February Xinjiang Travel Guide: 12-Day Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop

Northern Xinjiang in February is a serene yet magnificent winter scroll. With fewer tourists, Kanas and Hemu turn into snow-covered wonderlands, where frozen lakes and rime-cloaked forests form a pure fairyland. Nalati Grassland blankets in thick snow like a fairytale world; though the Duku Highway is not fully accessible, the snow scenery along the way is still breathtaking. This 12-day grand loop, designed for the transition from winter to spring, starts from Urumqi, crosses snowfields, canyons, forests and grasslands, offering an in-depth experience of northern Xinjiang’s extreme winter scenery and the warm customs of Kazak and Tuvan people.

Detailed 12-Day Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop Itinerary for February Xinjiang Travel

D1: Arrive in Urumqi

Land at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and be transferred to your hotel by private car. February in Urumqi sees low temperatures, but indoor heating is sufficient. It is recommended to rest and acclimatize on the first day; you can visit Hongshan Park freely to admire the urban snow scenery, or experience ethnic customs in the indoor area of the International Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Urumqi.

D2: Urumqi — Fuyun

After breakfast, drive north along National Highway 216, crossing the Junggar Basin. The winter Gobi snowfield stretches endlessly, and you may encounter wild animals along the way. Arrive in Fuyun County in the afternoon, an important transfer station to the Kanas area. Overnight at a hotel in Fuyun County to prepare for the next day’s itinerary.

D3: Fuyun — Burqin

In the morning, head to Koktokay National Geopark. In winter, the Irtysh Grand Canyon is covered in ice and snow, and granite peaks like Shenzhong Mountain appear more steep and grand. Snow hiking here offers a unique experience (please watch your step to prevent slipping). In the afternoon, drive to Burqin, the “fairytale border town”, and enjoy a distant view of the snow-covered Yadan landforms of Colorful Beach along the way. Overnight in Burqin and taste local specialty cold-water fish.

D4: Burqin — Hemu

Depart early in the morning for Hemu Village. The roadsides are lined with endless Schrenk’s spruces and rime. Upon arrival at Hemu Scenic Area, transfer to an off-road vehicle or a scenic area shuttle bus (winter operation vehicles) to enter the village. Check in to a warm Tuvan wooden cabin (ensure adequate heating). In the afternoon, wander around the village to feel the tranquility of the snowy countryside, and experience horse-drawn sleds (at your own expense). In the evening, climb Harden Platform (on foot or by horse-drawn sled) to overlook the panoramic view of the snow town with curling smoke at sunset. Overnight in Hemu Village.

D5: Hemu — Kanas

Get up early to admire Hemu’s morning mist and sunrise, a classic winter scene in Hemu. After breakfast, drive to Kanas Scenic Area. In winter, the Kanas Lake surface freezes completely; you can walk to the lake center, surrounded by snow-capped mountains for a magnificent view. Take a scenic area off-road vehicle to visit Immortal Bay, Moon Bay and Wolong Bay, where the snow-covered river bends form graceful curves. In the afternoon, head to Fish-Watching Platform to overlook the full view of Kanas Lake. Overnight in a heated room inside Kanas Scenic Area or return to Jiadengyu for accommodation.

D6: Kanas — Burqin

Enjoy free activities in the morning to further explore the surroundings of Kanas Lake or hike in the snow forest. In the afternoon, drive back to Burqin County. In the evening, you can visit the River Embankment Night Market freely. Overnight in Burqin.

D7: Burqin — Kuytun

Today, drive south along National Highway 217, crossing the Karamay Hundred-Mile Oilfield, where the winter “nodding donkeys” (nodding pumps) are still working in the snowfield. Arrive in Urho in the afternoon and visit the World Ghost City. In winter, the Yadan landforms are covered in snow, presenting a fantastic blend of red, white and yellow colors under the setting sun, exuding a more desolate and quiet atmosphere. Arrive in Kuytun City in the evening for accommodation.

D8: Kuytun — Nalati

Today’s itinerary is relatively long; enjoy the winter scenery on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains along the way. Head to Nalati, the world-famous alpine grassland. In winter, Nalati Grassland turns into a “snowfield”; take a scenic area off-road vehicle to enter (partial areas open in winter), admire the snow-covered forests and grasslands, and experience the winter transhumance culture of Kazak herdsmen (if encountered). Overnight in Nalati Town.

D9: Nalati — Tekes

Continue exploring Nalati Scenic Area in the morning; you can choose to experience winter activities such as snowmobiling and skiing (at your own expense). In the afternoon, drive to Tekes County, a county famous for its “bagua” layout, which shows a more unique charm in the snow. Enjoy the winter scenery of the Gongnais River Valley along the way. Overnight in Tekes.

D10: Tekes — Yining

In the morning, visit Tekes Bagua Park to learn about the mystery of urban planning. Then drive to Yining City. Arrive in the afternoon and visit Kazanqi Folk Custom Tourism Area; take a “horse taxi” to shuttle between the blue Uyghur courtyards and feel the strong ethnic customs of the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall”. Overnight in Yining.

D11: Yining — Kuytun

After breakfast, depart from Yining and return to Kuytun City along the Lianhuo Expressway. This is a relaxing adjustment itinerary; enjoy the winter plain scenery of the Ili River Valley along the way. Arrive in Kuytun in the afternoon for free activities. Overnight in Kuytun.

D12: Kuytun — Urumqi · Departure Transfer

After breakfast, drive back to Urumqi. According to your flight schedule, be transferred to Diwopu International Airport by private car and end the colorful winter grand loop tour of northern Xinjiang.

Tekes Bagua Park

February Travel Climate & Pre-Trip Preparation Tips

Northern Xinjiang Climate Features in February

Northern Xinjiang is still in the depth of winter in February, with low temperatures and frequent snowfalls, but it has a high proportion of sunny days and abundant sunshine.

Altay Area (Kanas, Hemu, Burqin): The core frigid zone, with daytime temperatures ranging from -10℃ to -20℃ and nighttime temperatures dropping to -25℃ to -30℃, featuring thick snow cover.
Karamay, Kuytun: Slightly higher temperatures, with daytime temperatures from -5℃ to -15℃ and nighttime temperatures from -15℃ to -20℃.
Ili River Valley (Nalati, Yining): Relatively mild, with daytime temperatures from -5℃ to 5℃ and nighttime temperatures around -10℃, but with high humidity making it feel colder.
Urumqi: Urban climate, with daytime temperatures from -5℃ to -10℃ and nighttime temperatures from -10℃ to -15℃.

Essential Luggage Checklist

Clothing: Follow the layering principle. Inner layer: quick-drying, sweat-wicking thermal underwear; mid layer: fleece jacket and pants, down liner; outer layer: windproof and waterproof hardshell jacket and pants. Must-have items: long thick down jacket (fill power above 200g), thick wool socks, non-slip high-cut snow boots, fleece-lined thermal hat, scarf, waterproof thermal gloves.
Protection: Sunscreen (SPF50+), lip balm, highly moisturizing facial cream, sunglasses or snow goggles (to prevent snow blindness).
Equipment: Insulated water bottle (1L or above), power banks (prepare multiple, as batteries drain fast in low temperatures), camera/mobile phone cold-proof cover, spare batteries (store close to the body).
Medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, chilblain ointment, vitamins.

Important Reminders

Driving Safety: Some mountain roads are snow-covered and icy in February; be sure to use a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle equipped with snow tires, and the driver must have rich ice and snow driving experience.
Scenic Area Opening Hours: Some scenic spots and shuttle bus routes may be adjusted or closed in winter (e.g., Fish-Watching Platform, partial hiking trails); the itinerary needs to be flexibly adjusted.
Core Warmth Tips: There is a huge temperature difference between indoor and outdoor; add or remove clothes in a timely manner to prevent catching a cold. Focus on protecting the head, hands, feet and knees.

Altay Area

Detailed Budget Breakdown

Transportation Costs

Long-Distance Transportation: Economy class air tickets to and from Urumqi from various places. February is the off-peak season, with round-trip tickets costing about CNY 1,500–2,500 (subject to advance booking).
In-Itinerary Chartered Car (12 days, 4-seater off-road vehicle): Winter driving costs in northern Xinjiang are high, which is the main expense; the per capita share is about CNY 3,500–5,000 (including fuel costs, tolls, driver’s accommodation and meals, and winter driving subsidies).
Scenic Area Internal Transportation: Winter off-road vehicle transfer fees in Kanas and Hemu Scenic Areas, about CNY 300–500 per person; winter off-road vehicle fees in Nalati Scenic Area, about CNY 150–200 per person.
Transportation Subtotal (Excluding Long-Distance Transportation): About CNY 3,800–5,500 per person.

Accommodation Costs (Estimated based on comfortable hotels/characteristic wooden cabins with good winter heating)

Urumqi (2 nights): About CNY 300–450 per room per night, total about CNY 300–450 per person.
Fuyun (1 night): About CNY 250–350 per room per night, CNY 125–175 per person.
Burqin (3 nights): About CNY 280–400 per room per night, total about CNY 420–600 per person.
Hemu Village (1 night): Characteristic heated wooden cabin, about CNY 400–600 per room per night, CNY 200–300 per person.
Kanas/Jiadengyu (1 night): Heated accommodation, about CNY 350–550 per room per night, CNY 175–275 per person.
Kuytun (2 nights): About CNY 250–350 per room per night, total about CNY 250–350 per person.
Nalati Town (1 night): About CNY 300–450 per room per night, CNY 150–225 per person.
Tekes (1 night): About CNY 250–350 per room per night, CNY 125–175 per person.
Yining (1 night): About CNY 280–400 per room per night, CNY 140–200 per person.
11-Night Accommodation Subtotal per Person: About CNY 1,885–2,750.

Entrance Fees (Most scenic spots implement off-peak season ticket prices in February)

Koktokay: About CNY 90 (off-peak season)
Hemu Village: About CNY 50 (off-peak season)
Kanas: About CNY 100 (off-peak season)
World Ghost City: About CNY 60 (off-peak season)
Nalati Grassland: About CNY 75 (off-peak season)
Total Entrance Fees: About CNY 375 per person (estimated, subject to actual prices).

Catering & Other Expenses

Catering: About CNY 80–120 per person per day, total about CNY 960–1,440 for the entire trip.
Guide/Driver Service Fee: If a professional guide is needed, the per capita share is about CNY 600–900 (for 12 days).
Winter Activity Experience: Self-funded activities such as horse-drawn sleds and snowmobiling, reserve about CNY 300–500.
Emergency & Miscellaneous Expenses: It is recommended to reserve CNY 500.

Total Budget Reference

Basic Plan (Small group of 4 people, without guide): Transportation (including medium-budget long-distance transportation) about CNY 5,300–7,500 + Accommodation about CNY 2,750 + Entrance Fees, Catering & Other Expenses about CNY 2,300 = Total about CNY 10,350–12,550 per person.
Comfort Experience Plan: Upgrade vehicle and accommodation standards, include partial experience projects and guide service, the recommended budget is CNY 13,000–16,000 per person.
Important Reminder: Travel in February needs to prioritize safety and warmth, with higher costs than summer. All quotes are estimates; the actual cost is affected by group size, specific service standards and real-time prices.

This winter trip to northern Xinjiang is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual baptism. Pausing on the frozen lake of Kanas, breathing in the morning mist of Hemu, galloping on the snowfield of Nalati—every moment condenses into a unique and precious memory. When the journey ends, you will take away not only the scenery in the camera but also a deep affection and awe for this vast land. May this guide be your reliable companion for exploring winter northern Xinjiang and help you start your own snowfield legend.

With in-depth understanding of Xinjiang’s four seasons and rich on-site operation experience, China Dragon Travel can tailor-make a safe, in-depth and surprising winter itinerary for you. From vehicle guarantee and accommodation arrangement to route planning and emergency support, we are committed to making every traveler’s northern Xinjiang trip a wonderful story worth recalling repeatedly. Looking forward to setting off with you.