Details
Arrive in Urumqi – Hotel Check-in
Theme of the Day: First Impressions of Urumqi
Welcome to magnificent Xinjiang! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest. Afterward, enjoy free time at your leisure. If time permits, you may explore recommended attractions independently (no private vehicle included).
The departure time for the next day will be notified by the driver or tour coordinator via message or phone call—please keep an eye out.
Recommended Attractions
Option 1: Urumqi International Grand Bazaar Night Market (Free Admission)
Taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine and experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with the warmth of local “Guli” and hospitality of “Balang,” immersing yourself in rich ethnic culture.
Option 2: Hongshan Park (Free Admission)
A landmark of downtown Urumqi. From the hilltop, enjoy panoramic views of the city—also one of the best spots for night photography.
Option 3: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (Free Admission, reservation required 1–3 days in advance, closed on Mondays)
A window to Silk Road civilization in Xinjiang, housing over 64,000 cultural relics and artifacts—truly the cultural calling card of Xinjiang.
Recommended Restaurants
Silk Road Rendezvous Restaurant
Signature dishes: Hotan braised lamb leg, salt-grilled lamb skewers, baursak with beef pickles, pepper chicken
Average cost: RMB 100 per person
Locations:
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Dashi Crossroad Wanyan City (No. 222 Jiefang North Road)
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Beijing Road Huijia Plaza (3F, Huijia Times Square)
Loulan Secret Grill
Signature dishes: Cumin lamb ribs, Loulan grilled fish, fig yogurt dessert, flaxseed oil salad, lamb kebabs
Average cost: RMB 120 per person
Locations: Qidaowan Store / Yingbin Road Creative Park
Afanti Hotan BBQ Park
Signature dishes: Baked samsa, Afanti lamb ribs, Munar kebabs, fresh mint tea, beef pide, Naren noodles
Average cost: RMB 100 per person
Address: No. 638 Heping South Road, Tianshan District
Travel Tips
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Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night—adjust clothing accordingly.
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Always carry your ID and mobile phone; keep your phone accessible for contact.
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Distances between attractions are long—bring snacks and energy food.
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Xinjiang operates on Beijing Time but has a natural 2-hour time difference; meals and rest are later.
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The climate is dry—drink plenty of water and use sun protection.
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Hotel in Urumqi
Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Karamayli Desert Park – Altay
Theme: Desert Highway Adventure
Travel north via the newly built S21 Desert Highway, crossing the vast Gurbantunggut Desert. Experience Xinjiang’s immense landscapes and sparse population.
Visit Karamayli Desert Park, a 100,000㎡ desert cultural and leisure complex showcasing desert scenery and ethnic traditions.
Lunch at service areas (simple facilities).
Arrive in Altay City, stroll along Five-Hundred-Li Scenic Street, located by the Kelan River beneath General Mountain—a must-visit landmark.
Check in at the Altay hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Altay Hotel
S21 Desert Highway
S21 Desert Highway
Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Theme: Ancient Tuva Village Journey
Travel along the scenic Ahe Highway (alternative route if closed), passing wetlands, forests, grasslands, and mountain views often called “Altay’s Duku Highway.”
Arrive at Hemu Village, check in, and enjoy lunch.
Free exploration:
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Walk through birch forests, cross Hemu Bridge, rent a local horse, or photograph sunset views.
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Optional Yunxiao Peak Cable Car, offering breathtaking alpine and grassland panoramas.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Hemu Lodge
Ahe Highway
Hemu Village
Hemu – Kanas Scenic Area
Theme: Dreamlike Kanas Panorama
Early morning exploration of Hemu village—sunrise, mist, wooden houses, streams, and pastoral life.
Travel to Kanas Scenic Area, transfer by shuttle bus.
Activities include:
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Lakeside walks through taiga forests
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Optional boat cruise (RMB 120, self-paid)
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Hiking to Fish Viewing Pavilion (reservation required)
Overnight inside Kanas Scenic Area.
Meals: On your own
Accommodation: Kanas Lodge
Kanas
Kanas
Kanas Three Bays Hiking – Karamay
Theme: Three Bays Hiking Adventure
Hike through Fairy Bay – Wolong Bay – Moon Bay, a hidden gem of Kanas landscapes.
Continue south to the oil city of Karamay.
Meals: On your own
Accommodation: Karamay Hotel
Kanas Three Bays
Kanas Three Bays
Karamay – Sayram Lake
Theme: Lakes & Mountains in Full Panorama
Travel west to Sayram Lake, known as “The Last Tear of the Atlantic.”
Enjoy a full lakeside circuit, glacier-fed waters, alpine meadows, and swans.
Optional short hikes and scenic viewpoints.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Sayram Lake Hotel
Sairam Lake
Sairam Lake
Sayram Lake – Ili – Zhaosu
Theme: Homeland of Spruce Forests
Second visit to Sayram Lake, then pass Guozigou Bridge, one of China’s most impressive mountain bridges.
Seasonal lavender fields (mid-June to mid-July).
Drive the scenic Yizhao Highway (June–September) to Zhaosu.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Zhaosu Hotel
Sairam Lake
Lavender Garden
Zhaosu – Xiata Valley – Tekes
Theme: Xiata Ancient Trail & Horse Culture
Explore Xiata Scenic Area, an ancient Silk Road passage with glaciers, wildflowers, streams, and marmots.
Visit Heavenly Horse Cultural Park (gifted activity).
Arrive in Tekes Bagua City, the world’s only perfectly preserved Eight-Trigram city.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Tekes Hotel
Xiata Scenic Area
Yizhao Highway
Tekes – Kurdning Forest – Xinyuan
Theme: Spruce Forest Wonderland
Drive into Kurdning Forest Park, a rare blend of alpine meadows, forests, rivers, and wildlife—often compared to southern Chinese landscapes combined with vast grasslands.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Xinyuan Hotel
Kuldling
Kuldling
Xinyuan – Nalati Grassland
Theme: One of the World’s Four Great Grasslands
Explore Nalati Grassland, including Sky Grassland, Panlong Valley, and River Valley Grassland.
Enjoy open landscapes, pastoral life, and optional horse riding.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Nalati Hotel
Nalati Grassland
Nalati Grassland
Nalati – Duku Highway – Urumqi
Theme: The Hero’s Road & Tangbula Gallery
Traverse the legendary Duku Highway, crossing Tianshan Mountains, snow peaks, forests, grasslands, and alpine lakes.
Stop at Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, a living landscape painting.
Return to Urumqi, ending the unforgettable North Xinjiang journey.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Urumqi Hotel
Tangbula Baili Gallery
Duku Highway
Urumqi – Departure
Airport transfer according to flight schedule.
Thank you for traveling with us—may Xinjiang’s beauty remain in your memories. We look forward to welcoming you again.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: home
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 1180 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 1180 | Book now |
| Jun | 2026-06 | $ 1380 | Book now |
| Jul | 2026-07 | $ 1580 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 North Xinjiang 12-Day Small Group Tour | Urumqi, Kanas, Sayram Lake & Duku Highway
Fee Description
Price Includes
Transportation:
Small group tour of 2–6 guests. Use of a licensed 7-seat commercial vehicle with 1+1 luxury first-class seating layout (vehicle model not guaranteed). One seat per person is guaranteed.
Accommodation:
11 nights of accommodation throughout the trip (standard twin rooms).
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Single travelers must pay a single-room supplement.
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One adult traveling with one child: the child must occupy a bed.
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Hotel standards in Xinjiang are generally lower than those in major mainland Chinese cities.
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Hotels in towns, mountainous areas, and scenic regions are typically one to two grades lower than city hotels. Please manage expectations accordingly.
Attraction Tickets:
Entrance tickets and internal shuttle transportation for all listed attractions, including:
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Kanas Scenic Area (ticket + shuttle bus)
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Hemu Village (ticket + shuttle bus)
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Sayram Lake (ticket + shuttle bus)
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Xiatag Scenic Area self-drive permit
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Tianma (Heavenly Horse) Cultural Park self-drive permit
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Kuerdning Scenic Area ticket
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Nalati Grassland self-drive permit
Driver Service:
Driver service from and back to Urumqi.
This tour does not include a professional tour guide.
Driver meals and accommodation are included.
Drivers are responsible for transportation coordination and basic introductions only and cannot provide in-depth guided commentary.
Meals:
Hotel breakfasts included (except in Kanas and Hemu, where breakfast is not included).
All lunches and dinners are at guests’ own expense.
Insurance:
Travel agency liability insurance and personal travel accident insurance.
Price Excludes
Meals:
All main meals during the trip (guests are not required to share the driver’s meal or accommodation costs).
Attractions:
Optional entertainment or activity fees within scenic areas.
Other Personal Expenses:
A. Additional costs caused by force majeure, including traffic delays, strikes, weather conditions, flight cancellations or changes, mechanical failures, etc.
B. Personal expenses at hotels, such as laundry, hairdressing, telephone, fax, paid TV, beverages, tobacco, and alcohol.
Any expenses not listed under “Price Includes” must be paid by guests themselves.
Complimentary Travel Experiences
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Drone aerial filming: Two 15-second short videos (Kanas / Hemu / Sayram Lake)
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DSLR travel photography: 15 unedited photos per guest
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Nalati VIP Service: VIP fast-track access
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Sayram Lake experience: Sunset party + electronic music party + luxury outdoor hotpot
(Available for on-site tours from May 20 to August 20) -
Kuerdning picnic: Picnic beneath spruce trees with mountain breezes
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Internet-famous swing + grassland music concert + animal feeding experience
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Private ranch photoshoot: Light photography + one set of ethnic-style clothing (9 edited photos, makeup not included)
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Onboard refreshments: Dried fruits, bottled water, yogurt/fruits, wet wipes
Important Notes
Early Departure from Tour:
If a guest leaves the tour early, any uncompleted portion is considered voluntarily forfeited. Only unused expenses will be refunded; transportation fees are non-refundable.
Return Travel Reminder:
It is not recommended to book flights or train tickets on the same day the tour ends due to possible traffic delays.
Discount Policies:
Active-duty military personnel, veterans, police officers, Xinjiang aid workers, disabled travelers, university students, children under 1.2 meters tall, and holders of other discount certificates must inform staff at booking and carry valid documents during the trip. Discounts cannot be applied without documentation.
Force Majeure Adjustments:
If attractions are closed due to uncontrollable factors, itinerary changes or substitutions will be negotiated on-site, and any price difference will be refunded or charged accordingly.
Pre-Departure Notice:
By 10:00 PM on the day before departure, guests will receive a call or WeChat message from the tour coordinator or driver. Please keep your phone available. If no notice is received after 10:00 PM, contact your booking agent promptly.
Additional Warm Reminders
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This is a nationwide shared group tour. Prices may vary depending on region, season, booking time, and sales platform. Once the price is accepted, no price-related complaints will be accepted.
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Group size: 2–6 guests. Compatibility in age, gender, or group composition cannot be guaranteed.
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Complimentary items are non-refundable if canceled due to weather, time constraints, or personal choice.
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Xinjiang transport regulations limit daily commercial driving distance to 600 km. Activities outside the planned itinerary must be arranged independently.
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Accurate personal identification information is required at booking; incorrect information may prevent entry to attractions.
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Xinjiang cuisine tends to be saltier and spicier, with larger portions—order accordingly.
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Meal times follow Beijing Time despite a 2-hour natural time difference: breakfast ~8:30 AM, lunch ~2–3 PM, dinner ~8 PM.
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Accommodation and service standards may differ significantly from mainland China’s major cities—please be mentally prepared.
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The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or scenic area regulations.
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Any concerns during the trip should be reported immediately to the driver or tour coordinator. Post-trip complaints inconsistent with feedback forms will not be accepted.
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