The tour around the epic landscape of Xinjiang and its northern territories
The tour around the epic landscape of Xinjiang and its northern territories
3 Hours Before Flight Time
When you travel to Xinjiang and the northern parts, expect different weather throughout the year. Summers can be very hot, and winters extremely cold, especially in the north. So, pack accordingly. The food in Xinjiang is delicious, with tasty dishes like kebabs and noodles influenced by Central Asian and Chinese flavors. When you visit markets in places like Kashgar, you’ll find handmade crafts and traditional performances, giving you a taste of the local culture. Xinjiang is home to diverse ethnic groups like the Uighurs and Kazakhs, each contributing to the unique and vibrant atmosphere of the region.
Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, lies at Tianshan Mountains’ northern foot. Known as “beautiful pasture,” it’s the world’s farthest city from the ocean, Asia’s geographical center, and a pivotal stop on the ancient Silk Road. Uygurs, Han, Hui, Kazakhs, and more peacefully coexist, shaping Urumqi’s unique charm with diverse ethnicities and customs.
Accommodation : Hantang Hotel Holiday Inn Express or SML
★Kekesuli Lake Located in the Fuyun County of Altay Prefecture in Xinjiang, approximately 25 km from the county seat, it is also known as Wild Duck Lake. Formed by seismic faulting, the lake has an area of about 1.8 square kilometers, an average depth of 2 meters, and over 20 floating islands of various sizes, with abundant aquatic plants. Particularly unique is the reed that grows directly on the water without roots, drifting with the wind, creating an ever-changing scene on the lake’s surface.
Accommodation : Distant Grand Hotel, Bieju Yige Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★Xinjiang Fuyun Keketuohai National Geopark Discover the allure of Fukang Koktokay National Geopark in Fuyun County, Altay, northern Xinjiang. A geological wonderland approved as a national geopark in 2005, it boasts granite pegmatite rare metal deposits, captivating granite intrusions, and picturesque desert landscapes. Unveil the mysteries of Ile Lake and Kalaxiang’er, featuring the extraordinary Koktokay granite pegmatite deposit, Ertis River’s granite wonders, and seismic tales in Kalaxiang’er. Experience the magic where China’s Arctic-bound Ertis River begins its journey, winding through Kazakhstan, and finally reaching the Arctic Ocean via Russia’s Ob River.
Accommodation : Derenshan Garden Hotel, Jiyuhe Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★ Accommodation in Hemu Village (including shuttle service). Hemu Village, a Tuvan community, stands as one of the last three Tuvan settlements (Hemu, Kanasi, Baihaba). It’s the largest, spanning 3040 square kilometers, characterized by log-crafted houses exuding a primal essence. Hemu is famed for its mesmerizing autumn landscape with crimson mountains and dreamlike smoke rising from chimneys. Tuvans, self-identifying as Mongols, migrated from Siberia 500 years ago, maintaining their unique log-built homes resembling traditional Mongolian yurts during nomadic life.
Accommodation : Hongfu Hotel, Baihualin Hotel, Four Seasons Leisure Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★ Kanas Nature Reserve (including shuttle service). Moon Bay. Kanas, Mongolian for “beautiful and abundant, mysterious and unpredictable,” is a high-altitude lake nestled in Altai’s deep mountains. Ten times the size of Bogda Tianchi, its ever-changing colors and tranquil Moon Bay create a mesmerizing, relaxing escape.。
★Wo Long Bay. Located in the Kanas River valley, Wo Long Bay is a series of winding river bends carved by the river’s persistent erosion. Viewed from the platform on the east side road, the Ω-shaped river bend resembles a dragon at play, earning its name. The riverbank boasts lush greenery, wildflowers, grazing livestock, and towering ancient trees, while beyond, vibrant mountain peaks add to the lively and thriving scene.
★Moon Bay. 1 kilometer north of Wo Long Bay along the Kanas River lies the crescent-shaped Moon Bay, a blue gem changing with Kanas Lake’s water levels. It holds the barefoot prints left by Chang’e, surrounded by the scenic Altai Mountains and the Ertis River’s natural beauty. The picturesque landscape includes abundant water and grass, herds of cattle and sheep, and scattered Kazakh felt tents resembling stars on the vast grassland.
★Shenxian Bay. Shenxian Bay, actually a marshy shoal formed by the Kanas River in a gentle mountain gorge, shimmers in sunlight. Enveloped in mist, it creates an otherworldly, dreamlike atmosphere, resembling a fairyland.
★ Fish Viewing Pavilion (including shuttle service). Located atop the Camel Peak on the west bank of Kanas Lake, the Fish Viewing Pavilion was built to observe the “lake monster,” commonly known as the big red fish. Although sightings of the fish are rare, it offers the best panoramic view of Kanas Lake, capturing the shimmering snowy mountains, lush forests, and the azure lake.
Accommodation : Shangshi Hotel Riverside Art Holiday Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★Colourful Beach Known as the “World’s Number One Beach,” Colorful Beach is embraced by the Ertis River, the only one flowing into the Arctic Ocean. Its southern oasis, desert, and blue sky scenery create a harmonious landscape. The northern bank showcases a vibrant array of colorful, picturesque, and captivating rock formations, earning it the name “Colorful Beach” and recognition as Xinjiang’s most beautiful yardang landform.”★ Urhe Devil City (including train ride). The cracked ground of Devil City is dotted with sparse camel thorn bushes. Shaped by millions of years of water erosion and wind abrasion, the mesa-like mountains resemble ancient city walls and fortresses. Known as the top-ranking “Most Beautiful Yardang Landforms in China,” Devil City is a natural museum featured in films like the Oscar-winning “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
Accommodation : Xigema Hotel, Runjing International Hotel, Jinhui International Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★Sailimu Lake Haixi Scenic Area. Sailimu, Kazakh for “wish” or colloquially “San Tai Haizi” (Three Towers Lakes), is a radiant “sapphire” nestled in the Western Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by lush pastures. Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine cold-water lake, Sailimu Lake’s tranquil azure waters and serene surroundings host the annual Nadam Fair in late July to early August.★ Lavender Tourist Base. (May to June) Yining, at the foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, is China’s primary lavender-producing region. Sharing similarities with Provence, France, it ranks as the world’s third-largest lavender cultivation base.
Accommodation : Grand View Hotel, Wenzhou International Hotel Tianyuan International Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Roasted Whole Lamb Flavor
*Lavender Bloom Period: Late May to mid-June (first season) and late July to August (second season), with respective harvests in late June and late September. In case of unexpected factors, the itinerary will proceed as planned for appreciation. We appreciate your understanding.
★Ili River Scenery. Also known as Yili River or Yili Water, it’s Xinjiang’s largest inland river, located 16 kilometers from Yining. The scenic 1,500-kilometer stretch, flowing from east to west, reaches Kazakhstan, ultimately entering Lake Balkhash. The picturesque Ili River features snow-capped peaks, greenery, and the famous Yili Bridge, offering a superb location for capturing sunsets—a favorite subject for photographers.
★ Nalati Grassland (including shuttle service). Nalati Grassland, one of the world’s four major alpine meadow zones, is a renowned historic pasture adorned with valleys, peaks, deep gorges, and forests. With an annual precipitation of up to 800 mm, it’s known as the “Deer Garden,” offering a picturesque scene of white felt tents, green grass, and snowy peaks. From June to September, vibrant wildflowers paint the meadows, creating a dazzling landscape. This period marks the prime season for pastoralism and local gatherings, providing a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions and customs of the Kazakh people.
Accommodation : Cultural Tourism Narat Hotel, Jinglan Holiday Hotel, Wansen Holiday Hotel, or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★Kalajun. Kalajun Tourist Area, a pinnacle in the “Tianshan Mountains” World Natural Heritage Site, stands out as one of the 200 global biodiversity hotspots. It represents the distinctive and well-preserved ecosystems of the “Central Asian Mountain Meadow and Forest Ecological Region.”★ Kuokesu Grand Canyon, originating from the central Tianshan Mountains, showcases stunning landscapes formed by geological movements and the interaction of snowmelt water with sedimentary rock layers over millions of years.
Accommodation : Phoenix International Hotel, Zhande Hotel, Bauhinia International Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★Kazak Folk Tourism Area. Situated in Yining’s old city area, the Kazak Folk Tourism Area presents the Uighur customs of Ili, preserving century-old traditional dwellings and customs. It aims to become a large, authentic cultural tourism destination, blending Central Asian and local Talanqi traditional culture. Attractions include Hadik specialty streets, Uighur cuisine, traditional weddings, dance performances, and handicraft workshops.
Accommodation : Jinghe Wenzhou Grand Hotel, Usu Yijiang Hotel, Kuitun Kaixiang Hotel or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
★ Dushanzi Grand Canyon.：The river, flowing from the Tianshan Mountains, carved the spectacular Dushanzi Grand Canyon in the southwest direction. The canyon features distinctive terraces, at least nine levels, adorned with desert grassland. The canyon showcases steep cliffs, flowing water, and intricate patterns, carved by Tianshan snowmelt and rainwater erosion on the soil, resulting in muddy waters.
Accommodation : Hantang Hotel, Choice Holiday Hotel, Xinlv Jinggu Hotel, or SML
Breakfast：Hotel
Lunch：Chinese Dish
Dinner: Chinese Dish
After organizing our belongings today, let’s head to the airport and board the flight back to the warm embrace of home, putting a perfect end to this mysterious journey through Xinjiang. Closing the chapter on this enjoyable and unforgettable deep exploration.
Breakfast：Hotel
