A 10-day journey through alpine lakes, nomadic grasslands, towering canyons, and the most spectacular mountain highway in China – from Urumqi to Yining, experience the best of Northern Xinjiang
Airport pickup, hotel check-in, visit International Grand Bazaar (if time permits)
Arrive at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport. Meet your guide/driver and transfer to the hotel. If you arrive early, take a leisurely visit to the International Grand Bazaar – one of the largest and most famous bazaars in Xinjiang. Here you can browse a dazzling array of Uyghur handicrafts, colorful silk fabrics, traditional musical instruments, and sample local delicacies such as naan bread, roasted lamb, and fresh grapes. Overnight in Urumqi.
Hiking into the forest, lakeside walking, boating at Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), then scenic drive to Beitun
Depart from Urumqi and drive to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Upon arrival, take a scenic shuttle bus up the mountain. Spend the morning and early afternoon hiking into the lush spruce forest surrounding the lake, walking along the peaceful lakeside trails, and enjoying a relaxing boat ride on the turquoise waters with views of snow-capped Bogda Peak in the background. After lunch near the lake, begin the long but scenic drive to Beitun (formerly known as Beitun City). The journey takes you across the vast Junggar Basin, passing by deserts, grazing lands, and distant mountain ranges. Arrive in Beitun in the evening. Check into your hotel and rest. Overnight in Beitun.
📍 Distance: ~620 km (Urumqi → Heavenly Lake → Beitun) | 🚗 Driving time: 8-9 hours total (including sightseeing at Heavenly Lake)
Drive to Hemu Village, hiking along the river, Tuwa family visit, Guanyutai panoramic view of the whole village
Start from Beitun and drive to Hemu Village, one of the most beautiful and authentic Tuwa villages in China. Check into a wooden cabin guesthouse. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike along the Hemu River, surrounded by birch forests and grazing pastures. Visit a local Tuwa family to learn about their unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Then climb up to Guanyutai (the viewing platform) for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire village, the winding river, and the distant snow-dusted peaks. Overnight in Hemu Village.
📍 Distance: ~60 km (Beitun to Hemu) | 🚗 Driving time: 1.5-2 hours (mountain roads)
Drive to Hemu Village, hiking along the river, Tuwa family visit, Guanyutai panoramic view of the whole village
Start from Beitun and drive to Hemu Village, one of the most beautiful and authentic Tuwa villages in China. Check into a wooden cabin guesthouse. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike along the Hemu River, surrounded by birch forests and grazing pastures. Visit a local Tuwa family to learn about their unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Then climb up to Guanyutai (the viewing platform) for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire village, the winding river, and the distant snow-dusted peaks. Overnight in Hemu Village.
📍 Distance: ~60 km (Beitun to Hemu) | 🚗 Driving time: 1.5-2 hours (mountain roads)
Go up Guanyutai, hiking around Kanas Lake side, hike along the Kanas River
Morning drive from Hemu Village to Kanas Scenic Area. Take the shuttle bus inside. First, ascend Guanyutai (1,068 steps) for the best aerial view of the entire Kanas Lake – famous for its mysterious “lake monster” legends and color-changing water. After descending, spend time hiking around the lakeside, walking on wooden boardwalks through meadows and forests. Then follow a scenic trail along the Kanas River, enjoying the crystal-clear water and peaceful surroundings. In the late afternoon, exit the park and transfer to nearby Jiadengyu for overnight stay.
📍 Distance: ~60 km | 🚗 Driving time: 1-1.5 hours (plus shuttle buses inside the scenic area)
Visit Baihaba Village, hiking between Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, Shenxianwan Bay, nice hiking along the Kanas River, drive to Burjin County
Morning re-enter Kanas Scenic Area to explore more. First, drive to Baihaba Village, a hidden gem near the China-Kazakhstan border. Baihaba is known for its rustic Tuva log cabins, grazing sheep, and stunning autumn colors. Then return to the main Kanas River valley for a spectacular hiking experience between the three famous bays: Moon Bay (Yueliangwan), Dragon Bay (Wolongwan), and Shenxianwan Bay (Fairy Bay). This is one of the most beautiful riverside hikes in Xinjiang, with wooden paths winding along the turquoise Kanas River. After the hike, exit the scenic area and drive to Burjin County for overnight stay.
📍 Distance: ~120 km (Kanas to Baihaba to Burjin) | 🚗 Driving time: 3-4 hours total
Wuerhe Ghost City Yardang landforms, drive to Dushanzi
Depart from Burjin and drive south. Stop at Wuerhe Ghost City – a classic Yardang wind-erosion landscape with surreal rock formations shaped like castles, towers, and animals. Take a sightseeing train or walk among the pillars. After exploring, continue driving to Dushanzi District. The drive crosses vast desert and oil fields. Arrive in Dushanzi in the evening. Overnight in Dushanzi.
📍 Distance: ~480 km | 🚗 Driving time: 6-7 hours (including stop at Ghost City)
Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Duku Highway (north part) scenery, arrive in Narat
Morning visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon – a dramatic rift with reddish-brown cliffs crisscrossed by deep erosion lines, offering stunning photo opportunities. Then begin the legendary Duku Highway (G217) north section, one of China’s most spectacular mountain roads. You will ascend through alpine meadows, snow corridors, and winding switchbacks with breathtaking views of the Tianshan Mountains. Stop at key viewpoints such as Hashilegen Pass. By late afternoon, descend into the Narat Grassland area. Check into a local guesthouse. Overnight in Narat.
📍 Distance: ~250 km | 🚗 Driving time: 6-7 hours (including stops on Duku Highway)
Narat Sky Grassland (Kongzhong Caoyuan), drive to Tekes County – the only city in China without traffic lights
Morning explore Narat Sky Grassland (Kongzhong Caoyuan) – one of the four largest subalpine meadows in the world. Take a shuttle to higher elevation viewpoints for sweeping views of rolling green pastures dotted with Kazakh yurts and herds of sheep and horses. Optional short horseback ride. After lunch, drive to Tekes County, famously known as the “only city in China without traffic lights” due to its unique Bagua (Eight Trigrams) street layout designed in radial symmetry. Walk around the central square and observe the well-planned urban design. Overnight in Tekes.
📍 Distance: ~100 km (Narat to Tekes) | 🚗 Driving time: 2-3 hours
Karajun Grassland, Yizhao Scenic Road, drive to Yining
Morning visit Karajun Grassland – a vast and pristine alpine grassland known for its rolling hills, wildflowers in summer, and dramatic views of the snow-capped Tianshan main ridge. You can take a shuttle bus through the scenic area and hike on gentle slopes. In the afternoon, drive from Tekes to Yining City via the famous Yizhao Scenic Road – a winding mountain road offering spectacular views of valleys, forests, and pastures. Arrive in Yining (Gulja) in the evening. Overnight in Yining.
📍 Distance: ~180 km | 🚗 Driving time: 4-5 hours (including scenic stops)
Sayram Lake driving circle, stop at Guozigou (Fruit Valley) for Guozigou Bridge view
Morning drive (approx. 1.5 hours) from Yining to Sayram Lake – a stunning high-altitude alpine lake known as the “Last Teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean”. Once at the lake, take a full driving circle around the lake (approx. 90 km), stopping at multiple viewpoints for photos, short walks, and enjoying the turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. On the way back, stop at Guozigou (Fruit Valley) – a lush, fruit-tree-filled valley – to admire the spectacular Guozigou Bridge, one of the highest and most impressive valley bridges in Xinjiang. Return to Yining in the evening. Overnight in Yining.
📍 Distance: ~300 km (round trip from Yining to Sayram Lake and back) | 🚗 Driving time: 4-5 hours total driving
Transfer to airport, departure
Breakfast at hotel. Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxed walk in Yining City, perhaps visiting the Kazanqi Folk Street or Liuxing Street if time permits. Transfer to Yining Airport for your departure flight. End of the Northern Xinjiang journey.