Explore North Xinjiang on a 10D9N private tour to Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Narat Grassland, Duku Highway and Dushanzi Grand Canyon.
North Xinjiang is a spectacular region of vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, forests and traditional ethnic villages, offering some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in China. The region is particularly famous for its dramatic landscapes and changing scenery, from alpine lakes and golden valleys to endless grasslands and rugged mountain ranges.
The journey takes you through some of North Xinjiang’s most scenic destinations, including Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake and Narat Grassland, where pristine nature and traditional local culture come together. Kanas is renowned for its turquoise waters, forested mountains and legendary scenery, while nearby Hemu Village offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local Tuva people, with wooden houses surrounded by mountains and forests.
Continue to Sayram Lake, often described as the “last tear of the Atlantic”, where crystal-clear blue waters are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and expansive alpine meadows. The region is especially beautiful during the warmer months when colourful wildflowers cover the grasslands.
The journey also introduces the rich cultural diversity of Xinjiang, with opportunities to experience the traditions, hospitality and daily life of the region’s Kazakh, Mongolian, Uyghur and Tuva communities. Enjoy local cuisine, traditional music and beautiful landscapes while travelling through remote mountain valleys and open countryside.
June - Mid October
From SGD 4,500 per person — min 2 to go
From SGD 4,000 per person — min 4 to go
From SGD 3,500 per person — min 6 to go
Fly from Singapore to Urumqi on an international flight arranged independently. Upon arrival at Urumqi Airport, your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Private Transfer: Urumqi International Airport → Hotel
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Urumqi or similar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your scenic journey from Urumqi to Burqin, the gateway to some of northern Xinjiang’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Today is primarily a long-distance scenic drive, allowing you to experience the dramatic transition from the urban surroundings of Urumqi to the vast, remote landscapes of northern Xinjiang.
En route, travel along the S21 Desert Highway, one of Xinjiang’s most impressive modern road projects and the region’s first major desert expressway. The highway stretches for approximately 342 km, crossing the vast Gurbantünggüt Desert and connecting the Urumqi area with Fuhai County.
As the journey continues, watch the scenery gradually change from mountains and open countryside to vast desert and Gobi landscapes. The S21 provides excellent opportunities to appreciate Xinjiang’s enormous scale, with long stretches of road surrounded by seemingly endless desert scenery.
There may be opportunities for short photo stops at designated viewpoints, depending on road conditions, weather and the group's schedule. The journey itself is an important part of the experience, offering a glimpse into the remote landscapes of northern Xinjiang.
Continue towards Burqin, a charming town located near the Irtysh River and an important gateway to Kanas Scenic Area. Burqin is particularly known for its attractive riverfront, colourful Russian-style architecture and beautiful evening atmosphere.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy some time to relax after the long drive.
Accommodation: Burqin Shangshi International Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, depart Burqin and drive to Kanas, one of the most spectacular scenic destinations in northern Xinjiang. The journey takes you through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests and alpine scenery as you approach the Kanas region.
Upon arrival, visit the Kanas Scenic Area, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise lake, dense birch forests, snow-capped mountains and peaceful valleys. Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing experience and take in the breathtaking natural scenery. Depending on weather and local conditions, there may also be opportunities to enjoy panoramic viewpoints and short walks around the scenic area.
Kanas is particularly famous for its changing colours throughout the seasons, with the surrounding forests creating a stunning backdrop to the lake and mountains.
After the visit, check in and relax at the hotel. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Kanas and spend the night surrounded by beautiful forest scenery.
Accomodation: Kanas Birch Forest Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and travel to Hemu Village, one of the most picturesque and charming villages in northern Xinjiang. The journey from Kanas to Hemu takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.
Hemu Village is famous for its traditional wooden houses, peaceful mountain surroundings, dense birch forests and distinctive Tuva culture. Often described as one of the most beautiful villages in China, Hemu offers an opportunity to experience the region’s pristine natural environment and traditional way of life. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the village, admire the wooden cottages and surrounding mountain scenery, and take photographs of this idyllic landscape.
After exploring Hemu, continue the journey to Burqin, with a driving time of approximately 3.5–4 hours. Upon arrival, visit Wucai Beach (Five-Coloured Beach), a unique natural landscape located along the Irtysh River.
Wucai Beach is renowned for its colourful rock formations and layered riverbank terrain. The combination of red, yellow, orange, brown and greenish tones creates a striking landscape, especially when illuminated by the afternoon or evening sunlight. It is an excellent location for photography and enjoying the contrast between the colourful landforms, the river and the surrounding vegetation.
After sightseeing, proceed to the hotel in Burqin for check-in and rest.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Burqin Shangshi International Hotel or similar
Driving Time: Kanas–Hemu approximately 1.5–2 hours; Hemu–Burqin approximately 3.5–4 hours
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart Burqin for Kuitun, with a total driving time of approximately 5–6 hours, covering around 450 km, depending on road and traffic conditions.
En route, visit Urho Ghost City, a fascinating natural landscape famous for its spectacular Yadan landforms. The area has been shaped over thousands of years by strong winds and natural erosion, creating dramatic rock formations, ridges and valleys. The unusual landscape resembles castles, towers and ancient ruins, giving rise to the mysterious name “Ghost City.”
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the scenic area and take the opportunity to photograph the distinctive formations. The vast desert landscape and unique rock structures create an impressive and otherworldly atmosphere.
After the visit, continue driving to Kuitun. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy some time to relax after the day's journey.
Overnight: Kuitun Haofeng International Hotel or similar
Driving: Approximately 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart Kuitun for Yining, travelling westward through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Ili Valley. The total driving time is approximately 4–5 hours, excluding sightseeing and photo stops.
The journey gradually changes from the dry landscapes around Kuitun to greener valleys, snow-capped mountains and alpine scenery as you approach Sayram Lake. Visit Sayram Lake, the largest and one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Xinjiang. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000 metres, the lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rolling grasslands and open meadows.Known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic”, Sayram Lake is famous for its clear blue and turquoise waters. Depending on the weather and sunlight, the colour of the lake can change throughout the day.
Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing experience around the lake and take photographs of the spectacular scenery. The surrounding grasslands are often dotted with wildflowers during the summer months, while snow-covered peaks provide a dramatic backdrop.There is no need for strenuous hiking; guests can enjoy the scenery from the designated viewpoints and take short, easy walks around suitable areas.
Continue towards Guozigou, a spectacular mountain valley connecting the Sayram Lake area with the Ili Valley. Stop at a suitable viewpoint to admire and photograph the impressive Guozigou Bridge.The bridge spans the dramatic Guozigou valley and is surrounded by steep mountains and lush green scenery. The combination of the modern bridge structure and the natural mountain landscape makes this one of the most impressive photographic stops along the route.
After sightseeing, continue the drive through the scenic Ili Valley towards Yining. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy some free time to rest or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Driving: Approximately 4–5 hours, excluding sightseeing and photo stops
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart Yining for Narat, travelling eastward through the beautiful Ili Valley. The journey takes approximately 3–3.5 hours, covering around 260 km, depending on road and traffic conditions. As you leave Yining, enjoy the changing scenery of the Ili Valley, with wide-open farmland, villages, rivers and mountain landscapes gradually giving way to the spectacular alpine grasslands of Narat.
Upon arrival, visit the famous Narat Sky Grassland, one of the most scenic highland grasslands in Xinjiang. Surrounded by majestic Tianshan Mountains, the area is known for its vast green meadows, rolling hills, colourful wildflowers and snow-capped peaks.
The name “Sky Grassland” reflects the feeling of being surrounded by an immense open sky while standing on the high alpine meadow. During summer, the grassland becomes especially beautiful, with lush green pastures and wildflowers adding colour to the landscape.
Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing experience and take in the panoramic views of the grassland and surrounding mountains. There are opportunities to ride a horse for those interested, or simply enjoy short, easy walks and photography from the scenic areas. A strenuous hiking experience is not necessary to appreciate the beauty of Narat.
The area is also home to traditional Kazakh pastoral culture, and visitors may see horses, sheep and cattle grazing across the open meadows, adding to the authentic character of the landscape. Take time to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the grassland before returning to the hotel. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel in Narat and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery.
Accomodation: Narat Xinlv Haosheng Hotel or similar
Driving: Approximately 3–3.5 hours / 260 km
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey from Narat to Kuitun, travelling along the spectacular Duku Highway (G217). The total journey takes approximately 5–6 hours of driving, excluding sightseeing and photo stops.
The Duku Highway is one of the most scenic mountain roads in Xinjiang, crossing the Tianshan Mountains and connecting southern and northern Xinjiang. The route is famous for its dramatic changes in scenery, from alpine grasslands and forests to deep valleys, snow-capped mountains and rugged mountain terrain. Enjoy a scenic drive along this legendary mountain highway, with numerous opportunities to stop at designated viewpoints for photographs. The scenery changes dramatically as the road climbs and descends through the Tianshan range. Along the way, you may see snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows, forests, winding mountain roads and deep valleys. The combination of different landscapes along a single route is what makes the Duku Highway particularly memorable.
The highway is also known for its seasonal accessibility. Due to heavy snowfall in the high mountains during winter, certain sections are normally open only during the warmer months. Road conditions and access can vary depending on weather and local regulations.
Continue towards Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a spectacular geological landscape formed by natural erosion over many years. The canyon features steep cliffs, layered rock formations and a wide valley carved by natural forces. Enjoy time at the scenic area to admire the impressive canyon landscape and take photographs from the designated viewpoints. The contrast between the rugged cliffs, wide-open valley and surrounding mountain scenery creates a dramatic natural panorama.
After completing the visit, continue the journey to Kuitun. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax after the day's scenic drive.
Accomodation: Kuitun Haofeng International Hotel or similar
Driving: Approximately 5–6 hours, excluding sightseeing and photo stops
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart Kuitun- Dushanzi for Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. The journey takes approximately 3–3.5 hours, covering around 250 km, depending on road and traffic conditions. The drive takes you through the vast landscapes of northern Xinjiang before gradually approaching Urumqi, the region's modern political, economic and cultural centre.
Upon arrival in Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, one of the city's most popular landmarks and a vibrant centre showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Xinjiang. The bazaar features distinctive Islamic-inspired architecture, colourful decorations and a lively atmosphere. Explore the many shops selling local handicrafts, textiles, traditional clothing, dried fruits, nuts, spices, tea and other Xinjiang specialties.
This is also a great opportunity to sample local snacks and regional delicacies, offering a taste of the diverse culinary traditions of Xinjiang. Visitors can enjoy some free time to browse the shops, purchase souvenirs and experience the lively atmosphere of this multicultural marketplace. The Grand Bazaar is particularly enjoyable for photography, with its colourful architecture, traditional decorations and bustling streets providing a glimpse into the cultural diversity of the region.
After the visit, transfer to the hotel and check in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Urumqi or similar
Driving: Approximately 3–3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy some free time at the hotel to relax, pack and prepare for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to enjoy a final morning in Urumqi at your own leisure.
At the appropriate time, meet your driver for a private transfer to Urumqi International Airport. Your driver will assist with the transfer and ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to the airport.
As your 10-day North Xinjiang adventure comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences throughout the journey — from the spectacular landscapes of Kanas and Hemu, the colourful Wucai Beach, and mysterious Urho Ghost City, to the turquoise waters of Sayram Lake, the vast Narat Grassland, the dramatic Duku Highway, and the impressive Dushanzi Grand Canyon.
This journey offers a wonderful introduction to the natural beauty, diverse landscapes and rich ethnic culture of North Xinjiang.
Private Transfer: Hotel → Urumqi International Airport
Meals: Breakfast
