Passage China
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10-Day Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Grand Loop

10-Day Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Grand Loop

Urumqi · Hemu Village · Karamay · Bole · Yining · Kuitun

Duration 10 days
From US$4,999/ person
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Highlights

  • A Feast of Diverse Landscapes
  • Comprehensive Coverage of Classic Must-See Attractions
  • In-Depth Ethnic and Folkloric Experience
  • An Authentic Western Regions Culinary Experience
  • Comfortable Small-Group Tours Tailored for International Visitors

Price includes

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver in every city
  • A licensed English-speaking guide in every city
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary
  • 4-star hotels with daily breakfast
  • Intercity flights and train travel listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 support throughout the trip

Price excludes

  • International flights to and from China
  • China Visa Fees
  • Personal expenses, tips for guides/drivers
  • Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise noted)
  • Travel Insurance

Itinerary at a Glance

DayTitle
1Arrival in Urumqi
2Crossing the S21 Desert Highway
3The Altay–Hemu Highway to Hemu Village
4Hemu Morning Mist and the Three Bays of Kanas
5Sunset at Five-Color Beach and the Yadan Landscape of Devil's City
6Crossing the Gobi Desert · Heading to Lake Sayram
7Sayram Lake to Yining: Local Life and Culture
8Nalati: A Pastoral Ballad of the High-Mountain Grasslands
9The Duku Highway: Four Seasons Across the Tianshan Mountains
10Tour Ends in Urumqi

Itinerary

1Arrival in Urumqi

Land in Urumqi and adjust to the time difference. Explore the International Grand Bazaar and experience the local atmosphere of the Western Regions.

Taste Dapanji, grilled buns, and hand-pulled rice, and experience the authentic flavors of Xinjiang


2Crossing the S21 Desert Highway

Travel along the S21 Desert Highway and take in the majestic landscapes of the Gobi Desert and the Hundred-Li Danxia.

Passing by Lake Ulungur, take in the unique scenery where the vast desert and the azure waters complement each other.

3The Altay–Hemu Highway to Hemu Village

Drive along the Ahe Highway, through the Birch Valley, and into the ancient Tuvan village of Hemu.

Stroll across the Hemu Bridge, climb up to the observation deck to take in a panoramic view of the village, stay in a unique log cabin, and spend the evening quietly gazing at the star-filled sky.

4Hemu Morning Mist and the Three Bays of Kanas

Wake up early to admire the breathtaking morning mist in Hemu, then head to the Kanas Scenic Area for an in-depth tour of the three main attractions—Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay—and take in the natural scenery where alpine lakes and forests intertwine.

In the evening, take a bus to Burqin to experience the nighttime atmosphere of this frontier town.

5Sunset at Five-Color Beach and the Yadan Landscape of Devil's City

Explore Wucai Tan as the sun sets and take photos of the colorful Yadan landforms along both banks of the Erqis River.

Venture deep into the World Devil's City, listen to the wind whistling through the wilderness, and experience the desolate yet majestic beauty of the wind-eroded Yadan castles.


6Crossing the Gobi Desert · Heading to Lake Sayram

Spend the entire day exploring Lake Sayram, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” as you travel around the lake and take in the deep blue waters set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Pass by the Guozigou Bridge and admire the magnificent view of the bridge soaring high above the canyon.

7Sayram Lake to Yining: Local Life and Culture

Head to Yining to visit the uniquely cultural Liuxing Street, stroll through the colorful ethnic alleys, and soak up the vibrant, everyday atmosphere.

Stroll through traditional local homes and unique shops, immerse yourself in the local street life, and savor authentic Xinjiang barbecue.


8Nalati: A Pastoral Ballad of the High-Mountain Grasslands

Visit the Nalati Sky Meadow to admire the alpine meadow scenery, featuring snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and streams, with cattle and sheep dotting the landscape.

You can try horseback riding on the grasslands and immerse yourself in the nomadic culture of the Kazakh people amid the clopping of hooves.

9The Duku Highway: Four Seasons Across the Tianshan Mountains

Set out on China’s most beautiful highway, the Duku Highway, and experience the magical journey of “traveling through all four seasons in a single day.”

Cross the majestic snow-capped mountain passes, journey through vast grasslands and deep gorges, experience the breathtaking beauty of the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, and finally enjoy a relaxing stay in Kuitun.

10Tour Ends in Urumqi

Return to Urumqi to conclude the tour. You are free to shop for souvenirs at your leisure, depending on your flight schedule.

  • Perfect for first-time visitors to China.
  • Includes a high-speed rail journey.
  • Private guide and driver throughout the tour.
Expertise

One-on-One Local Guide

A certified English-speaking guide with a deep knowledge of history and the ins and outs of the area.

Integrity

No Shopping Stops

100% sightseeing, with no commission-based shopping stops and no detours.

Flexibility

Flexible Adjustments

The itinerary can be adjusted at any time to suit your pace and needs.

Trip Notes

Accommodation

We offer a selection of 4-star hotels in the city center, with breakfast included daily. If you’d like to upgrade to a 5-star or boutique hotel, please make a reservation in advance.

Transportation

Each city will be equipped with dedicated air-conditioned vehicles and English-speaking drivers; intercity high-speed rail and flight schedules will be specified in the itinerary.

Meals

Breakfast is included daily. We can also arrange authentic lunch and dinner options for you; please let us know your dietary preferences, and we’ll create a customized menu for you.

Extend Your Trip

You can extend your stay by a few days in any city and adjust your itinerary as you wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel in China?
China is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates in major cities.
Do I need to tip in China?
Tipping is not customary in China, though it is appreciated by tour guides.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Most foreign nationals need a visa. China offers transit visa exemptions for many countries.

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