7-Day Xinjiang Private Tour: Kanas, Hemu Village, Koktokay, Colorful Beach & World Ghost City
Tour Highlights:
- Explore Koktokay National Geopark, traveling upstream along the Irtysh River to admire birch forests, the Couple Trees, and the towering Shenzhong Mountain;
- Stay overnight inside Hemu Village, climb to the observation deck at dawn to watch the ancient village awaken through morning mist — “The Most Beautiful Village in China”;
- In-depth tour of Kanas Lake, visiting Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay with optional Guanyu Pavilion, lake cruise, or Baihaba Village;
- Witness the Colorful Beach (Wucaitan) at sunset, where the Irtysh River divides vibrant Yardang formations — “God’s Overturned Palette”;
- Ride the sightseeing train through Urho World Ghost City, experiencing the wind-eroded castles, fortresses, and desolate beauty of the Gobi;
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and dedicated guide throughout — flexible stops, personalized pace, no group tours.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi – Begin Your Northern Xinjiang Adventure
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.
If time permits, you may explore the International Grand Bazaar — the world’s largest castle-style bazaar — to experience its lively atmosphere and taste local delicacies such as roasted lamb and pilaf, or visit Hongshan Park for panoramic city views.
💡 Travel Tip: Xinjiang is vast with long drives ahead. We recommend an early rest tonight. Pack sunscreen, a warm jacket, snacks, and any personal medications you may need.
Meals: On your own Accommodation: Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi → Koktokay → Fuyun – Across the Junggar Basin to the “Blue River Bend”
After breakfast, depart Urumqi and head north across the vast Junggar Basin. The landscape transforms from urban oasis to sweeping vistas of desert, Gobi, and grassland. After a simple lunch upon arrival in Fuyun County, continue to the 【Koktokay National Geopark】.
Koktokay is not a sea — its name means “Blue River Bend” in Mongolian. You will take a shuttle bus upstream along the famous Irtysh River, admiring the crystal-clear waters flanked by dense birch forests. Look for the Couple Trees — a pine and birch growing side by side, symbolizing enduring love. Towering granite monoliths line the valley like frozen waterfalls, culminating in the park’s iconic landmark: Shenzhong Mountain (Bell Mountain), standing majestically between heaven and earth.
After the tour, return to Fuyun for the night. In the evening, we recommend trying local specialties such as cold-water fish and roasted lamb skewers at the night market.
💡 Travel Tip: Today’s drive is long — bring snacks and water. During peak season, shuttle buses may queue; our private tour will arrange an optimal arrival time. Tomorrow you’ll stay inside Hemu, so prepare a day pack with essentials tonight.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast Accommodation: Fuyun
Day 3: Fuyun → Burqin → Hemu – Entering “God’s Own Preserve”
After breakfast, drive toward Hemu, passing through the fairytale border town of Burqin. As you enter the Altai Mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic — rolling meadows, massive boulders, and winding mountain roads with views around every bend. Stop at safe viewpoints for photos.
Upon reaching the Hemu ticket center, transfer to the shuttle bus into 【Hemu Scenic Area】. Known as “God’s Own Preserve,” Hemu is one of China’s most charming rustic villages, home to Kazakh and Tuva communities. The village is characterized by traditional log cabins that exude a primitive, rustic frontier charm.
After checking into your cabin, explore the iconic Hemu Bridge, stroll along the riverside birch forests, or opt for horseback riding or a hike to the observation deck to watch the sunset bathe the village rooftops in golden light.
To maximize your time in this stunning area, tonight’s stay is arranged inside the Hemu scenic zone. The log cabin accommodation is simpler than city hotels but offers an unbeatable location with breathtaking morning scenery. If you meet local Kazakhs or Tuva people, don’t hesitate to say hello — they are known for their warm hospitality.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast Accommodation: Hemu Village
Day 4: Hemu → Kanas → Jiadengyu – Panoramic Views from Guanyu Pavilion & The Three Bays
The best scenery rewards early risers. Before sunrise, walk up to the Hemu Observation Deck and watch the ancient village slowly awaken through a veil of morning mist — cooking smoke curling above golden birch trees, a scene worth every step.
After breakfast, take the shuttle bus out of Hemu and head to the legendary 【Kanas Nature Reserve】, often called “The Last Pure Land on Earth.” Entering the reserve, the scenery builds gradually through dense forests. First, pass 【Crouching Dragon Bay (Wolong Bay)】, where an islet in the river resembles a reclining dragon; then arrive at the crescent-shaped 【Moon Bay (Yueliang Bay)】, with giant “footprints” visible in the riverbed below; and finally reach 【Immortal Bay (Shenxian Bay)】, where sunlight dances on the water like scattered pearls.
At the Kanas transfer center, choose from several options based on your interest and energy:
- Kanas Lakeside Pier: Stand at the shore to admire the emerald lake embraced by mountains, or purchase a boat ticket to cruise the lake and immerse yourself in the reflections of ancient forests.
- Guanyu Pavilion (Fish-Watching Pavilion): Take a shuttle to the mid-slope, then climb 1,068 steps to the highest point of Kanas for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire lake and surrounding peaks.
- Baihaba Village: Famous for its border scenery, birch forests, and peaked log cabins. A separate border pass is required (at your own expense).
In the evening, after the crowds have departed, enjoy the tranquility of pine breezes and birdsong before heading to your hotel in Jiadengyu.
💡 Travel Tip: Mountain temperatures drop significantly in the morning and evening — bring a warm layer. Steps to the pavilion can be slippery; watch your footing. During peak season, try sitting on the left side of the shuttle for better views.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast Accommodation: Jiadengyu
Day 5: Jiadengyu → Colorful Beach → Urho / Karamay – “God’s Overturned Palette”
At sunrise, a gentle mist drifts through the mountains like wisps of fairy breath. After breakfast, depart Jiadengyu and drive toward Burqin.
In the afternoon, arrive at 【Wucaitan (Colorful Beach)】, the most representative colorful Yardang landform along the Irtysh River — one of the few rivers in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean. The south bank is covered with lush trees and grassland, while the north bank features dazzling Yardang formations, creating the unique “One River, Two Banks” spectacle. Under the slanting sun, the rock layers glow in vibrant red, yellow, green, white, and black — earning the nickname “God’s Overturned Palette.”
After the visit, drive to Urho or Karamay for the night.
💡 Travel Tip: Mosquitoes can be plentiful at Wucaitan — bring insect repellent spray, a hat, and a scarf for protection. Dress warmly for sunset photography.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast Accommodation: Urho / Karamay
Day 6: Urho / Karamay → World Ghost City → Urumqi – The Desolate Beauty of Wind-Sculpted Yardangs
Enjoy a leisurely morning. After breakfast, head to the 【Urho World Ghost City】. Ranked by *Chinese National Geography* as the top “Most Beautiful Yardang Landform in China,” this surreal landscape has also served as a filming location for numerous movies.
The Ghost City is famous for its extraordinary Yardang formations and the eerie wailing of wind as it funnels through the rock corridors. Board the scenic area’s open-air sightseeing train for an immersive journey through the core zone. With an audio guide narrating the formations, you’ll spot shapes resembling an eagle in flight, a dog gazing at the moon, and even the Titanic. Nature’s craftsmanship has sculpted “city walls,” “fortresses,” and “palaces” that are truly awe-inspiring.
After the tour, drive back to Urumqi and check into your hotel.
💡 Travel Tip: The Ghost City sits on open Gobi terrain with intense sun, strong UV rays, and dry conditions. Apply sunscreen generously, bring a sun umbrella and protective clothing, and carry plenty of water. For dramatic photos, wear brightly colored clothing or scarves. Stay within designated areas and follow park signage.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast Accommodation: Urumqi
Day 7: Departure from Urumqi – Farewell to Northern Xinjiang
After breakfast, your 7-day journey through the natural wonders of Northern Xinjiang’s Altay region comes to an end. Our driver will provide a private transfer to the airport or railway station according to your departure schedule.
If you wish to explore more of Xinjiang, consider extending to the Sayram Lake, Ili Grasslands & Duku Highway 12-Day Panoramic Tour, or connect to Tibet, Xi’an & Chengdu, or Zhangjiajie for a broader China experience.
Thank you for choosing SuperChinaTour. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Inclusions:
- ✓ Accommodation in selected hotels (including daily breakfast)
- ✓ Professional services of a private guide
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
- ✓ Entrance fees for all scenic spots listed in the itinerary (first gate)
- ✓ Required shuttle buses and transfers within scenic areas
- ✓ Travel Accident Insurance, Passenger Seat Insurance, and Travel Agency Liability Insurance
Exclusions:
- ✕ Round-trip international airfare
- ✕ Chinese entry visa application fees
- ✕ Lunch, dinner, and personal expenses
- ✕ Gratuities for the guide and driver (Tipping)
- ✕ Optional paid activities (Guanyu Pavilion shuttle, Baihaba border pass, lake cruise, etc.)
| Day | Route | Highlights | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | Arrival in Urumqi | Grand Bazaar, Hongshan Park (free time) | Urumqi |
| D2 | Urumqi → Koktokay → Fuyun | Koktokay Geopark, Shenzhong Mountain, Birch Forests | Fuyun |
| D3 | Fuyun → Burqin → Hemu | Hemu Village, Hemu Bridge, Observation Deck Sunset | Hemu Village |
| D4 | Hemu → Kanas → Jiadengyu | Dragon Bay, Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, Guanyu Pavilion | Jiadengyu |
| D5 | Jiadengyu → Colorful Beach → Urho | Wucaitan Yardang Landforms | Urho / Karamay |
| D6 | Urho → Ghost City → Urumqi | Urho World Ghost City | Urumqi |
| D7 | Departure from Urumqi | Airport / Station Transfer | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 7-day Xinjiang tour suitable for first-time visitors to Northern Xinjiang?
Yes. This route covers the most iconic natural attractions of the Altay region in Northern Xinjiang, including Koktokay, Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, Colorful Beach, and the World Ghost City. It is an ideal choice for first-time visitors who want to efficiently explore the highlights of Northern Xinjiang.
How is this 7-day route different from the 12-day Xinjiang panoramic tour?
This 7-day tour focuses on the Altay highlights of Northern Xinjiang with a more compact pace. The 12-day panoramic tour covers a wider range, additionally including Heavenly Lake, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Dushanzi Grand Canyon in the Ili region. You can also extend your trip to include Southern Xinjiang, Dunhuang, or other China destinations.
When is the best time to visit Kanas and Hemu?
June to August offers fresh and spectacular grassland, forest, and lake scenery. Mid-September to early October is the most popular season for autumn colors, with forests ablaze in gold and red. Winter trips can also be arranged for ice-and-snow photography.
Is the accommodation in Hemu Village basic?
Hemu mainly offers log cabin or guesthouse accommodation, which is simpler than city hotels but provides convenient access to the stunning morning mist and village scenery. Private tours can arrange more comfortable room options based on your budget.
Is this route suitable for families with children or elderly travelers?
Yes, it can be arranged. Northern Xinjiang involves longer driving distances, and some scenic areas require shuttle buses and walking. Private tours can flexibly adjust stops, hotel standards, and sightseeing intensity to match the physical capabilities of all family members.
Do I need a border permit for Xinjiang travel?
Most attractions on this itinerary do not require a border permit. If you wish to visit Baihaba Village (on the China-Kazakhstan border), a border pass must be arranged in advance — your guide can assist. The Kanas and Hemu areas do not require a border permit.
How do I get to Urumqi from overseas?
Many international travelers fly to Urumqi via connecting flights through Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, or Guangzhou. Some direct international routes are also available. Upon arrival, we provide airport pickup service.
How can I get a quote or book this tour?
You can visit our contact page and share your travel dates, group size, hotel preference, and travel pace. We will prepare a tailored itinerary and quotation based on your requirements.