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Day1

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

Pick up from airport Transfer to hotel

Activities

Pick up from airport
Transfer to hotel

Details

Upon your arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to the rhythm of Xinjiang's vibrant capital. Urumqi, the gateway to the ancient Silk Road, offers a fascinating blend of modern Chinese culture and Central Asian influences. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a leisurely walk near the hotel or sample local Uyghur cuisine.

Hotel

A-Tour Grand bazaar hotel

Distance

~25 km

Driving Time

~40 minutes

Day2

Day 2: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake – Beitun City

Visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) Drive to Beitun

Activities

Visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
Drive to Beitun

Details

After breakfast, depart Urumqi and drive north. Visit the majestic Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), cradled in the eastern Tianshan Mountains. Spend time exploring this stunning alpine oasis, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense pine forests. The crystal-clear blue waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a scene of serene beauty. Take a leisurely walk along the lake shore or venture into the forest trails. After lunch near the lake, continue your journey to Beitun, a small city that serves as the gateway to the Kanas region.

Hotel

Chengji Huayuan Gardon Hotel

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Distance

~500 km

Driving Time

~7–8 hours

Day3

Day 3: Beitun – Altay Hemu Scenic Highway to Hemu Village

Drive along Altay Hemu Scenic Highway to Hemu Village

Activities

Drive along Altay Hemu Scenic Highway to Hemu Village

Details

After breakfast, drive along the breathtaking Altay Hemu Scenic Highway, one of the most beautiful roads in Xinjiang. The winding road takes you through lush forests, rolling meadows, and past snow-capped peaks. Arrive at Hemu Village, one of the most beautiful and remote villages in Xinjiang. Home to the Tuva people (a Mongolian ethnic group), this village features traditional wooden cabins with smoke curling from chimneys, surrounded by golden birch forests and grazing horses. Spend the afternoon exploring this tranquil paradise.

Hotel

Hemu Shenxian Yuling Courtyard Homestay

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Distance

~250 km

Driving Time

~4–5 hours

Day4

Day 4: Hemu Village to Kanas Lake

Hike around Kanas Lake Go up Guanyutai Pavilion for panoramic view Boating (optional) Visit Baihaba Village (optional with permit own expenses)

Activities

Hike around Kanas Lake
Go up Guanyutai Pavilion for panoramic view
Boating (optional)
Visit Baihaba Village (optional with permit own expenses)

Details

After breakfast, drive to the world-famous Kanas Lake Scenic Area, often described as the most beautiful lake in China. Spend the day immersed in its legendary beauty. Hike around the turquoise lake, then ascend to Guanyutai Pavilion, perched on a hillside overlooking the lake. The climb rewards you with a spectacular panoramic view of Kanas Lake – turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks and virgin forest. You may also enjoy a boat ride on the lake (at your own expense). If you have obtained a permit, you can visit Baihaba Village, a hidden gem near the border. Overnight in Kanas lake attractions area.

Hotel

Wooden house senlin Enci

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Distance

~60 km

Driving Time

~1–1.5 hours

Day5

Day 5: Kanas Lake to Burqin

Visit Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, Fairy Bay along Kanas River Hike through forest Drive to Burqin and stop at Wucaitan (Rainbow Beach)

Activities

Visit Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, Fairy Bay along Kanas River
Hike through forest
Drive to Burqin and stop at Wucaitan (Rainbow Beach)

Details

Today you'll explore the most picturesque section of the Kanas River. Visit Moon Bay, named for its crescent-moon shape; Dragon Bay, where a sandbar resembles a dragon swimming in turquoise water; and Fairy Bay, where morning mist creates an ethereal atmosphere. If you enjoy hiking, take a forest trail along the Kanas River to fully appreciate the pristine beauty. After lunch, drive to Burqin. On the way, stop at Wucaitan (Rainbow Beach), where surreal, multi-hued rock formations glow brilliantly in the late afternoon light, contrasting with the winding Irtysh River.

Hotel

Huanjiang Hotel

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Distance

~150 km

Driving Time

~2–3 hours

Day6

Day 6: Burqin to Dushanzi

Visit Wuerhe Ghost City on the way

Activities

Visit Wuerhe Ghost City on the way

Details

Depart Burqin after breakfast and head south. Your main stop is Wuerhe Ghost City, a vast desert landscape of wind-eroded rock formations that create an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. This classic "Yadan" landscape – named for the Uyghur word meaning "steep bank" – features towering rock pillars, sculpted arches, and hollow gullies that produce haunting whistling sounds when the wind blows. After exploring this natural marvel, continue your drive to Dushanzi.

Hotel

Xigema Hotel

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Distance

~483.1 km

Driving Time

~5–8 hours

Day7

Day 7: Dushanzi to Urumqi Through S101 scenic road

Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon Drive along the S101 Scenic Road Visit Anjihai Grand Canyon

Activities

Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Drive along the S101 Scenic Road
Visit Anjihai Grand Canyon

Details

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a dramatic rift in the earth with layered rock walls in shades of red, brown, and grey. Carved over millennia by the river, this spectacular canyon offers breathtaking views from its rim. Then embark on a scenic drive along the S101 Scenic Road, one of Xinjiang's most picturesque routes. This newly paved mountain road winds through the Tianshan foothills, passing through colorful Danxia landforms, rolling grasslands, and dramatic valleys. Along the way, stop at Anjihai Grand Canyon, another magnificent canyon with striking red and ochre rock formations. Continue your journey to Urumqi, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.

Hotel

A-Tour Grand bazaar hotel

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Distance

~350 km

Driving Time

~6–7 hours (including scenic stops)

Day8

Day 8: Urumqi departure

Transfer to Urumqi airport for your flight back home

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

Activities

Details

Day 2: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake – Beitun City

Activities

Details

Day 3: Beitun – Altay Hemu Scenic Highway to Hemu Village

Activities

Details

Day 4: Hemu Village to Kanas Lake

Activities

Details

Day 5: Kanas Lake to Burqin

Activities

Details

Day 6: Burqin to Dushanzi

Activities

Details

Day 7: Dushanzi to Urumqi Through S101 scenic road

Activities

Details

Day 8: Urumqi departure

Activities

Details

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