steel piece, located in the Oil Memorial Square, has become the city's calling card with its unique modern aesthetic design and strong visual impact. Inspired by the year-round oil bubbles in the oil pools of the Black Oil Mountain, the sculptural form skillfully captures the moment when the oil bubbles rise, as if time is frozen in this moment. It not only artistically reproduces the vivid scene of oil exploitation, but also symbolizes the beginning and glory of Karamay as an oil city, mapping out the city's development and future vision through its mirror-like surface.

In the afternoon, as the wheels roll forward, you will embark on your journey to Bole, a beautiful driving journey of about 420 kilometers (about 5 hours drive). Bole, a city close to the famous Sayram Lake, awaits you with its unique location and rich natural beauty. Upon arrival, you will check into a carefully selected hotel and take a short rest, then you are free to explore the city's charms, whether it's strolling through the streets and alleys or tasting the local delicacies, all of which will add more unforgettable memories to your trip.

• Sayram Lake

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Early this morning, we will drive for nearly an hour through about 80 kilometers of scenic roads, just to see the charming natural scenery of the Sayram Lake with our own eyes. It stretches about 20 kilometers from east to west and 30 kilometers from north to south, with a total area of 454 square kilometers. This is known as "the last tears of the Atlantic Ocean" of the lake, because of its unique geographical location, to receive the Atlantic Ocean warm and humid air moisture.

The charm of the Sayram Lake is not only in its water, but also in the surrounding vast grassland, lush alpine trees and majestic snow-capped mountains, which together form a beautiful picture scroll. In addition, you can find some yurts of local Mongolian and Kazakh families along the lake and experience their unique ethnic culture. While visiting the lake, you may choose to take a leisurely walk along the lakeside paths or ride around the lake to feel the lake breeze on your face (bicycle rental is available at an additional charge).

After leaving the Sayram Lake, we continue our drive for about an hour to the Guozigou Bridge. Famous for its lush green vegetation and magnificent mountainous landscape, this bridge is not only a masterpiece of modern engineering, but also an example of harmonious coexistence with nature.

Finally, after about three hours of driving across 230 kilometers of breathtaking scenery, we will arrive at Kes County. This is a historical town built in the shape of Chinese Bagua and filled with a strong Taoist atmosphere, waiting to be explored further.

• Kalajun Grassland - Yining

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will go to Kalajun Grassland, only about 40 minutes drive, you will step into this dreamy grassland wonderland.

kalajun, a natural miracle spanning 1305 to 3957 meters above sea level, is not only a grassland, but also a natural picture scroll intertwined with mountains and flower meadows, stretching 89 kilometers from east to west and 32 kilometers from north to south, which is even more delicate and unique compared to the vast grasslands in Inner Mongolia. As early as the 1980s, this area attracted the attention of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for its outstanding ecosystem, and was recognized as one of the world's top natural pastures, with near-perfect grass cover, lush pasture up to 65 to 100 centimeters in height, and the world's best pasture yields and grazing capacity.

Embark on a journey of discovery in kalajun, where you will first be immersed in the splendor of the East Kerala Canyon, and then wander to the West kalajun grasslands for a sense of tranquility and vastness. Throughout the exploration process, convenient park buses, aerial gondolas, and boats that shuttle between the canyons will add endless convenience and fun to your journey.

Finally, you'll head to Yining, where you'll find a cozy place to rest your body and mind while you prepare for tomorrow's excitement.

• Dushanzi Grand Canyon

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Today's itinerary is filled with anticipation as you embark on a journey of approximately 450 kilometers to the city of Kuitun, a quiet and charming retreat. Just 40 kilometers away from Kuitun, the Dushanzi Grand Canyon awaits you, a magnificent spectacle sculpted by the forces of nature.As the vehicle slowly drove into, a shocking picture gradually unfolded - melting snow convergence of the river, as nature's most dynamic brushstrokes, from the lofty Tianshan Mountain range gurgling down, skillfully sketched out the Dushanzi plains a deep as a sword canyon, the depth of which is up to 200 meters of the abyss. At the bottom of the canyon, the wide riverbed transforms between 100 and 400 meters, while looking up, the cliffs on both sides are like cuts, with an astonishing shoulder width of 800 to 1,000 meters across, displaying a kind of ineffable magnificence and shock.

In order to make your travel experience more rich and diversified, a series of outdoor adventure activities have been carefully planned in Dushanzi Grand Canyon Scenic Area. You can challenge the glass bridge and the rope bridge to experience the thrill of heart racing; or draw the bowstring to enjoy the pleasure of breaking the air with an arrow. All these activities require additional fees, but can add infinite fun and unforgettable memories to your journey.

As night falls, Kuitun City will provide you with a comfortable stay, allowing you to rest up after your tiring journey and build up your energy for tomorrow's excitement.

• Kuitun - Urumqi - Departure
  

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on a return journey of approximately 240 kilometers, aiming for Urumqi, a vibrant and multicultural city. There, whether you choose to take a convenient flight or a leisurely train ride, you will be led to the starting point of your next journey, which will also mark the end of your unforgettable trip to Xinjiang.