8 Days Xinjing Tours

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.

Day1 Arrive in Urumqi

Arrive in Urumqi, the gateway to Xinjiang and an important hub along the ancient Silk Road. After checking into your hotel, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may stroll through local streets, sample authentic Xinjiang cuisine such as lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles, or simply prepare for the scenic journey ahead. Overnight in Urumqi.

Day2 Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Karamay Desert Park – Sunset Music Party at General’s Mountain – Transfer to Altay City – Overnight in Altay

Travel along the scenic S21 Desert Highway, one of Xinjiang’s most impressive desert routes, surrounded by vast dunes and endless landscapes. Stop at Karamay Desert Park to experience the beauty of the desert and capture stunning photographs of its unique terrain. In the evening, head to General’s Mountain to enjoy a spectacular sunset and a lively outdoor music gathering, where breathtaking views and local culture come together. Afterward, continue to Altay City for an overnight stay.

Day3Altay – Hemu Scenic Area – Overnight in Hemu (inside the scenic area)
Note: Hemu-Alatai Road access is subject to official notifications.

Depart from Altay and drive toward the picturesque Hemu Scenic Area, a hidden gem in Xinjiang renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes and traditional Kazakh and Mongolian villages. Wander through lush valleys dotted with wooden log houses, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains. Hemu is famous for its peaceful atmosphere, crystal-clear rivers, and breathtaking natural scenery, making it an ideal spot for photography and immersion in local culture.

Spend the night inside Hemu Scenic Area, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility and the starry night sky of this remote mountain village.

Day4Hemu – Kanas Scenic Area – Transfer to Burqin County – Overnight in Burqin

Leave Hemu and continue to the breathtaking Kanas Scenic Area, one of China’s most beautiful alpine destinations. Surrounded by dense forests, snow-capped peaks, and pristine lakes, Kanas is famous for its crystal-clear waters that change color with the seasons. Explore the stunning lakeside scenery, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of northern Xinjiang. After your visit, transfer to Burqin County for an overnight stay.

Day5Burqin – Ghost City – Transfer to Kuitun / Dushanzi City – Overnight in Kuitun / Dushanzi

Depart from Burqin and journey to the remarkable Urho Ghost City, one of China's most spectacular Yardang landscapes. Shaped by wind and erosion over millions of years, this otherworldly terrain features towering rock formations resembling castles, fortresses, animals, and ancient ruins. Known as the "City of Devils," the area is famous for the haunting sounds created when strong winds pass through its rocky corridors. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Yardang landform regions in China and a paradise for photography enthusiasts. After exploring this geological wonder, continue to Kuitun or Dushanzi for an overnight stay.

Day6Kuitun / Dushanzi – Self-drive to Sayram Lake – Sailboat Experience – Transfer to Yining City – Overnight in Yining

Depart from Kuitun or Dushanzi and travel to the breathtaking Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang and often called the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.” Nestled among the majestic Tianshan Mountains, the lake is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, and seasonal wildflower meadows. Enjoy a relaxing sailboat experience, offering spectacular views of the lake's turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery from a unique perspective. Afterwards, continue your journey through the beautiful Ili region to Yining, a city known for its rich multicultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Yining.

Day7Yining – Nalati Sky Grassland – Transfer to Nalati Town – Overnight in Nalati

Travel to the spectacular Nalati Grassland, one of China's most beautiful alpine grasslands and a highlight of the Ili region. Explore the famous Sky Grassland, perched at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, where rolling green meadows stretch toward the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains. Along the way, you'll encounter winding streams, wildflower-covered hills, traditional Kazakh pastures, and breathtaking panoramic views. Nalati has been an important stop along the ancient Silk Road and remains a place where nomadic culture and stunning natural scenery come together. After exploring the grassland, continue to Nalati Town for an overnight stay.

Day8Nalati Town – Duku Highway (North Section) – Transfer to Urumqi – Overnight in Urumqi

Start your day in the picturesque Nalati Town, surrounded by vast grasslands and rolling hills. Enjoy the morning tranquility and capture stunning photos of the natural scenery.Then, embark on a scenic drive along the North Section of the Duku Highway, renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, alpine meadows, and dramatic valleys. This stretch is a photographer’s paradise, offering countless opportunities to admire and photograph Xinjiang’s diverse terrain.In the afternoon, transfer to Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang, where you can relax after the journey and reflect on the day’s scenic wonders. Overnight stay in Urumqi.