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Itinerary
Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, often referred to as the land of song and dance and a fruit paradise. The name “Urumqi” is derived from Mongolian, meaning “beautiful pasture.”
Upon arrival, your driver and guide will greet you at the airport with a banner. They will take you to your hotel, which is about 25 km from the city centre, a 30-minute drive away. After checking in, you’ll have some free time to discover the city at your own pace. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for recommendations on places to visit.
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Stay in Urumqi
Prepare yourself for an exciting day as you explore the stunning landscapes of Xinjiang. Your journey begins at the awe-inspiring Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), nestled high in the Tianshan Mountains. This sparkling emerald lake sits 1,980 metres above sea level, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and lush alpine forests, creating a truly magical atmosphere. On clear days, the reflection of the mountains on the lake’s surface is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the lake’s edge, inhale the fresh mountain air, and fully immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of this serene location.
As you take in the view, you’ll learn the captivating legend of the Queen Mother of the West, who is said to have hosted a lavish feast for King Mu of Zhou by the lake. This enchanting tale adds a touch of myth to the already mesmerizing surroundings.
After enjoying all that Heavenly Lake has to offer, it’s time to unwind. Your driver will take you to your hotel in Fuyun, where you can relax and rest up for the next day’s adventures.
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Stay in Fuyun
After breakfast, head to Koktokay National Geological Park for a visit. Koktokay is not a sea, but its beauty surpasses that of any ocean. In Mongolian, it’s called “Blue River Bay,” and in Kazakh, it means “Green Forest.” It’s a world-class geological park and a land rich in mineral resources. We’ll take a shuttle bus into the heart of the park. Along the way, you’ll pass birch forests and coniferous woods, following the Ertis River as it flows through the stunning valley. The river winds like a ribbon, connecting the entire landscape. This is the homeland of the Kazakh people, where life thrives in harmony with nature. Take your time here and make unforgettable memories.
After the visit, enjoy lunch, then take a short break. Our driver will then take you to Burqin, a journey of about 6 hours. As you travel, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival in Burqin, we’ll check you into your hotel. Relax and rest up, ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
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Stay in Burqin
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Kanas National Geopark(almost 4 hours), known as “the pure land of humanity.” In Mongolian, Kanas means “beautiful and mysterious lake.” The lake, formed by glacier meltwater and local rainfall, is 188 metres deep, making it the deepest glacial lake in China. It’s an inland freshwater lake.
You can take a boat ride on the lake, surrounded by stunning views. The park features high mountains, rivers, ancient forests, lakes, and grasslands. There’s also a Tuva village, home to the Mongolian people. The shuttle bus will stop at scenic spots like Immortal Bay, Dragon Bay, and Moon Bay(神仙湾、卧龙湾、月亮湾). These spots are perfect for capturing the beauty of the landscape with your eyes and camera.
Finally, take the shuttle bus to Fish Viewing Pavilion (Guanyu Pavilion). It is the prime attraction in the area and the best vantage point for a panoramic view of Kanas area.
After the visit, return to Jiadengyu and relax at your hotel.
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Stay in Jiadengyu
After breakfast, we drive to Hemu Village, often called the “God’s Backyard” or the “Pure Land of the World.” As you walk through this vibrant landscape, you’ll see smoke rising from chimneys, flocks of sheep grazing, and shepherds returning home. The village is dotted with small bridges, flowing streams, white birch trees, and cosy wooden cottages. Hemu is home to the Tuva people, who have preserved their traditional way of life. The area is a harmonious blend of pristine mountains, flowing rivers, snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, and clear blue skies. The peaceful atmosphere is enriched by the unique cultural landscape. Here, you can experience the beautiful sounds of throat singing, an ancient Tuva tradition, and feel the village’s primitive charm.
Next, we head to the Five Colored Beach, known as the most beautiful Yadan landform in Xinjiang. The beach, divided by the Ertis River, offers stunning views. The river, which is the only one in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean, splits the beach into northern and southern parts. From the southern bank, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the oasis, the Gurbantunggut Desert, and the endless blue sky meeting the horizon.
After today’s exploration, we return to the hotel in Burqin for the night.
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Stay in Burqin
After breakfast, we head to the Urho Ghost City (around 4 hours), a dramatic example of Yadan landform. This place has an otherworldly atmosphere. Wind and rain have sculpted deep valleys, transforming flat terrain into jagged spires and rocky platforms.
As you wander through, the stillness is pierced by the sound of howling winds. In summer and autumn, gusts can reach speeds of 7-8, sending sand and dust swirling through the valleys. The noise echoes like distant wails, which is how the area got its eerie name, Ghost City. The landscape’s raw, untamed beauty is unlike anywhere else. Massive, wind-carved rock formations tower over you, resembling ancient ruins and creating a surreal scene. The wind’s constant wail through the canyon heightens the sense of walking through a forgotten, lost place.
After exploring the Ghost City, the local driver will take you to your hotel in Kuitun, about a 3-hour drive away.
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Stay in Kuitun
Today, we drive to Sayram Lake, located in the western part of the Tianshan Mountains. This high-altitude lake is often called “the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean”. The journey takes about 4 hours.
The lake is 46 metres deep on average, with the deepest part reaching 106 metres. Originally, there were no fish here. In the 1990s, cold-water fish like the high white salmon were introduced from Russia. Over the years, it has become a major cold-water fish farming base in Xinjiang. The area is divided into several zones: a scenic route around the lake, a grassland pastoral area, a protected habitat for swans and other rare birds, and a comprehensive tourist service area. At Sayram Lake, you can feel the sapphire-blue water sparkling under the sunlight, creating a dazzling display. The lake is framed by distant snow-capped mountains and lush green grasslands, forming a picturesque scene straight out of a poem.
After visiting Sayram Lake, we head to Yining (2-3 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious Xinjiang meal. We will stay overnight in Yining.
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Stay in Yining
After breakfast, we set off for the Nalati Grassland, a stunning high-altitude meadow. Once we arrive, we’ll hop onto a shuttle bus that takes us deeper into the scenic area. Stepping out, you’re immediately surrounded by a vast expanse of lush green land. The sky is a brilliant blue, with fluffy white clouds drifting by, and the towering mountains stand proudly in the distance. Traditional Kazakh yurts and wooden cabins are scattered across the grassland, adding to the serene atmosphere. Sheep and cattle graze peacefully, like clouds scattered across the meadow. The fresh scent of grass and the gentle breeze bring a sense of tranquillity, as if time itself has slowed.
After exploring this beautiful landscape, we’ll head back to Yining, where you can unwind and relax at your hotel.
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Stay in Yining
On the ninth day, after breakfast, we’ll enjoy the Yili River Bridge along the way. This is the first modern bridge over the Yili River, built in 1975. The bridge stands tall over fast-flowing water, with dense trees lining the riverbanks.
Next, we visit Liu Xing Street. The winding alleys here tell the story of Yining’s transformation. Liu Xing Street is a key area in the city’s old town renovation project and has been designated as a historical and cultural district in Xinjiang. As you walk down the street, you’ll feel the vibrant mix of cultures. The buildings are colourful and diverse, reflecting the blend of different traditions. You can also enjoy music and dance performances from various ethnic groups, with impromptu “concerts” or “dance festivals” happening at any moment. The street is also a food lover’s paradise, offering traditional Xinjiang dishes and unique handmade ice cream. Strolling through, you’ll experience both the peaceful charm of the countryside and the lively energy of the street at night.
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Stay in Yining
After breakfast, we take a high-speed train to Urumqi, which takes about 5 to 5.5 hours. Once we arrive, we’ll visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. “Bazaar” means “market” in Uyghur. This place brings the ancient Silk Road to life. It’s a showcase of strong ethnic and regional culture from Xinjiang. The Bazaar is a hub for Xinjiang’s tourism products and acts as a window to Central Asia and the world.
As you explore, you’ll notice the distinctive Islamic architectural style. The yellow buildings blend various architectural elements, creating a unique, exotic atmosphere. The bustling market will surround you, with shops on either side selling all kinds of local products. You’ll see visitors everywhere, immersed in the lively energy of the place. The air smells of delicious food. Savour the tempting aromas of kebabs, hand-pulled lamb, and other Xinjiang treats. You can also enjoy fantastic folk performances, with Uyghur songs and dances that will lift your spirits and immerse you in the joyful atmosphere.
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Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum. This museum is a blend of history, culture, and art. It houses a vast collection of ancient artefacts, including ceramics, jade, bronze, calligraphy, paintings, and ethnic costumes. These exhibits give you a glimpse into Xinjiang’s rich history and vibrant culture.
After lunch, we’ll head to the Wild Horse Ancient Ecological Park. This park combines ecological conservation, research, education, and tourism. It’s home to a wide variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes, such as petrified wood forests, poplar groves, and grasslands. The park also features a famous Heavenly Blood Horse(汗血宝马) breeding centre, a folk culture park, and the Wild Horse Art Museum. These attractions provide you with the chance to explore Xinjiang’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in more depth.
Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel in Urumqi to rest.
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Stay in Urumqi
Today, we pack our bags and wrap up this 12-day exploration of Xinjiang. It’s the perfect end to an unforgettable journey. We’ll head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination. JustChinaTour hopes you’ve had an enjoyable trip!
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A visit to Xinjiang offers a mix of stunning natural wonders and cultural experiences. Top highlights include Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Hemu Villages, Koktokay National Geological Park, Five Colored Beach, Nalati Grassland and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar.
The high-speed train ride from Urumqi to Yining takes about 5 to 5.5 hours, offering scenic views along the way.
Heavenly Lake is a serene alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore, take photos, and learn about local legends, such as the tale of ancient China.
The best time to visit Xinjiang is between April and October, when the weather is mild, and you can fully enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and nature exploration.
Yes! You’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional Uyghur music and dance, explore ancient markets like the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, and visit villages where you can learn about local customs.
Urho Ghost City features eerie, wind-carved rock formations and valleys. The wind howls through the canyon, creating a haunting atmosphere. It’s an excellent spot for photographers and those interested in natural landscapes.
Must-try Xinjiang foods include lamb kebabs (Chuanr), hand-pulled noodles (Lamian), pilaf (Polou), and naan bread. Don’t miss Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji), Uyghur-style dumplings (Mantu), and dried fruits and nuts. These dishes offer a perfect mix of savoury, spicy, and sweet flavours unique to the region.
Sayram Lake, called the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean," is known for its deep, clear water and stunning mountain views. The lake area is perfect for a scenic walk and photography, with beautiful grasslands surrounding it.
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