Day 1, Arrival in Urumqi

Activities:

Airport pickup and hotel transfer; optional visit to the International Grand Bazaar

Details:

Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Meet your guide and driver and transfer to your 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, colourful silk fabrics and traditional musical instruments, and sample local delicacies such as naan bread, roasted lamb and fresh grapes.

Day 2, Urumqi to Heavenly Lake – Then Drive to Beitun

Activities:

Visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Mountains, then drive across the Junggar Basin to Beitun

Details:

Depart from Urumqi and drive to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Upon arrival, take the 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. The journey takes you across the vast Junggar Basin, passing deserts, grazing lands and distant mountain ranges. Arrive in Beitun in the evening, check into your hotel and rest.

Day 3, Beitun to Hemu Village

Activities:

Drive to the Tuva village of Hemu, hike along the Hemu River, visit a local Tuva family, climb the viewing platform at sunset

Details:

Start from Beitun and drive to Hemu Village, one of the most beautiful and authentic Tuva 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 Tuva 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.

Day 4, Hemu to Kanas Lake – Overnight in Jiadengyu

Activities:

Explore Kanas Scenic Area, climb Guanyutai viewing platform, hike the lakeside and Kanas River boardwalks

Details:

In the morning, drive from Hemu Village to the Kanas Scenic Area and take the shuttle bus inside. First, ascend Guanyutai (1,068 steps) for the best aerial view of 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 your overnight stay.

Day 5, Baihaba Village and the Kanas River Bays – Drive to Burqin

Activities:

Visit Baihaba border village, hike between Moon Bay, Dragon Bay and Fairy Bay, then drive to Burqin

Details:

In the morning, re-enter the 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 colours.

We then return to the main Kanas River valley for a spectacular hike between the three famous bays: Moon Bay (Yueliangwan), Dragon Bay (Wolongwan) and Shenxianwan (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 Burqin County for your overnight stay.

Day 6, Burqin to Dushanzi – Wuerhe Ghost City

Activities:

Visit the Wuerhe Ghost City (Yardang landscape), then drive south across the desert and oil fields to Dushanzi

Details:

Depart from Burqin and drive south. We stop at the 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, we continue driving to Dushanzi District. The drive crosses vast desert and oil fields. Arrive in Dushanzi in the evening.

Day 7, Anjihai Grand Canyon – S101 Scenic Highway to Urumqi

Activities:

Visit Anjihai Grand Canyon, then drive the scenic S101 “Tianshan Geomorphic Corridor” back to Urumqi

Details:

In the morning, depart from Dushanzi and drive to Anjihai Grand Canyon — a spectacular and less-visited canyon carved by the Anjihai River. The canyon features dramatic vertical cliffs, alternating red, brown and grey rock layers, and a winding riverbed far below. It offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in northern Xinjiang.

After exploring the canyon, we begin the journey back to Urumqi via the famous S101 Scenic Highway, also known as the “Tianshan Geomorphic Corridor.” This highway winds through colourful Danxia landforms, rolling grasslands, deep ravines and unique erosion landscapes. We stop at multiple viewpoints along the way for photos and short walks. Arrive in Urumqi in the evening.

Day 8, Departure from Urumqi

Activities:

Breakfast, free time for last-minute shopping, private transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

Details:

Breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxed walk in Urumqi. When ready, your guide and driver will transfer you to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for your departure flight. End of your Northern Xinjiang journey.