Welcome to Urumqi, a cultural crossroads in Northwest China where diverse ethnic groups meet. The city offers a blend of modern life and traditional bazaars, surrounded by mountains. Your guide will greet you at Urumqi airport and escort you to your hotel by private vehicle for a relaxing arrival. Get rest and prepare well for the coming North Xinjiang magic tour.
Visiting Spots: S21 Desert Highway, Ulungur Lake "Sea Devil City, night programs on Burqin(Night Market, Custom Street, Tower Bridge etc.,)
Starting from Urumqi, take the S21 desert highway, which is a direct route across the Gobi, shortening travel time. Along the way, view the Gurbantunggut Desert, where shifting sand dunes meet sparse desert vegetation under vast skies. The highlight is the Ulungur Lake's Marine Devil City: wind-sculpted rock formations rise from the lakeshore, resembling ancient castles. Take a short hike among the eerie cliffs, enjoy a boat ride on the calm lake, and spot birds in the reeds.
Then continue to Burqin. When you arrive in, in the evening, stroll along the Hedi Riverside Night Market, explore the Sino-Russian Old Wharf style street, and snap photos at the iconic tower bridge.
Visiting Spots: Kanas Scenic Area( Kanas Three Bays+ Kanas Lake )
After breakfast, depart from Burqin for the day's highlight--the Kanas Scenic Area. Kanas greets you with clear lakes, dense forests, and rolling meadows. Walk along the Three Bays: Shenxian Bay (Fairy Bay), Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay. Each bend offers pleasant views, from misty waters to a curved shoreline shaped like a crescent, and a small sandbar resembling a dragon.
Continue to Kanas Lake, where you can take a gentle stroll on the lakeside boardwalk or join a boat ride(option) to appreciate the surrounding mountains and spruce forests. The quiet, fresh air and reflections on the water make the experience relaxing.
After exploring, head to Jiadengyu for an overnight stay.
Visiting Spots: Kanas Scenic Area(Climb Fish Watching Tower), Tuwa ethnic Village.
Today, you will enter the Kanas Scenic Area for a second visit. A key stop is climbing to Fish Watching Pavilion. From this elevated platform, you can take in a wide view of Kanas Lake winding through the forested valley. The gradual ascent offers changing perspectives of the lake’s color and shape, with fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings. And along the steep 1,068 steps climb rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Altai Mountains and the chance to spot the legendary 'Kanas Lake Monster'. This is the recommend spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
After descending, visit a Tuva family home in a traditional village. The Tuvans have a distinct culture, known for their wooden huts, herding lifestyle, and melodic throat singing, giving you a glimpse into their warm hospitality.
Following the visit, enjoy a scenic drive to Hemu, where you will stay overnight in this quiet village.
Visiting Spots: Hemu Village, Colorful Beach
Wake up naturally, then enjoy breakfast and stroll through Hemu Village. The village offers distinct seasonal views: spring wildflowers, summer green pastures, autumn golden birch leaves, and winter snow blankets. Walking along wooden paths, you can take photos of traditional wooden houses and experience the peaceful Tuva lifestyle.
Afterwards, transfer you to Burqin and visit Colorful Beach (Rainbow Beach). This site features layered rock formations in red, yellow, and green hues, set against the blue Irtysh River. Walking on boardwalks, you can observe wind-and-water-carved patterns and enjoy the scenic contrast.
Visiting Spots: Urho Devil City(Scenic Area of World Ghost Town of Karamay)
Depart Burqin for Karamay's Urho Devil City. This area features unique wind-eroded buttes and rocky outcrops forming towering, jagged, and bizarrely shaped, esemble castles, sphinxes, camels, and even human figures. You can along designated paths, spot kinds of rocks, and listen to the howling wind between the gullies. Photography under sunlight highlights layered earth tones.
After visiting, then continue to Kuytun for an overnight stay.
Visiting Spots: Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Yining Lavender Manor
After breakfast, head to the day's highlight: Sayram Lake. The lake's clear water sits among grasslands and mountains. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the shores. Summer brings green pastures with yurts and grazing horses. Autumn turns the surrounding trees into warm yellow and red tones. Winter covers the landscape in snow and ice, creating a calm white scene. Visitors can walk on wooden boardwalks, ride horses by the water, or simply enjoy the peaceful views.
Afterwards, continue to Yining city. On the way, pass through Guozigou Grand Canyon. Guozigou, also known as Taleda Pass, is a scenic valley in the Yili region of Xinjiang.
If the time is right, also will go to visit Yining Lavender Manor. This Manor boasts endless fields of fragrant purple blossoms, creating a breathtaking landscape reminiscent of Provence.
Visiting Spots: Yizhao Highway, Zhaosu Wetland Park
Depart from Yining City and take the Yizhao Highway, a mountain road offering scenic views of grasslands, forests, and steep cliffs along the way.
Then arrive at Zhaosu Wetland Park. This park features vast marshes, winding rivers, and open meadows surrounded by distant snow-capped peaks. The landscape changes with light and seasons: calm water reflects the sky, wild grasses sway in the breeze, and birds move through the shallows. Visitors can walk on wooden pathways, observe local plants, or simply breathe the fresh air. Later, watch the Tianma Bathing River show. Horses run through the shallow river under the mountain backdrop, creating a lively and magnificent scene.
Finally, stay overnight in Zhaosu County.
Visiting Spots: Shata Scenic Area
Depart from Zhaosu County to Shata Scenic Area. This area features snow capped peaks, glaciers, forested valleys, and grassy meadows along the Xiate River. Visitors can take a sightseeing bus deeper into the valley, then walk or ride horses on gentle paths. Views include the distant Mt. Khan Tengri, wildflowers in summer, and clear streams. It is a pleasant place for photography, hiking, and enjoying quiet nature.
Then continue to Tekes County. The county is laid out like an eight-diagram (Bagua) pattern, with streets radiating from a central square. Legend says the design was inspired by Taoist concepts of balance. No traffic lights are needed in the core area, which gives the town a special charm. Overnight in Tekes.
Visiting Spots: Kalajun Scenic Spot, Night Tour of the Bagua City (Eight Trigrams City)
After breakfast, head to Karajun Scenic Area, which includes the East and West Grasslands and the Kuokesu Grand Canyon. Karajun features rolling grassy hills, deep valleys, and layered wildflower meadows in warmer months. The terrain creates a sense of spaciousness, with herds of sheep and horses moving across green slopes. Visitors can walk on wooden paths, take a cable car over the canyon, or ride horses along ridge lines. The canyon walls show earthy colors, and the river winds below.
Afternoon return to Tekes County. In the evening, take a walk through the Bagua-style town center, deeply explore mysterious Tekes.
Visiting Spots: Nalati Sky Grassland
Depart from Tekes County to Nalati Grassland, known as the “Sky Grassland.” Nalati Grassland sits on a high mountain platform, featuring rolling green pastures dotted with white yurts and grazing sheep. The view stretches to distant snow-capped peaks, while wildflowers appear in open spaces during spring and summer. Visitors can walk on soft grass, breathe fresh air, or sit quietly to enjoy the gentle landscape. Then stay overnight in Nalati Town.
Visiting Spots: Duku Highway (North Section), Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Today, return from Nalati Town to Urumqi via the northern section of the Duku Highway. This road winds through high mountains, deep valleys, and open grasslands, offering changing views of snow, forest, and cliffs along the way.
Then stop at Dushanzi Grand Canyon. The canyon features steep, layered earth walls carved by water and wind, with a river running far below. The rock formations show shades of brown, red, and grey, creating a broad, open view.
Finally, continue to Urumqi for the night.
Today, transfer you to Urumqi airport to catch your departure flight.
