Northern Xinjiang, this vast land occupying most of Xinjiang’s territory, has become a dream destination for countless travelers with its diverse natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. From Kanas Lake’s mysterious depths to Hemu Village’s morning mists, from Sayram Lake’s crystal clarity to Nalati Grassland’s expansive magnificence, each scene inspires deep longing. However, Northern Xinjiang’s vast territory, dispersed attractions, and high transportation costs make reasonable budget planning crucial for successful travels. We also provide targeted budget suggestions based on different travel styles to help you find the most suitable travel solution.
Northern Xinjiang Travel Detailed Major Transportation Costs
The main gateway to Northern Xinjiang is Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Transportation costs from various locations in China to Urumqi are as follows:
Flights:
Round-trip ticket prices from first-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou):
- Off-season (April-May, October-November): 1,200-2,000 RMB
- Shoulder season (June, September): 2,000-3,000 RMB
- Peak season (July-August, National Day holidays): 3,000-5,000 RMB
Prices from second-tier cities (Chengdu, Xi’an, Wuhan) are typically 300-500 RMB lower than first-tier cities.
Recommended to book 45-60 days in advance; Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually 20%-30% cheaper than weekends.
Trains:
- Hard sleeper prices from eastern cities to Urumqi: 600-1,000 RMB
- Soft sleeper prices: 900-1,500 RMB
Although time-consuming (24-36 hours), it saves one night’s accommodation cost and allows enjoying the scenery along the way, particularly suitable for time-rich travelers.
Detailed Local Transportation Costs
Chartered Vehicle Cost Analysis:
- 5-seat off-road vehicles: 800-1,200 RMB/day
- 7-seat business vehicles: 1,000-1,500 RMB/day
- 9-seat business vehicles: 1,200-1,800 RMB/day
Peak season prices increase 20%-30% and require 15-30 day advance booking.
Self-drive Rental Costs:
- Economy SUV daily rental: 300-500 RMB
- Mid-range SUV daily rental: 500-800 RMB
- Luxury SUV daily rental: 800-1,200 RMB
Besides rental fees, also consider fuel costs (~1 RMB/km), toll fees (~0.5 RMB/km), and insurance (50-100 RMB/day).
Public Transportation Options:
- Urumqi to Burjin bus: 180 RMB, ~8 hours journey
- Burjin to Kanas scenic area shuttle: 50 RMB, ~2 hours journey
- Yining to Nalati bus: 60 RMB, ~4 hours journey
Although cheaper, it’s time-consuming and lacks flexibility between attractions.
Northern Xinjiang Travel Accommodation Types and Price Ranges
Budget Accommodation (150-300 RMB/night):
Includes farm stays near scenic areas, county town economy hotels, hostel beds, etc.
These accommodations have relatively simple facilities but are clean and tidy, usually providing hot water, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Suitable for budget-conscious young travelers with modest accommodation requirements.
Mid-range Hotels (300-600 RMB/night):
Includes three-star standard hotels, characteristic homestays, standard rooms within scenic areas, etc. These accommodations have complete facilities, usually including air conditioning, TV, 24-hour hot water, some also providing breakfast and parking.
Better locations, some with nice views.
Premium Accommodation (600-1,200 RMB/night):
Includes four-star plus hotels, characteristic wooden cabins in Kanas and Hemu, grassland star-view rooms, etc.
These accommodations not only have luxurious facilities but more importantly offer superior locations, often directly overlooking stunning natural scenery, providing personalized services and unique experiences.
Unique Accommodation Experiences
Grassland Yurts:
Price: 200-400 RMB/night, usually including traditional meals and ethnic performances. Staying in yurts allows deep immersion in grassland culture, stargazing at night, and enjoying grassland sunrises at dawn. Note that yurt sanitary facilities are relatively simple, mostly shared bathrooms.
Kanas Lakeview Rooms:
Price: 800-1,500 RMB/night, these rooms typically face Kanas Lake directly with excellent viewing angles.
Due to limited availability, require 1-2 month advance booking, even 3 months during peak season.
Northern Xinjiang characteristic Mongolian yurt
Northern Xinjiang Major Attraction Ticket Prices
Kanas Scenic Area:
Ticket + shuttle: 230 RMB
Fish Watching Platform shuttle: 20 RMB
Baihaba shuttle: 45 RMB
Kanas Lake cruise: 120 RMB
Recommended to purchase combo tickets to save queue time. VIP chartered vehicle services available within scenic area, 500-800 RMB/day, allowing more flexible touring.
Hemu Scenic Area:
Ticket + shuttle: 102 RMB
Ancient village maintenance fee: 20 RMB
Hemu Village morning mist is a must-see spectacle, recommended to stay overnight in the village. Horseback riding experience 150 RMB/hour, allowing rides to nearby slopes for panoramic village views.
Sayram Lake:
Ticket: 70 RMB
Lake loop shuttle: 75 RMB
For in-depth touring, bicycle rentals (50 RMB/hour) or electric carts (80 RMB/hour) available. Lake loop approximately 90 km, requiring 4-6 hours.
Wonders of Lake Selim
Northern Xinjiang Travel Daily Dining Expenses
Breakfast (15-25 RMB):
Typical breakfast includes milk tea (5-8 RMB), naan (3-5 RMB), side dishes (5-8 RMB), or steamed buns (2-3 RMB/each), porridge (5-8 RMB), eggs (2 RMB/each). Prices within scenic areas 20%-30% more expensive than counties.
Lunch (30-50 RMB):
Common choices include noodles (20-30 RMB), pilaf (25-35 RMB), or fast food combos (30-40 RMB). Recommended to dine in counties for better prices and more choices.
Dinner (40-60 RMB):
Can taste local specialties like big plate chicken (small portion 68-88 RMB, 2-3 people), grilled meat (5-8 RMB/skewer), or order several stir-fried dishes (25-45 RMB/dish) with rice.
Special Dining Experiences
Farm Stay Specialty Meals:
80-120 RMB/person, usually including 6-8 local specialty dishes like hand-grabbed meat, baked buns, yogurt, etc. Ingredients mostly farm-grown vegetables and free-range poultry/livestock, fresh and delicious.
Whole Lamb Feast:
150-200 RMB/person, including roasted whole lamb, ethnic performances, etc. Requires 1-day advance reservation, suitable for 4+ people sharing. This is not only a culinary experience but also an opportunity to deeply understand local culture.
Seasonal Price Variation Analysis of Northern Xinjiang Travel
Off-Season (April-May, October-November)
Price Advantages:
Accommodation prices drop 30-50%, three-star hotel prices around 200-300 RMB; significant flight discounts, round-trips usually only 1,200-2,000 RMB; fewer scenic area tourists, enabling more peaceful travel experiences; chartered vehicle prices relatively lower, negotiable for better rates.
Shoulder Season (June, September)
Best Value:
Prices 15-30% lower than peak season, accommodation prices 300-500 RMB; ideal climate conditions, warm and comfortable daytime, cool nights; complete service facilities, all attractions normally open; moderate tourist numbers, neither too crowded nor too empty.
Recommended Periods:
Early June offers grassland flower seas with various wild flowers blooming; mid-September features enchanting autumn colors with golden birch forests, perfect for photography. Both periods have relatively stable weather with less rainfall.
Peak Season (July-August)
Price Peaks:
Highest accommodation prices, economy hotels also over 300 RMB, unique accommodations requiring 600-1,200 RMB; almost no flight discounts, round-trips usually over 3,000 RMB; maximum scenic area crowds, requiring queuing; chartered vehicle prices increase 20%-30%, requiring advance booking.
Advantageous Features:
Most beautiful scenery, vibrant green grasslands, crystal clear lakes; abundant activities, various attractions offering special activities and performances; most complete services, all facilities operating normally; warm weather, most suitable for outdoor activities.
Practical Money-Saving Tips of Northern Xinjiang Travel
Flight Booking:
Book 45-60 days in advance for significant discounts; Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually 20%-30% cheaper than weekends; monitor airline membership days and promotion events, like China Southern Airlines membership days, China Eastern Airlines flash sales, etc.
Chartered Vehicles:
4-6 person carpooling most economical, sharing costs per person; choose local drivers familiar with road conditions, also serving as guides; off-season bargaining possible, usually 10%-20% discount; choose packages including driver accommodation/meals, slightly higher unit price but overall more convenient.
Accommodation:
Book 30 days in advance for early bird rates, usually 15%-25% discount; choose off-season travel, prices 30%-50% lower than peak season; book through official channels for more transparent prices and possible membership benefits.
Choose accommodation outside scenic areas, 40%-60% cheaper than inside; choose county town accommodation, more complete facilities and affordable prices; consider homestays or hostels, not only cheaper but also opportunities to meet other travelers.
Budget Planning Recommendations:
Transportation costs account for 40-50% of total budget, Northern Xinjiang travel’s largest expense; accommodation costs 25-30%, recommend choosing appropriate standards based on personal needs; dining costs 15-20%, adjustable by selecting different restaurant levels; ticket and activity costs 10-15%, recommend planning activities in advance.
Emergency Budget Preparation:
Recommend preparing 10-15% of total budget as emergency funds, mainly for: itinerary changes due to weather, potentially requiring additional accommodation and transportation costs; unexpected medical needs, like altitude sickness treatment, etc.; unexpected transportation costs, like vehicle repairs, flight changes, etc.; other unforeseen expenses.
Other Recommendations:
Prepare common medications like cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, band-aids, etc.; Northern Xinjiang has strong UV radiation, must prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats; significant temperature differences between day and night, prepare warm clothing; recommend purchasing travel insurance including medical rescue and itinerary change protection.
Prepare cash, some remote areas may not accept mobile payments; download offline maps, poor signals in many areas; respect local customs and habits, especially in ethnic minority areas; protect environment, don’t litter randomly.
Through this article’s detailed analysis and suggestions, you should now have clear understanding of Northern Xinjiang travel costs. Regardless of chosen travel style, finding your own rhythm matters most, creating beautiful travel memories within budget constraints. Wishing you a pleasant Northern Xinjiang journey!
