Itinerary
- Day 1
Urumqi
You'll arrive in Urumqi and check out this modern city that mixes cultures from across the region. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum is worth a look if you're interested in local history. Grab lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants to try regional specialties. Later this evening, you'll meet with the tour leader for a briefing about the week ahead.
Optional Activities
- Visit Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (admission free)
- Dine at BBQ King for three bridge tunnel mutton string
- Visit small old plum bloody big chicken restaurant
- Dine at 'King of 17 Esthetic' for meat quantity foot pilaf
- Try pony pasta with salty meat toppings
- Purchase naan from 'Abla's Naan'
Landmarks Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum - Day 2
Urumqi to Kokotohai
Head out from Urumqi at 8 AM for a 5 hour drive through Junggar Basin, passing by the Kalamaili Mountain Ungulate Nature Reserve where you might spot wildlife. You'll stop in Kurt figure town for lunch, then continue on to Coketohei No. 3 Pit, an old rare metals mine with interesting geological features. Arrive in Kokotohai town by evening and spend the night there.
Included Activities
- Visit Coketohei No. 3 Pit mine site
- Stop in Kurt figure town
Landmarks Coketohei No. 3 Pit Kalamaili Mountain Ungulate Nature Reserve - Day 3
Kokotohai to Burqin
After breakfast, depart at 9 AM to spend 2 hours at Keketuohai scenic spot and national geopark looking at rock formations and geological structures. Head back to Kokotohai town for lunch, then you'll drive 5.5 hours to Burqin, a small city with European-style buildings since it borders Russia in northwest China. You'll arrive around 7 PM for dinner and can relax for the rest of the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Keketuohai scenic spot and national geopark
- View Irtysh Grand Canyon
Optional Activities
- Stroll night scene of Burqin
Landmarks Keketuohai scenic spot Xinjiang Keketuohai National Geopark Irtysh Grand Canyon Kokosuri Iremut Lake Karasingher Earthquake Fault Zone - Day 4
Burqin to Kanas
Leave Burqin at 9 AM and drive 3.5 hours toward Baisha Lake. Stop at the border brigade office to get your border defense certificate handled. From there, the scenery shifts to desert, oasis, and snow-capped mountains. You'll visit Baisha Lake, which sits in a birch forest with Altai poplars, then drive to Kanas village and arrive by 3 PM.
Included Activities
- Visit Baisha Lake
Landmarks Baisha Lake - Day 5
Kanas to Hemu
Start at 9 AM heading to Kanas Lake, an alpine lake in the Altai Mountains that's known for its deep blue color and local legends. Take the shuttle bus to Sanwan scenic spot and walk around Wulong Bay and Moonlight Bay. Later you'll head to Jiadengyu and drive 1.5 hours to Hemu village. There's an optional early morning hike to Meili Peak if you want to catch views of the village.
Included Activities
- Visit Kanas Lake
- Visit Wulong Bay (Kazan Lake)
- Hike to Moonlight Bay (Yueliang Bay)
- Visit Shenxian Bay (Immortal Bay)
- Transfer at Jiadengyu
Optional Activities
- Hike to Meili Peak near Hemu village for panoramic village views
- Photograph morning mist in Hemu village (advance arrangements required)
Landmarks Kanas Lake Wulong Bay Moonlight Bay Shenxian Bay Hemu Village Meili Peak - Day 6
Hemu to Wuerhe
Wake early to photograph sunrise and morning mist from the Hemu viewing platform while golden light hits the birch and pine forests. After breakfast, take the first shuttle bus and head to Wuerhe Devil City before sunset. This Yadan geomorphic area has incredible wind-carved rock formations and was used as a filming location for major movies.
Included Activities
- Visit Hemu viewing platform for sunrise and morning mist photography
- Visit Wuerhe Devil City
Landmarks Hemu Viewing Platform Wuerhe Devil City - Day 7
Wuerhe to Urumqi
On your final day, drive about 5 hours to Kuitun Grand Canyon, which was carved by Tianshan snowmelt over thousands of years. The canyon has nearly vertical walls with stone forest shapes and interesting gullies, plus views of mountains, valleys, and grassland. Stop at rest stations along the way to stretch and take in the scenery before heading back to Urumqi.
Included Activities
- Visit Kuitun Grand Canyon
Optional Activities
- Enjoy rest station stops for relaxation
- View scenery along the road
Landmarks Kuitun Grand Canyon
