Day1 Regions – Urumqi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are at your own expense

Accommodation: Urumqi Four Diamond Hotel

Welcome to Xinjiang, renowned as the land of songs and dances, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Our agency will arrange a dedicated vehicle to pick you up at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in and rest.
If you have plenty of time, you can arrange your own activities in Urumqi. For those interested in the cultural history of Xinjiang, the [Xinjiang Museum] is highly recommended (free admission; open only until 16:30 PM; closed on Mondays). Those seeking an exotic experience should visit the [Xinjiang International Bazaar], where you can explore unique Western Regions culture and a wide variety of goods, potentially discovering many excellent items. For food lovers, the night market at the bazaar offers a delightful culinary experience, featuring nationally renowned dishes such as large plates of chicken, crispy-on-the-outside-and-tender-on-the-inside roasted lamb chops, grilled lamb skewers, Ili horse intestines, and various specialty noodles.

Day2 Urumqi–S101 Provincial Highway – Sayram Lake (around the lake)

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: Saimu Lake Three Diamond Hotel

After breakfast, take a vehicle to the Sayram Lake Scenic Area. The route starts at the intersection of National Highway 216 and Xishan Agricultural Farm, located approximately 20 kilometers south of Urumqi near the beginning of Provincial Highway S101, and ends at Bayinggoukou in Dushanzi. Originally an obscure national defense highway, it stretches east-west along the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains at elevations between 1,000 meters and higher, showcasing spectacular landscapes shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity and weathering processes. Upon arriving at Sayram Lake, board a shuttle bus for the scenic tour. The lake displays varying colors depending on the viewing angle—ranging from deep blue to vibrant green. The area features asphalt roads, with a circular lakeside route spanning about 70 kilometers that includes stops at Genghis Khan's Command Platform and Haixi Historical Site; visitors may also have the chance to spot swans. The day concludes with an overnight stay at Sayram Lake. Recommended itinerary highlights:
[Activity Guide] Waterfront Beach: Witness swans playing in the water up close; don a white dress and stroll along the lakeshore to capture reflections. Film City: The variety of filming props will keep you captivated – including The Lord of the Rings shooting location, yellow bicycles, hot air balloon statues, pumpkin cars, etc.; today is your perfect day to stand out! Command Platform: The ao包 adorned with prayer flags also carries blessings; here you can offer wishes for loved ones far away. Keler Yongzhu: Approach the lake at the mountain spring bend, pick up a stone, and throw it into the water to relive childhood joy of skipping stones. Don't miss the beautiful Yin Yue Dike – a classic spot for photo-taking around Lake Sayram. (Recommended duration: 30 minutes.) Songshutou: Walk along the wooden boardwalk to the summit for a bird's-eye view of the entire northern Sayram Lake and the Guozigou Bridge to the south. [Duration]: Approximately 4–5 hours for Lake Sayram. [Tip]: Daytime UV radiation is intense; wear long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen.
The drive today is quite long, so download the movie in advance and prepare some snacks.

Day3 Route: Serim Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Kazanqi – Yining

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: Yining Four Diamond Hotel

After breakfast, head to Guozigou Bridge – a place of grandeur and natural beauty set amidst a picturesque valley surrounded by towering mountains and lush vegetation. Be sure to capture this magnificent sight with your camera. Next, visit the Kazanqi Folk Street, hidden within Yining City and renowned as the "Shefsawan of the East." This area is home to Uighur communities, featuring distinctive Uighur architecture and vibrant alleys that will captivate you. Board a carriage, purchase a specialty handmade ice cream, and wander through the quiet lanes; it's like stepping back in time, transporting you from the city's hustle and bustle to a century ago. Today, you too can become a great photographer. In the evening, head to the Ili River to admire the sunset glow, stroll along Ili Bridge, enjoy peaceful moments, and spend the night in Yining.
Recommended Tour Guide for Today's Site:
[Experience Guide] Ride a carriage and explore the area's distinctive streets; visit homes of local ethnic minorities to experience their warmth and enjoy handmade ice cream. [Travel Time] Recommended: 30 minutes to Guozigou Bridge, 2 hours to Kazanqi. [Tip] Sun protection is essential due to strong UV rays during daytime; mosquitoes are common in the forest—bring insect repellent beforehand.

Day4 Yining-Qiongkushitai

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: Qiongkushitai

After breakfast, head to Qiongkushitai – a tranquil and serene haven nestled deep in the mountains. Here, you'll find a clear sky, vast grasslands, and the fresh fragrance of flowers, evoking a sense of primitive simplicity. Beneath the blue heavens and white clouds lie snow-capped peaks; beneath the pine forests stand Qiongkushitai itself. The light-blue grasslands and vibrant sea of flowers create a natural landscape with distinct color layers and harmonious hues. Spend the night at Qiongkushitai.
Recommended Tour Guide for Today's Site:
[Activity Guide] Hike or ride horseback at your own expense to the rear mountain for a panoramic view of the flower fields and grasslands; hike or ride horseback to the high-altitude lake, traversing grasslands, forests, and rivers with breathtaking scenery (round trip approximately 5 hours; ￥500 per person); visit local herders' homes, enjoy milk tea and traditional Tibetan snacks like "nang," and experience their warm smiles; stroll through the village while quietly watching the sunset and starry sky. [Duration] 7–8 hours. [Note] Qiongkushitai Village is a pristine ancient settlement with limited accommodation options; the road to Qiongkushitai is quite bumpy – travelers prone to motion sickness should bring anti-motion sickness medication in advance.

Day5: Qiongkushitai–Kalaqun Grassland–Kokosu Canyon–Bagua City–Tekes

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at your own expense

Accommodation: Turks Four Diamond Hotel

After breakfast, we arrived at the [Kalaqun Grassland], where a vast, boundless expanse of grassland lies at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Under the sun's rays, countless beams of golden light blanket the lush grassland; flowers bloom profusely, while cattle and sheep graze leisurely, and herders ride their horses to tend their flocks in perfect tranquility—a truly idyllic scene. With herds of livestock scattered across the landscape and felt tents dotting the area, riding a fine steed and galloping through the scenery will surely make you fall deeply in love with this place! Next, we head to the Keksu Canyon, a deep, winding, and breathtakingly beautiful canyon. Viewed from the grassland, the canyon features steep cliffs and rugged terrain, with the Keksu River flowing beneath its depths. Taking the cable car from the Kalaqun Cable Car Station takes just over ten seconds to reach the canyon. We then take a shuttle bus passing stops such as Crocodile Bay Station, Keksu Grand Canyon Station, and Nine-Bend Eighteen-Winding Station. In the evening, we explore Xinjiang's local cuisine at Lijie and admire the night views of Bagua City before staying overnight in Tekes. Today's recommended sightseeing guide:
[Itinerary Guide] Hike from Flower Platform to Wuhua Flower Field, where you can admire the snow-capped peaks of the Central Tianshan Mountains from a distance (round trip: 1.5 hours). Those with ample time may extend their hike from Flower Platform to Falcon Platform, enjoying picturesque scenery along the way; then proceed from Falcon Platform to Huaban Forest (approximately 1.5 hours round trip), or ride a horse from Falcon Platform to Kuerdai Forest (2 hours round trip). [Recommended Duration] Karajun: 3–4 hours; Kuakesu: 3 hours. [Important Note] The area features extensive hiking trails; wear comfortable footwear. During summer, strong UV rays and winds prevail – take appropriate sun protection and wind protection measures.

Day6 Tekes-Bayinbuluk Grassland (Sunset)

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: Four-star/three-star hotels in Bayinbuluke

After breakfast, embark on the middle section of the Duku Highway along the Gongnaisi River. Every casual photo taken from the car window is a masterpiece – traversing the Tianshan Mountains with rugged terrain and numerous travel restrictions adds an air of mystery to this route. Prepare your camera and uncover its hidden beauty! Next, visit the long-awaited Bayinbuluke Grassland: a vast expanse resembling a giant green carpet covering the entire landscape. With lush grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, mountains surrounding the area, swans playing in the water, and wisps of smoke rising in the distance, find the perfect vantage point on the viewing platform to capture the breathtaking sunset amidst its winding paths. After the tour, check into accommodation in Bayinbuluke Town.

Recommended Tour Guide for Today's Site:[Itinerary Guide] Take the shuttle bus to your first stop, Swan Home, where you can observe swans or water birds resting and playing in the water; proceed to Barunkure for a visit to experience local ethnic culture; arrive at the final stop, Nine-Bend River, to find an ideal vantage point for watching the sunset – visitors may even capture reflections of nine suns on the river's surface. Those interested in performances can purchase admission to watch "Donggui Yingxiang" (￥298 per person). [Duration] Recommended time: 3–4 hours in Bayinbuluke. [Tip] Summer brings high mosquito activity; prepare appropriate mosquito prevention measures. Sunset occurs late; bring snacks. Temperatures are low – stay warm.

Day7 Bayinbuluke-Nalati Grasslands (Airborne Grasslands + River Valley Grasslands) – Tangbra

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: Tangbra Homestay

After breakfast, head to the Nalati Scenic Area. At the foot of the snow-covered Tianshan Mountains on the grassland, a vast expanse of boundless pasture unfolds before you. Under the sun's rays, golden light bathes the green grasslands; flowers bloom profusely, while cattle and sheep graze leisurely as herders ride their horses in peaceful tranquility—a truly idyllic scene resembling a paradise beyond this world. With its forests, grasslands, towering snow-capped peaks, herds of livestock, and scattered yurts, immersing yourself in this landscape and riding a fine horse for a ride will surely make you fall deeply in love with this place. Next, visit the Tangbulu Hundred-Mile Gallery, renowned for its forests, grasslands, rushing streams, and rugged rock formations. The grasslands along the riverbank feature numerous terraced slopes; during summer, the mountains are covered with flowers, and the roads alongside them resemble oil paintings—walking through them feels like strolling within a painting. If time permits, you may also explore the Fairy Lake to discover another hidden paradise. Recommended itinerary:

[Itinerary Guide] Take a regional bus to the aerial grassland, where you can independently hire an electric vehicle to Snow Lotus Valley for a panoramic view of the grassland; ride a horse at your own expense (￥80/hour) to experience being a local herdsman; enjoy a pot of homemade milk tea in a yurt and take a joyful photo with the local host; or hike or ride a horse to Fairy Lake.

[Duration]Nalati recommends 4–5 hours. [Note]Sunlight UV radiation is intense during daytime; please take sun protection measures. Horseback riding is a self-paid activity with certain risks; please choose accordingly based on your personal circumstances. Always opt for professional horse teams within the scenic area when riding.

Day8 Tangbra–Duku North Section–Dushanzi Grand Canyon–Kuitun

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: Kuitun Four Diamond Hotel

The highlight always comes later. It is often said that visiting Xinjiang is a road trip, and the final day must include experiencing the northern section of the Duku Highway. This day offers a glimpse into all four seasons—a road full of surprises and memories. Along the way, you'll witness the scenery of each season; every casual photo taken outside the window looks like a masterpiece. The crossing of the Tianshan Mountains, rugged terrain, and numerous travel restrictions add an air of mystery to the Duku Highway—so prepare your camera and uncover its secrets! Next, take a vehicle to the Dushanzi Grand Canyon Scenic Area, another iconic spot along the Duku Highway. To truly appreciate the grandeur of the canyon, you'll need to descend a long staircase and marvel at nature's masterful craftsmanship. After descending the Y-shaped steps, you'll reach a flat area at one end of the canyon, where the towering fault line stands opposite. Approaching the canyon edge and looking down into the valley reveals a vertical drop of 200 meters with steep rocks, creating a breathtaking sight. Recommended itinerary for a stay in Kuitun today:
[Activity Guide] Along the Duku Highway, listen to the veteran squad leader recount stories from those years and take photos with him; at the Hashiligen Da section, experience snow combat activities and enjoy watermelon in the snow; visit the popular "Heavenly Waterfall" for commemorative photos; pay respects at the Tianshan Mountain Memorial Stele to appreciate the martyrs' profound patriotism; admire the spectacular views of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon from above; optional glass bridge ride (￥100 per person); optional ground track roller coaster ride (￥60 per person). [Time Required] Duku Highway: walking and photography tour, approximately 2 hours for the Dushanzi Grand Canyon. [Important Note] The Duku Highway is a mountainous route; travelers prone to motion sickness should prepare anti-motion sickness patches in advance. Most attractions in the Dushanzi Grand Canyon involve high-altitude experiences – plan accordingly.

Day9: Kuitun – Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains – Urumqi

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: Urumqi Four Diamond Hotel

After breakfast, head to the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, where the landscape unfolds like a painting: a vast expanse of azure lake water stretching before you, with the main Bogda peak in the distance and its snow-capped summit clearly visible—perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Afterwards, return to Urumqi for the night. Recommended itinerary for today's visit:
[How to Visit] Walk slowly along the wooden boardwalk by Tianchi Lake, heading deeper into its depths. The lake water is a deep blue, reminiscent of the color seen in Jiuzhaigou. In the distance stands Bogeda Peak's main summit, its snow-covered peak clearly visible; you may choose to take the Mayashan cable car (at an additional cost of 220 yuan) for a panoramic view of Tianchi Lake from an elevated vantage point.
[Time Required] Recommended duration for Tianchi Lake: 3–3.5 hours. [Note] Many sections of the lake require walking; please wear comfortable footwear.

Day10 Urumqi – A warm home

Dining: Includes breakfast; lunch is to be arranged by the guest; dinner is to be arranged by the guest.

Accommodation: self-arranged

After breakfast, we will see you off according to the flight schedule. Happy times always fly by quickly; it's time for us to say goodbye. We hope this brief trip to Xinjiang will leave you with wonderful memories, and we look forward to meeting you again.