From the turquoise waters of Heavenly Lake and the fairy-tale log cabins of Hemu to the mysterious “lake monster” of Kanas, the wind-sculpted Ghost City, the dramatic Anjihai Grand Canyon, and the breathtaking S101 Tianshan Geomorphic Corridor – an 8-day journey through the wild and diverse landscapes of Northern Xinjiang, starting and ending in Urumqi
Airport pickup, hotel check-in, visit International Grand Bazaar (if time permits)
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu 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.
📍 Distance: ~30 km (airport to hotel & bazaar) | 🚗 Driving time: 40-50 min
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)
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)
Anjihai Grand Canyon, S101 Scenic Highway (Tianshan Geomorphic Corridor), drive back to Urumqi
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 gray rock layers, and a winding riverbed far below. It offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in northern Xinjiang. After exploring the canyon, begin the journey back to Urumqi via the famous S101 Scenic Highway, also known as the “Tianshan Geomorphic Corridor”. This highway winds through colorful Danxia landforms, rolling grasslands, deep ravines, and unique erosion landscapes. Stop at multiple viewpoints along the way for photos and short walks. Arrive in Urumqi in the evening. Overnight in Urumqi.
📍 Distance: ~350 km (Dushanzi → Anjihai Grand Canyon → S101 → Urumqi) | 🚗 Driving time: 6-7 hours (including scenic stops along S101)
Transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for your departure flight
Breakfast at 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/driver will transfer you to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for your departure flight. End of the Northern Xinjiang journey.
📍 Distance: ~30 km (hotel to airport) | 🚗 Driving time: 40-50 min