【Ili In-Depth Tour】Xinjiang Sayram Lake + Kazanqi + Kalajun + Kuokesu + Qiongkushitai + Bagua City + Nalati Grassland + Tangbula + Bayanbulak + Tianchi + Dushanzi Grand Canyon + Duku Highway 10-Day 9-Night Private Car Custom Tour

Welcome to Xinjiang, known as the hometown of song and dance, food, and beautiful scenery. Our agency will send a special car to pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel to check in and rest. If it is still early, you can arrange activities in Urumqi by yourself. If you want to learn about Xinjiang's humanities and history, the first recommendation is [Xinjiang Museum] (free, only exit and no entry after 4:30 PM; closed on Mondays); if you want to feel the exotic customs, you can go to [Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar], with unique Western Region culture and a dazzling array of goods, maybe you can find many good deals. If you want to taste delicious food, you can go to the Grand Bazaar Night Market to eat and stroll, such as the nationally famous Big Plate Chicken, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside roasted lamb chops, roasted lamb skewers, Ili horse sausage, various specialty noodles, etc.

After breakfast, drive to the [Sayram Lake Scenic Area]. The route passes the starting point of S101 Provincial Road at the Xishan Farm intersection of National Highway 216, more than 20 kilometers south of Urumqi, and ends at the Bayingou Mouth of Dushanzi. Once a little-known national defense highway, it extends east-west along the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains at an altitude of 1,000 meters, revealing along the way a landscape line of brilliant colors and extraordinary scenery shaped by hundreds of millions of years of crustal movement and wind-and-rain erosion. Upon arriving at Sayram Lake, take the shuttle bus into the scenic area for sightseeing. Sayram Lake presents different colors under different lighting angles, either azure blue or emerald green. The scenic area has asphalt roads, and the lakeside loop road is about 70 kilometers long. We can make a full circle around Sayram Lake, passing Genghis Khan's Reviewing Stand and the Haixi viewpoint, where you may be lucky enough to see swans, then stay overnight at Sayram Lake. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] A: Qinshuitan: Observe swans playing in the water up close; put on a white dress and stroll along the lakeside to capture reflections B: Film City: Various photo props will keep you shooting nonstop, such as: the Lord of the Rings filming location, little yellow cars, hot air balloon statues, pumpkin carriages, and more. Today is your day to shine! C: Reviewing Stand: The ovoo draped with prayer flags is also covered with blessings. Here you can pray for family and friends far away. D: Kele Yongzhu: Get close to the lake water at the mountain spring bend, pick up a stone and throw it into the lake to experience the childhood fun of "skipping stones"; the beautiful Silver Moon Embankment must not be missed, as it is one of the classic photo spots at Sayram Lake; (Suggested visit time: 30 minutes) E: Songshutou: Hike along the wooden boardwalk to the mountaintop, overlooking the panoramic view of Sayram Lake to the north and the Guozigou Bridge to the south from a bird's-eye view [Suggested Visit Time] Sayram Lake: 4h-5h [Warm Tips] 1: During the day, UV rays are strong and it feels cool, so please bring long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen. 2: Today's drive is relatively long, so you may download movies in advance and prepare some snacks.

After breakfast, head to the Guozigou Bridge—grand, natural, and magnificent. Immerse yourself in the beautiful valley, accompanied by towering mountains and surrounded by grasslands and forests. Don't miss the chance to capture this majestic sight with your camera. Then we come to the Kazanqi Folk Street, hidden in Yining and known as the "Chefchaouen of the East." This is a Uyghur residential area, with Uyghur-style architecture and colorful alleys that will surely catch your eye. Take a horse-drawn carriage, buy a specialty handmade ice cream, and wander through the quiet alleys. It feels as if time has turned back, quickly pulling you from the hustle and bustle of the city back to 100 years ago. Today you too can become a great photographer. In the evening, you can go to the Ili River bank to enjoy the afterglow of the sunset, stroll on the Ili Bridge, and enjoy the quiet time. Overnight in Yining. Today's Scenic Area Guide Recommendations [Things to Do] A: Experience riding a horse-drawn carriage and tour the distinctive streets here. B: Visit the homes of local ethnic minorities, feel their warmth, and taste handmade ice cream. [Suggested Duration] Guozigou Bridge: 30 minutes; Kazanqi: 2h [Warm Tips] 1: The UV rays are strong during the day in the scenic area, so please take sun protection measures. 2: There are many mosquitoes in the woods, so prepare floral water or similar in advance.

After breakfast, head to Qiongkushitai. Qiongkushitai is a quiet and peaceful place hidden deep in the mountains, with pure skies, endless grasslands, fresh floral scents, and a hint of primitive life. Here, under blue skies and white clouds are snow mountains; below the snow mountains and fir forests is Qiongkushitai. The pale green grasslands and colorful flower seas have distinct layers and harmonious tones, forming a natural grassland beauty. Overnight in Qiongkushitai. Today's Scenic Area Tips [Things to Do] A: Hike or ride a horse at your own expense to the back mountain, overlook the panorama, and feel the flower seas and meadows. B: Hike or ride a horse at your own expense to the alpine lake, crossing grasslands, forests, and rivers along the way, with superb scenery; (about five hours round trip) (500 yuan/person) C: Visit a simple herder's home, sip milk tea, eat some naan, and feel their simple smiles. D: Stroll through the village and quietly wait for the sunset and starry sky. [Suggested Time] 7-8h [Warm Tips] 1: Qiongkushitai Village is a primitive ancient village with limited accommodation. 2: The road to Qiongkushitai is bumpy; those prone to motion sickness should prepare motion sickness medicine in advance.

After breakfast, arrive at [Kalajun Grassland]. A vast and boundless grassland at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains comes into view. Under the shining sun, thousands of golden rays spread across the green grassland, flowers bloom in full glory, cattle and sheep stroll among them, herdsmen ride horses to graze, leisurely and comfortable, a peaceful scene, a paradise. Herds of cattle and sheep, scattered yurts, immerse yourself in the scenery, ride a steed, and gallop together. The enthusiastic Kazakhs will definitely make you fall deeply in love with this place! Then head to Kuokexun Canyon. [Kuokexun Grand Canyon] is a deep, winding, and beautiful canyon. Overlooking Kuokexun Grand Canyon from the grassland, the entire canyon has steep cliffs and dangerous terrain. The Kuokexun River flows through the bottom of the valley. Take the cableway from the Kalajun cableway station, and it only takes a dozen seconds to reach Kuokexun Canyon. Then take the shuttle bus passing by Crocodile Bay Station, Kuokexun Grand Canyon Station, and Jiuqu Shiba Wan Station along the way. In the evening, look for Xinjiang specialty food on Li Street, see the night view of Bagua City, and stay overnight in Tekes Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [How to Play] A: Hike from Flower Platform to Five-Flower Meadow, and see the snow mountains of the Middle Tianshan from afar (round trip 1.5 hours) B: If you have plenty of time, you can hike from Flower Platform to Falcon Platform, with flowers along the way C: Hike from Falcon Platform to Huaban Forest (round trip about 1.5 hours) D: Ride a horse from Falcon Platform to Kurde Forest (round trip 2 hours) [Play Time] Kalajun suggested 3h-4h; Kuokexun suggested 3h [Warm Tips] 1: There is a lot of hiking in the scenic area, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes 2: In summer, ultraviolet rays and wind are relatively strong, do a good job of sun protection and wind protection measures

After breakfast, follow the Kunges River onto the [Middle Section of the Duku Highway]. Every casual snapshot out the window is a masterpiece, because crossing the Tianshan Mountains, the steep terrain, and the many traffic restrictions add a layer of mystery to the Duku Highway. Prepare your camera to unveil its mystery! Then arrive at the long-awaited [Bayanbulak Grassland]. The vast grassland is like a giant green carpet covering the entire land. Green grass, herds of cattle and sheep, surrounded by mountains, swans playing in the water, and wisps of cooking smoke rising in the distance. Find a suitable angle on the viewing platform to photograph the sunset over the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns! After sightseeing, check in at Bayanbulak Town. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] A: Take the shuttle bus to the first stop, Swan Homeland, to see swans or water birds nestled and playing in the water B: Take the shuttle bus to the second stop, Bayinkure, to experience ethnic culture C: The final stop is the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns station. Find a good angle and wait for the sunset. If lucky, you can photograph nine suns reflected on the water surface of the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns. D: Those interested in performances can watch "East Return Image" at their own expense (298 yuan/person) [Suggested Visit Time] Bayanbulak: 3-4h [Warm Tips] 1: Bayanbulak has many mosquitoes in summer, so please prepare mosquito protection. 2: Sunset is relatively late, so it is recommended to bring some snacks into the scenic area. 3: Bayanbulak has lower temperatures, so keep warm.

After breakfast, head to the 【Nalati Scenic Area】. On the grassland, beneath the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, an endless expanse of grassland unfolds before your eyes. Under the sun's rays, thousands of golden beams spread across the green grassland, flowers bloom in profusion, cattle and sheep wander freely, herders ride horses to graze, leisurely and carefree — what a peaceful scene, what a hidden paradise. Forest and grassland, high mountain snow peaks, herds of cattle and sheep, scattered yurts — immerse yourself in the scenery, mount a steed, and gallop together. The warm-hearted Kazakh people will surely make you fall deeply in love with this place! Afterwards, head to the 【Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery】. Tangbula is characterized by forests, grasslands, rushing streams, and mountain rocks. The grassland along the riverside Hundred-Mile Gallery is mostly terraced. In summer, flowers cover the mountains and plains. As vehicles drive through, both sides of the road look like an oil painting — traveling along the way is like strolling through a painting. If time permits, you can also visit Fairy Lake to explore a hidden paradise. Today's Scenic Area Tips 【Activities】 A: Take the shuttle bus to the Sky Grassland, where you can pay extra to take a battery car to Snow Lotus Valley and overlook the panoramic view of the grassland B: You can also pay extra to ride a horse on the grassland (80 yuan/hour) and be a child of the grassland for a while C: Visit a yurt on the grassland to taste a pot of homemade milk tea and take a happy group photo with Uncle Reli D: To visit Fairy Lake, you can choose to hike or ride a horse. 【Suggested Duration】Nalati: 4h-5h 【Warm Tips】 1: The UV rays are strong during the day, please pay attention to sun protection 2: Horse riding is an optional paid activity with certain risks. Please choose according to your own condition. When riding, be sure to choose the professional horse team at the scenic area

The highlight always comes last. They say traveling in Xinjiang is a road trip, and on the final day, experiencing the [Northern Section of the Duku Highway] is essential. Experience all four seasons in one day on a road that brings you surprises and memories. Along the way, take in the scenery of all four seasons; every casual snapshot out the window is a masterpiece. Because it crosses the Tianshan Mountains, has steep terrain, and has many traffic restrictions, the Duku Highway is shrouded in mystery. Prepare your camera and go unveil its mystery! Afterwards, drive to the [Dushanzi Grand Canyon Scenic Area], one of the sights along the Duku Highway. To experience the canyon's majesty up close, you must descend a very long staircase and marvel at nature's craftsmanship. Walk down the Y-shaped stairs to a flat area at one end of the canyon, facing the towering cliff face of the canyon's fault. Near the canyon's edge, look down to the bottom: a 200-meter vertical drop with sharp, jagged rocks—breathtaking. Stay overnight in Kuitun. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] 1. Duku Highway A: At the Martyrs' Cemetery, listen to the old squad leader tell stories of those days. Take a photo with the old squad leader as a keepsake. B: At Hashilegen Daban, experience a snowball fight and eat watermelon in the snow. C: Check in at the internet-famous "Heavenly Waterfall" and take a group photo. D: Check in at the "Guarding Tianshan" stone monument and feel the martyrs' deep patriotic spirit. 2. Dushanzi Grand Canyon A: Overlook the spectacular scenery of Dushanzi Grand Canyon. B: Glass bridge at your own expense, 100 yuan/person. C: Ground rail slide car at your own expense, 60 yuan/person. [Time to Spend] Duku Highway: walk and shoot along the way; Dushanzi Grand Canyon: 2h. [Warm Tips] 1: The Duku Highway is a winding mountain road. If you get carsick, prepare motion sickness patches in advance. 2: Most entertainment facilities at Dushanzi Grand Canyon are high-altitude projects, so pay attention to your arrangements when visiting.

After breakfast, head to [Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area]. The scenery of Tianchi unfolds like a scroll. In front of you is a piece of azure lake water, and in the distance is the main peak of Bogda. The snow-capped top of the mountain is clearly visible. You can use your camera to capture this rare scene. Then return to Urumqi for overnight stay Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [How to Play] A: Walk slowly along the wooden plank road by the Tianchi Lake into the depths. The lake water is azure blue, somewhat like the blue of Jiuzhaigou. In the distance is the main peak of Bogda, and the snow-capped top of the mountain is clearly visible B: Take the Maya Mountain cableway at your own expense (220 yuan) and view the entire Tianchi from a God's perspective. [Play Time] Tianchi suggested 3h-3.5h [Warm Tips] Tianchi requires a lot of walking, wear comfortable shoes

After breakfast, arrange airport transfer according to flight schedule. Happy times always pass quickly, and the day has come for us to say goodbye. We hope this short trip to Xinjiang leaves you with beautiful memories, and we look forward to meeting you again~