Details
Urumqi Airport Pick-up
According to your flight arrival time, a private vehicle will transfer you to the hotel in Urumqi for rest.
(24-hour airport transfer service)
Urumqi
Urumqi is the city farthest from any ocean in the world and is regarded as the geographical center of Asia. It is also a crucial hub along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road.
Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of China’s total land area, making it the largest provincial region in the country. The region features a typical temperate continental arid climate, with an average annual precipitation of about 155 mm. Meltwater from mountain ranges forms numerous rivers, creating oases along the basin edges and river valleys. These oases cover around 5% of Xinjiang’s total land area and represent the region’s typical oasis ecosystem.
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Urumqi
Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Burqin
After breakfast, depart for Burqin, passing through the famous S21 Desert Highway.
The starting section of S21 features oasis and wetland scenery, while the mid-section is covered entirely by sand dunes. Toward the end of the highway, you’ll find more wetlands, oases, and the spectacular Sea-Yadan landforms. The desert landscape along the road is breathtaking—epic scenery perfect for photography.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: July Sea Hotel or similar
S21 Desert Highway
S21 Desert Highway
Burqin – Hemu Village
No trip to northern Xinjiang is complete without visiting Hemu Village.
Here you can enjoy vast snowy forests, fairytale-like wooden cabins, adorable fox mascots, curling morning mist, and the shimmering Hemu River. With its snowfields, blue ice, rime, mountains, and mushroom-shaped snow piles, Hemu in winter is beyond imagination—a magical world that must be experienced in person.
Recommended local food: Tuva cuisine
Hemu Travel Tips:
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Shuttle bus hours: 08:00–22:00
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Free village buses are available; the final stop connects directly to the shuttle bus station
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Dining is mainly around the popular Hemu Bridge area; prices are relatively high
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Three must-visit spots: Hemu Birch Forest, Harbin Viewpoint, Hemu Bridge
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Evening bonfire parties are available
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Optional activities: traditional home visits, Yunxiao Peak cable car, off-road vehicles, and customized travel photos
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Hemu Shibufangcao Guesthouse or similar
Hemu
Hemu
Hemu – Kanas (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay) – Jiadengyu
The Kanas Nature Reserve, known as “the last piece of pure land on Earth,” offers scenery so stunning it takes your breath away. Along the way, you will visit the famous Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay.
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Wolong Bay:
Named for its cauldron-like shape. Surrounded by dense forests and vibrant wildflowers, the bay features small islands, rock formations, and a wooden bridge offering both tranquil and dramatic river views. -
Moon Bay:
The iconic symbol of Kanas. Its crescent shape changes with the water level. Legends say it holds Chang’e’s footprints, or marks left by Genghis Khan during battle. -
Fairy Bay:
The widest section of the Kanas River, formed by mudslides that created wetlands and meadows dotted with small islands. Mythically believed to be inhabited by celestial beings.
Next, visit the Fish-watching Pavilion, located at 2,030 meters above sea level with a vertical drop of more than 600 meters from the lake. It is the best place for observing the legendary “lake monster” and offers unparalleled panoramic views of Kanas.
Travel Notes:
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Tickets and shuttle buses are required
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Shuttle bus to the transfer center: approx. 1 hour
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Recommended route: climb 1,068 steps to Fish-watching Pavilion → tour the Three Bays
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Extra activities available: boat rides, cultural visits, professional photos
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Highly recommended local dish: Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Jiadengyu Aimeijing Hotel or similar
Kanas
Kanas
Kanas – Burqin
Visit the famous Five-Colored Beach, located on the northern bank of the Irtysh River—the only river in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean.
This Yadan landform showcases vibrant layers of red, yellow, purple, and brown rocks shaped by wind erosion. At sunset, the surreal colors glow like something out of a dream—magnificent, mysterious, and unforgettable.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: July Sea Hotel or similar
Wucai Beach
Wucai Beach
Burqin – Urho Ghost City – Kuitun
Visit the Urho Ghost City, also known as the Wind City.
Located near the Urho mining area, this region contains some of the most impressive Yadan landforms in Xinjiang—towering ridges, strange rock shapes, and mysterious wind-carved formations. In Mongolian, it is known as “Sulumu Hake.” Under strong winds, the eerie sounds echoing through the formations give this area the name “Ghost City.”
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Jinhui International Hotel or similar
Devil City
Devil City
Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Qingshuihe
Visit Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.”
In Kazakh, its name means “blessing.” The crystal-blue lake is surrounded by grasslands, snow-capped peaks, clouds, wildflowers, yurts, sheep, and galloping horses. The scenery resembles a poetic pastoral painting—tranquil, romantic, and pure.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Chuxi Hotel or similar
Lake Selim
Lake Selim
Qingshuihe – Yining Swan Wetlands – Jinghe
Visit Yining Swan Lake Wetland Park, one of the few places in the world where you can see both swans and rime frost at once.
The lake never freezes in winter, making it an ideal home for swans. Since 1993, villagers began raising swans—from just a few to more than 300 today, supported by ecological protection efforts.
Next, stroll along Six-Star Street, an ancient street rich with Uyghur architectural charm.
Six branching streets converge here like a star, forming a vibrant bazaar full of shops selling handicrafts, jewelry, traditional clothing, and local snacks. Classic Uyghur houses decorate the streets, offering an authentic cultural experience.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Korla Aishang Hotel or similar
Liuxing Street
Swan Spring Wetland Park
Jinghe – Urumqi
Visit the magnificent Dushanzi Grand Canyon, carved over millions of years by river erosion.
Its steep cliffs, deep valleys, and turquoise river create breathtaking scenery showcasing nature’s power.
Return to Urumqi and visit the famous International Grand Bazaar, the best place to experience Xinjiang’s ethnic culture.
Here you can shop for handicrafts, traditional clothing, jewelry, and enjoy local cuisines such as baked buns, kebabs, and pilaf.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Urumqi
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
International Bazaar
Urumqi Airport Drop-off (24-hour service)
A private vehicle will transfer you to Urumqi Airport according to your flight time, marking the end of your wonderful journey in Xinjiang.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Return trip
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2026-01 | $ 1788 | Book now |
| Feb | 2026-02 | $ 1788 | Book now |
| Mar | 2026-03 | $ 1788 | Book now |
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 1788 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 1788 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 Frozen: A 10-Day Journey to Almaty, Northern Xinjiang
Fee Description
Price Includes
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Documentation: All Xinjiang travel permits and paperwork
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Transportation: Luxury 1+1 premium coach (fuel, tolls, driver service, driver accommodation included)
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Accommodation: High-standard international hotels as listed
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Meals: Hotel breakfasts
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Guide: Professional tour guide service (guide accommodations included; for groups under six, the driver doubles as guide)
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Driver: Professional driver for the whole trip, including drone photography support
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Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance, vehicle seat insurance, and personal accident insurance
Price Excludes
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Transportation: Round-trip flights/trains to and from Xinjiang (booking assistance available)
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Meals: Lunches & dinners (self-ordered and self-paid)
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Entrance Fees: On-site ticket purchases (approx. CNY 970)
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Tips: Market standard: CNY 30 per person per day for guide & driver (paid together at the end)
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Personal Expenses: Anything not included above
Important Notes
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Xinjiang is a special autonomous region, and authorities may open or close attractions without prior notice. Alternative arrangements will be offered if this occurs.
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In case of hotel requisition, equivalent alternatives will be provided.
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Due to weather, road conditions, or political factors, itinerary adjustments may occur. Any additional costs will be borne by participants.
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Without reducing included attractions, the tour operator may adjust the visit order.
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This is a group tour; spaces are limited and confirmed based on deposit payment time.
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Different participants may have different prices due to promotions or channels.
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Xinjiang’s living standards differ from inner China; please understand variations in dining and accommodation.
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Xinjiang uses Beijing time but daily routines differ (late nightlife, later mornings).
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Temperature drops significantly at night; bring warm clothing, especially for high-altitude areas.
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The region is vast, and car rides are long; comfortable shoes are essential.
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UV radiation is strong—bring sunscreen and heat-relief medicines. Motion sickness medication if needed.
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Water and climate differences may cause discomfort; bring basic medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids).
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Xinjiang is famous for fruits, but avoid drinking hot tea immediately after eating fruit, and avoid cold water with lamb dishes.
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Respect local ethnic customs—Muslim communities avoid pork.
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Most goods are sold by kilogram, not jin. Confirm pricing before purchasing.
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Please negotiate only after confirming purchase intention; maintain politeness.
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For valuable goods like jade, buy only from recommended shops.
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Weather fluctuates—dress in layers.
