Kanas Lake panoramic view with autumn forests and mountains

Small Group · Pure Play · No Shopping

Northern Xinjiang 2+1 Pure Play Tour

An 8-day journey through Kanas Lake, Tianshan, and the boundless grasslands of Northern Xinjiang — curated for travelers who want the real China, not the tourist traps.

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8 Days / 7 Nights

Small Group (2+1 Seats)

Best Season: Jun–Oct

Tour Overview

Discover the untamed beauty of Northern Xinjiang on this carefully crafted 8-day small-group adventure. From the legendary Kanas Lake to the sweeping Tianshan grasslands, every day brings a new landscape and a new story.

The "2+1" seating arrangement means two seats per row plus a shared aisle seat — giving you more space, more comfort, and a more intimate group experience. With no shopping stops and a certified local guide, this is travel the way it should be.

Kanas Lake — the "God's Garden" with turquoise waters and golden birch forests
Tianshan Tianchi — a sapphire alpine lake surrounded by snow peaks
Vast grasslands with Kazakh yurt stays and horseback riding
Ghost City (Wuerhe) — dramatic wind-eroded yardang landforms
Authentic local cuisine and cultural encounters

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Group Size

Small Group

Destinations

Urumqi · Kanas · Burqin

Tour Type

Pure Play

Best Time to Visit

June to October

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Every day is designed to immerse you in the landscapes, culture, and flavors of Northern Xinjiang.

Urumqi city with Tianshan mountains in the background

Arrival in Urumqi

Welcome to the heart of Xinjiang

Your journey begins in Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Stroll through the bustling bazaars, sample local lamb kebabs, and feel the unique blend of Central Asian and Chinese culture.

Accommodation Urumqi — 4-star hotel

Meals None (arrival day)

Kanas Lake surrounded by mountains and autumn forest

Urumqi → Kanas

Into the legendary "God's Garden"

After breakfast, take a scenic flight or drive northward toward the Kanas region. As you approach, the landscape transforms into rolling alpine meadows, dense conifer forests, and snow-capped peaks. Arrive in the Kanas area and settle into your accommodation near the lake. Enjoy an evening walk to soak in the pristine mountain air.

Accommodation Kanas — local guesthouse / resort

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Highlights Scenic drive, alpine meadows

Panoramic view of Kanas Lake with autumn colors

Kanas Lake Exploration

Turquoise waters and golden birch forests

Spend a full day exploring the jewel of Northern Xinjiang — Kanas Lake. Take a boat ride across the mesmerizing turquoise waters, hike along the lakeshore trails lined with golden birch and spruce, and climb to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding peaks. Keep an eye out for the legendary "Kanas Lake Monster" folklore.

Accommodation Kanas — local guesthouse / resort

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights Boat ride, lakeshore hike, observation deck

Horses grazing on Xinjiang grassland with mountains

Kanas → Hemu Village

A fairytale village in the valley

Travel to Hemu Village, one of the most beautiful villages in China. Nestled in a valley surrounded by forested mountains, Hemu is home to the Tuva people. Wander through the village, visit traditional wooden houses, and enjoy an optional horseback ride through the surrounding grasslands. The morning mist over the village is a photographer's dream.

Accommodation Hemu Village — local inn

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights Hemu Village, Tuva culture, horseback riding

Mountain meadow with wildflowers and mountain backdrop

Hemu → Burqin → Ghost City

From fairytales to alien landscapes

Depart Hemu and journey toward Burqin. Along the way, visit the famous Five-Colored Beach (Wucaitan), where the Irtysh River carves through multi-hued sandstone cliffs. Continue to the Ghost City (Wuerhe), a vast area of wind-eroded yardang landforms that create an otherworldly, almost alien landscape. The sunset here paints the rocks in shades of gold and crimson.

Accommodation Burqin — 4-star hotel

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights Five-Colored Beach, Ghost City sunset

Golden sand dunes in Xinjiang desert at sunset

Burqin → Urumqi via Desert Highway

Crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert

Today you journey south through the vast Gurbantunggut Desert, one of the largest fixed semi-deserts in the world. The desert highway offers dramatic views of endless sand dunes, scrub vegetation, and distant horizons. Stop for photo opportunities and experience the stark beauty of the desert landscape before arriving back in Urumqi in the evening.

Accommodation Urumqi — 4-star hotel

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights Desert highway, sand dunes, desert scenery

Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)

A sapphire jewel in the mountains

Escape the city to Tianshan Tianchi, a stunning alpine lake nestled at 1,900 meters above sea level in the Tianshan mountain range. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, ancient spruce forests, and meadows dotted with wildflowers, Tianchi is often called the "Pearl of the Tianshan." Take a lakeside walk, enjoy a boat ride, and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

Accommodation Urumqi — 4-star hotel

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights Heavenly Lake, Tianshan mountains, boat ride

Urumqi Departure

Until we meet again

After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping at the International Grand Bazaar or a relaxing morning at your hotel. Your guide will then transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Leave with a heart full of memories and a camera full of unforgettable moments from Northern Xinjiang.

Accommodation None (departure day)

Meals Breakfast

Highlights Grand Bazaar, airport transfer

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before booking your Northern Xinjiang adventure.

What's Included

7 nights accommodation (4-star hotels & local guesthouses)
Daily breakfast + selected lunches and dinners
Professional English-speaking guide
Comfortable 2+1 seat tour vehicle with driver
All entrance fees to listed attractions
Travel insurance coverage

What's Not Included

International / domestic flights to Urumqi
Personal expenses and optional activities
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips for guide and driver (optional)
Single room supplement (if requested)

Important Notes

Passport required for all travelers
Best season: June to October
Altitude varies: 500m to 2,000m — most travelers adapt easily
Weather can change quickly — bring layered clothing
Itinerary may adjust slightly due to local conditions

This is a "Pure Play" tour — no forced shopping stops, no hidden fees. What you see is what you get.

Meeting Point

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
Airport pickup included on Day 1
Drop-off at URC on Day 8
Please share your flight details after booking

We recommend arriving in Urumqi by early afternoon on Day 1 to allow time to settle in.

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Pricing varies by season, group size, and accommodation preferences. Get a personalized quote from our travel consultants within 24 hours.

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Download the Full Itinerary

Get the complete day-by-day schedule, packing list, and detailed destination guide in a printable PDF format. Perfect for sharing with travel companions.

Download PDF Itinerary

PDF format · ~8 MB · Full details & packing list

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Fully Insured Small Groups No Shopping Stops

Northern Xinjiang 2+1 Pure Play Tour

An 8-day journey through Kanas Lake, Tianshan, and the boundless grasslands of Northern Xinjiang — curated for travelers who want the real China, not the tourist traps.

8 Days / 7 Nights

Small Group (2+1 Seats)

Best Season: Jun–Oct

Tour Overview

Kanas Lake — the "God's Garden" with turquoise waters and golden birch forests

Tianshan Tianchi — a sapphire alpine lake surrounded by snow peaks

Vast grasslands with Kazakh yurt stays and horseback riding

Ghost City (Wuerhe) — dramatic wind-eroded yardang landforms

Authentic local cuisine and cultural encounters