Northern Xinjiang Mini Loop | 8-Day 7-Night Highlights Tour of Urumqi + Tianshan Tianchi + Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake in Xinjiang

Welcome to Urumqi~! Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the city farthest from the ocean in the world, and a necessary passage on the new northern route of the world-famous ancient Silk Road. Located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by mountains and water, with vast fertile fields, the people who have lived here for generations affectionately call it 'Urumqi,' meaning 'beautiful pasture.' Our driver will meet you at the arrival hall of Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and take you to a hotel in downtown Urumqi for check-in. After that, you can rest at the hotel or explore the surrounding area. Suggestions for free time If it is still early, you can arrange your own activities in Urumqi. For those who want to learn about Xinjiang's humanistic history, the first recommendation is the Xinjiang Museum (free; no entry after 4:30 p.m.; closed on Mondays). For those who want to experience exotic charm, you can go to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, with its unique Western Regions culture and dazzling array of goods—you might find some good bargains. For those who 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 outside and tender inside roast lamb chops, lamb skewers, Ili horse sausages, and various specialty noodles.

After breakfast, you will travel about 70 kilometers (approximately 1-1.5 hours) to visit Tianshan Tianchi. [Tianshan Tianchi], anciently called "Yaochi," is a crescent-shaped lake on the northern side of Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains and a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang. The lake surface is at an altitude of 1,910 meters, with a maximum depth of 105 meters. The lake reflects Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, with scenery like a fairyland. The scenic area encompasses natural landscapes such as alpine lakes, wetland meadows, and forest canyons. As the light changes, the lake water appears emerald green up close and blue in the distance, very beautiful. You can stroll along the lakeside trail (total length 12.5 km, about 3-5 hours) and enjoy the stunning lake and mountain scenery. Optional activities at Tianshan Tianchi (at your own expense): 1. Lake cruise: Take a boat tour of Tianchi, immersing yourself in the Yaochi scenery. 2. Mayashan Cableway: Take the cableway to the summit at 3,056 meters, overlooking the panoramic view of Tianchi and the magnificent Bogda Peak in the distance. Afterward, continue to Fuyun. The scenery gradually changes from city buildings to Gobi Desert—this is the Junggar Basin. In the hinterland of the [Gurbantunggut Desert] lies a paradise for wildlife. This is a protected area for ungulates, where you can often encounter wild donkeys, wild horses, wild camels, and if lucky, capture them foraging. Upon arriving in Fuyun, check into your hotel and rest.

After breakfast, you will drive 52 kilometers (about 1 hour) to visit the [Koktokay Scenic Area]. Take the Koktokay shuttle bus along the Irtysh River, admiring the towering birch forests, Stone Gate, Husband-and-Wife Trees, and other sights, and photograph the iconic landmark of the Koktokay Scenic Area—Shenzhong Mountain. Then head to Kokosuri, one of the main attractions of Koktokay and a marsh wetland. The lake water here is blue and clear, rich in aquatic plants and animals. From afar, the lakeside is covered with green grass, wildflowers bloom, and herds of cattle and sheep graze. In the afternoon sunlight, smoke rises from the yurts of Kazakh herders, like a frontier pastoral scene. In summer and autumn, large numbers of red geese, white swans, gray cranes, sand gulls, and wild ducks breed here. Then leave Fuyun and continue onward, arriving at Wucaitan (Five-Colored Beach) around evening. [Wucaitan] features one river with two banks, each different from north to south. On the south bank, oasis, desert, and blue sky merge, offering a panoramic view. On the north bank is a cliff-style Yardang landform with undulating ridges and varied colors. The rocks here are mainly red, interspersed with green, yellow, white, black, and transitional colors. Especially at sunset, bathed in the setting sun, the colors are brilliant and enchanting. You can admire Xinjiang's most beautiful Yardang landform. After the visit, continue by vehicle to Burqin for overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will drive 122 km (about 2-2.5 hours) to visit Kanas Scenic Area. After arriving at the Jiadengyu Ticket Center, transfer to the shuttle bus to enter the scenic area. First, head to the Fish Watching Platform, standing at the highest point of Kanas to take in the panoramic view of the entire Kanas Lake and the distant mountains (the shuttle bus only goes halfway up the mountain; you need to walk up 1,068 steps). Then stroll along the lakeside boardwalk and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding lake and mountain scenery. Optional Activity (at your own expense): You can take a Kanas Lake cruise to immersively enjoy the landscape of Kanas and experience the wonderful feeling of traveling through a painting. Afterward, continue to visit the Three Bays: Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay. First, take the sightseeing bus to Immortal Bay, where you can enjoy the scenery often shrouded in mist, with mountain views, lake water, and trees complementing each other like a fairyland. Then arrive at Moon Bay, walk a short distance to enjoy the panoramic view of the crescent-shaped river bend. Then take the sightseeing bus or hike along the shaded path to Dragon Bay, named because the island in the middle of the river resembles a lying stegosaurus. The scenery here is even more superb, especially in autumn, when the trees along the lake shore and the emerald lake complement each other, breathtakingly beautiful.

After breakfast, depart from Kanas and drive about 1 hour to reach Hemu Village, one of China's most charming leisure villages. Hemu Village is a small village where Kazakhs and Tuvans live together. The houses here are all built of logs, very primitive and simple. Wisps of cooking smoke rise from the quiet village, the Hemu River flows quietly amid the birch forest, and various colors of Gesang flowers bloom on the fences in front of the doors, especially charming against the blue sky and white clouds. After entering Hemu Village, you can leisurely stroll along the country paths, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of surrounding snow-capped mountains, forests, and the village. You can also view the Tuvan wooden houses from the outside. If you happen to meet local Kazakhs or Tuvans, you can try greeting them or chatting to further understand the local lifestyle and customs. After the visit, go to Burqin County for accommodation.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Burqin and drive about 236 km (about 3 hours) to visit the Karamay World Devil City, once rated by Chinese National Geography as the finest of China's three most beautiful yardang landforms. The Karamay World Devil City, also known as Urho Wind City, is famous for its stunning yardang landforms and the eerie sounds made by wind blowing through the valleys, and was a filming location for the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. You can take the scenic shuttle bus to admire the naturally formed structures that resemble ancient city walls, fortresses and palaces, as well as vivid geological formations shaped like plants and animals. After the visit, head to Kuitun for check-in, a drive of about 245 km taking 2.5 to 3 hours.

After breakfast, depart from Kuitun and drive about 310 kilometers (3.5 hours) to visit Sayram Lake, known as the last tear of the Atlantic. [Sayram Lake] displays different colors under different lighting angles—sometimes deep blue, sometimes emerald green—making the scenery exceptionally beautiful. Today you will begin exploring from the East Gate of the scenic area, enjoying the lake scenery beneath the snow mountains, then tour the highlight sections along the lakeside ring road (90 kilometers, about 5–6 hours), immersing yourself in the magnificent and enchanting views of Sayram Lake. If the weather is good, be sure not to miss the colorful sunset over Sayram Lake. Sayram Lake travel tip: June to August is the best time to visit Sayram Lake, when the climate is warm and comfortable, the sky is clear, the grass is green and flowers bloom, and the scenery is especially beautiful. After the visit, pass by the grand and majestic [Guozigou Bridge]. The bridge sits in a beautiful valley, accompanied by towering mountains and surrounded by grasslands and trees. Don't miss capturing this magnificent sight with your camera. Driving out of Guozigou, the view suddenly opens up. Continue to Yining for hotel check-in.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Yining Railway Station to take the high-speed train back to Urumqi (about 5–5.5 hours). This will conclude the tour. We hope this Xinjiang journey leaves you with wonderful memories, and we look forward to meeting you again~