12-Day Xinjiang In-depth Private Tour: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake, Kanas, Sayram Lake & Nalati Grassland

Upon your arrival, our professional guide will greet you at the airport arrival hall with a personalized welcome sign. You will then be escorted by a private, comfortable vehicle to your carefully selected hotel. During the transfer, your guide will provide a brief introduction to Urumqi’s history and its unique multi-ethnic culture. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recharge for the spectacular Xinjiang adventure ahead.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to the 【Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)】 (approx. 70km, 1-1.5 hours). Known as the “Jade Pool” in ancient legends, this alpine lake is nestled on the northern slopes of Bogda Peak at an altitude of 1,910 meters. Surrounded by dense spruce forests and mirrored by the snow-capped Bogda Peak, the lake presents a fairytale-like scenery with waters shifting from emerald green to deep sapphire.

You can stroll along the 12.5km lakeside boardwalk to fully immerse yourself in the magnificent landscape of high-mountain lakes, alpine meadows, and forest canyons.

Later, continue your journey toward Fuyun. Watch as the urban oasis gradually transforms into the vast Gobi landscape of the 【Gurbantunggut Desert】. This area is a sanctuary for ungulates; keep an eye out for rare wild donkeys, horses, or camels grazing in the desert. Arrive in Fuyun in the evening for check-in.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to the 【Koktokay National Geopark】 (approx. 1 hour). You will take a shuttle bus along the Irtysh River, enjoying the views of towering silver birch forests, the unique Stone Gate, and the “Couple Trees” — a symbol of eternal love. Don’t miss the chance to photograph the park’s iconic landmark, Shenzhong Mountain (Bell Mountain).

Next, visit 【Kekesuli Lake】, a crystal-clear wetland oasis. The lake is rich in aquatic life and surrounded by lush green meadows and wild blooms. Under the afternoon sun, you’ll witness a true pastoral idyll: Kazakh yurts with curling cooking smoke and herds of cattle and sheep grazing by the water. In summer and autumn, it serves as a sanctuary for white swans and grey cranes.

In the evening, arrive at 【Wucaitan (Colorful Beach)】 to witness the “One River, Two Banks” phenomenon. The south bank is a lush oasis and desert, while the north bank features a dramatic cliff-style Yardang landform. Under the setting sun, the rocks glow in vibrant hues of red, green, yellow, and white, earning it the title of “Xinjiang’s Most Beautiful Yardang.” Continue to Burqin for check-in.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for the legendary 【Kanas Nature Reserve】 (approx. 2.5 hours), often called “The Last Pure Land on Earth.” Upon arrival at Jiadengyu, transfer to the shuttle bus. Your first stop is 【Guanyu Pavilion (Fish-Watching Pavilion)】, the highest point in Kanas, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the emerald lake and the Altai Mountains.

In the afternoon, explore the world-renowned “Three Bays”: First, visit the mist-shrouded 【Immortal Bay (Shenxian Bay)】; then, walk to the crescent-shaped 【Moon Bay (Yueliang Bay)】 to marvel at nature’s craftsmanship; finally, reach 【Crouching Dragon Bay (Wolong Bay)】, named for the island that resembles a reclining dragon. In autumn, the contrast between the golden forests and turquoise water is simply stunning.

💡 Travel Tip: Well-maintained boardwalks connect the Three Bays. Depending on your energy level, we recommend a short hike to capture the purest natural energy of Northern Xinjiang.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, depart from Kanas for 【Hemu Village】 (approx. 1 hour drive). Recognized as one of the most charming leisure villages in China, it is inhabited by Kazakh and Tuva people. The village is famous for its signature log cabins, which showcase a primitive and rustic charm characteristic of the Western Chinese frontier.

Upon entering the village, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the country lanes. Witness the tranquility as morning mist and cooking smoke rise above the rooftops, while the Hemu River flows silently through silver birch forests. The colorful Gesang flowers against the blue sky create a mesmerizing scene. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking fusion of snow-capped mountains, forests, and ancient settlements, and observe the traditional Tuva log cabins to experience their authentic way of life.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, bid farewell to Burqin and head to the 【Urho World Ghost City】 (approx. 3 hours drive). Ranked as the top “Most Beautiful Yardang Landform” by *Chinese National Geography*, this site has served as a filming location for several Oscar-winning movies.

The “Ghost City” is renowned for its unique Yardang formations and the eerie wails produced by the wind as it whistles through the rock corridors. You will explore the area via a sightseeing shuttle, marveling at the nature-sculpted “city walls,” “fortresses,” and “palaces,” as well as rock formations resembling various animals. It is a place of extreme, desolate beauty.

After the tour, continue your journey to Kuitun for check-in (approx. 2.5–3 hours), taking in the vast and magnificent views of the Junggar Basin along the way.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, depart from Kuitun for the breathtaking 【Sayram Lake】 (approx. 3.5 hours drive), famously known as “The Last Teardrop of the Atlantic.” This alpine lake shimmers with dreamlike shades of sapphire and turquoise under varying light, offering crystal-clear waters and unparalleled scenery.

You will begin your exploration from the East Gate, traveling along the 90km scenic ring road. Marvel at the sight of snow-capped mountains reflected in the pure blue waters. If the weather is clear, do not miss the vibrant Sayram Lake sunset—widely considered the most soul-stirring light and shadow display in Northern Xinjiang.

Descending through the valley, the landscape opens up as you head to Yining for your hotel check-in.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, leave Yining and drive to 【Nalati Grassland】 (approx. 3 hours drive), one of the world’s four major sub-alpine river valley grasslands. Once a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road, it now greets visitors with endless rolling greenery, crystal-clear springs, and grazing herds, resembling a masterpiece of a Western oil painting.

Upon arrival, explore the most popular route—the 【Sky Grassland】. Take the sightseeing shuttle to visit:

• Tianjie Platform: Stand at the summit to overlook the vastness and undulation of the great steppe;
• Tianmu Platform: Admire the lush, multi-layered natural landscape;
• Nomadic Family: Here, you can experience traditional horseback riding or local ethnic-themed photography.

After the tour, continue to Nalati Town or Xinyuan County for your overnight stay.

★ Professional Guide Tip: Nalati offers diverse landscapes; your guide will help you find the best hidden photo spots away from the crowds to feel the pure essence of the steppe.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

Today, you will journey along Xinjiang’s breathtaking Scenic Highways, traveling from the lush pastures of Xinyuan through the vibrant city of Yining to the picturesque Jinghe County (total distance approx. 475 km).

This is a true feast for the eyes. Along the way, you will be captivated by endless green pastures, towering snow-capped mountains in the distance, meandering crystal-clear rivers, and fields dotted with wildflowers. Every mile feels like a living scroll of Western Chinese landscape painting.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, depart from Jinghe to begin your return journey to Urumqi. En route, visit the awe-inspiring 【Dushanzi Grand Canyon】. Formed by millions of years of Tianshan snowmelt eroding the Dushanzi plains, it is a true natural wonder.

The canyon stretches for over 30 kilometers with depths reaching up to 400 meters. Its steep cliffs, winding riverbeds, and unique geological folds exude a sense of breathtaking primitive power.

After exploring the canyon, continue to Urumqi and check into your hotel.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, visit 【Hongshan Park】 (Red Mountain Park), located in the heart of the city. You can hike to the summit to see the iconic nine-story Red Mountain Pagoda. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Urumqi’s modern skyline and bustling city life, feeling the vibrant energy of this Eurasian hub.

Next, explore the 【Xinjiang Regional Museum】, the largest comprehensive museum in the region. Here, you will witness the glory of the ancient Silk Road, including world-renowned national treasures like the “Five Stars Rise in the East” Han Dynasty brocade and the mysterious “Loulan Beauty” mummy. The extensive exhibits of ethnic costumes and handicrafts offer a deep dive into Xinjiang’s profound cultural history.

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, your 12-day journey through the natural wonders and cultural gems of Northern Xinjiang comes to an end. Our driver will provide a private transfer to the airport or railway station according to your departure schedule for your next destination.

Thank you for choosing SuperChinaTour. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!

Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast