Day 1 Urumqi ★Gathering Day → Airport Pickup
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Itinerary meeting day/ We sincerely welcome you
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Free 24-hour airport pick-up service, worry-free arrival
Today is the meeting day. Tourists from all over the country are requested to travel to Urumqi, Xinjiang, according to their own transportation options. Upon arrival, your designated driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation presentation
High-end hotel: Wanda Vista Urumqi
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] A welcome dinner will be arranged today to meet old friends and make new ones (Note 3)
The hotel is located in the core area of Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone, adjacent to Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone Wanda Plaza, and is surrounded by a complete range of dining, entertainment, shopping and other living facilities. The hotel is about 14 kilometers away from the International Grand Bazaar, with convenient transportation.
Day 2 Urumqi → Ulungur Lake → Altay
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Desert Highway/ Heading north through the desert highway
After breakfast, we'll depart on time for S21, Xinjiang's first cross-desert highway. This highway significantly shortens the distance between Urumqi and Altay, traversing the Gurbantunggut Desert in a nearly straight line. Along the way, we'll witness a diverse array of landforms, including deserts, canyons, wetlands, Danxia formations, mountains, and lakes.
丨Ulungu Lake/Searching for the Devil City on the Sea on the Gold Coast
We'll pass by Ulungur Lake, Xinjiang's second-largest fishing base after Bosten Lake, located in the northern Junggar Basin. We recommend trying the freshly grilled fish from Ulungur Lake, a delicacy. Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, where the water and sky merge into one, and admire the "Gobi Ocean" vista.
[Devil City on the Sea] is located at the mouth of the Ulungur River where it meets the lake. Standing at the lake mouth and looking east, you can see a very rare Dan landform that stretches for more than ten miles. From a distance, it looks like a castle floating on the water.
Accommodation presentation
丨Select Five Diamonds: Altay Jinjiang International Hotel/Altai Zunmao Gem Hotel◆◆◆◆◆
Located at the starting point of the renowned Ahe Highway, surrounded by rivers, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands, the hotel is close to the Altay General Mountain Ski Resort and downtown Altay. Services include traditional Chinese medicine baths, ski equipment storage and drying, and a pristine, tranquil experience.
Day 3 Altay → Ahe Highway → Hemu Village → Afternoon Tea
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Ahe Highway/"Duku Highway" through Altay
After breakfast, we'll depart along the Ahe Highway, a discreet scenic route in the Altay region of Xinjiang. This approximately 180-kilometer route runs from Hongdun Town in Altay City to Hemu Village, traversing the heart of the Altai Mountains. The route boasts snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and flowing valleys, earning it the nickname "Northern Xinjiang's Little Duku."
丨Hemu Village/ God's Private Land, a Village with Curling Smoke
Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season of the year in Hemu. Curls of smoke rise amidst the autumn colors, creating a picturesque scene. At dusk, take in panoramic views of Hemu Village from the Hemu Observation Deck, and immerse yourself in the sunset as herdsmen return. Legend has it that Genghis Khan once reviewed his 100,000-strong army here. After spending the night in Hemu Village, interested tourists can continue their stargazing adventures.
丨Wildlife Experience/ Autumn Afternoon Tea with a Light Hike in the Birch Forest
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Hemu Autumn Afternoon Tea, Enjoy a Quiet Afternoon in the Forest
Pass through Hemu Village and enjoy an autumn afternoon tea by the river or in the forest. Take a leisurely hike through the nearby birch forest, avoiding the tourist-filled scenic area and instead reaching the hidden forests along the Hemu River. Strolling through the colorful mixed forests lining the road is undoubtedly a welcome change from the hurried journey in a car.
丨Recommended itinerary/Optional Beautiful Peak Horseback Riding Experience (Horseback Riding Fee Not Included)
Choose to hike or horseback ride to the rarely visited Meilifeng Grassland (about 5 kilometers one way, 10 kilometers round trip, mainly on flat roads). Of course, you can also ride or hike to the more distant Meilifeng Village. Please pay attention to horse riding safety. Meilifeng, surrounded by mountains, is colorful, peaceful and far-reaching.
Accommodation presentation
Accommodation in Hemu Scenic Area: Burqin Hemu Taoyuan B&B
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Select accommodation within the scenic area to save time on transportation in and out of the scenic area
Select hotels in Hemu Village. Taoyuan B&B is conveniently located at the entrance service area of Hemu Village. Its spacious and comfortable rooms offer a unique style and quality, providing a comfortable travel experience.
Day 4 Hemu (Sunrise) [Direct Train] Kanas Lake [Direct Train] Fish Viewing Pavilion
All day
Itinerary presentation
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Upgrade to the VIP through bus to Kanas Scenic Area, no carpooling, no waiting, no queuing
丨Hemu Sunrise/ Panoramic view of sunrise with misty clouds
We'll rise around 5:00 AM and head to the Hemu Observation Deck. The morning light will cast a shadow over the golden birch and western pine forests. Morning mist drifts through the valley, and smoke from cooking fires rises, creating a breathtaking and breathtaking scene. We'll continue our photography adventure in Hemu Village, taking in the birch forests and passing herds of cattle and sheep along the turquoise Hemu River. Hemu is a great place for leisurely strolls and photo opportunities, so we'll give you plenty of time to explore. You can also explore Hemu Tuwa Village and experience the rich culture and customs of the Tuwa people.
丨Hike along Kanas Lake/Admire the God's Back Garden from Up Close
Take a private car to Kanas Lake and enjoy a light hike along the lakeside. Arrive at the primeval forest of Kanas and experience the unique scenery of Kanas.
Kanas was rated as the "No. 1 in Autumn Colors" by China National Geographic magazine. The autumn here is like God has overturned the palette. The leaves gradually turn red, bright yellow, brown yellow, green, etc., and with the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds and towering snow-capped peaks, it is a real paradise on earth.
丨Climb to the top of the fish-watching pavilion/ Kanas Lake overlooking the viewing point
Arrive at Kanas Scenic Area by bus. Take a VIP shuttle bus to the Fish-Watching Pavilion (no reservations required; skip the lines). Located atop Camel Peak at an altitude of 2,030 meters, the pavilion's vertical drop to the lake surface is over 600 meters. Named the Fish-Watching Pavilion, it offers an ideal spot for observing the "lake monster." From the pavilion, the scenic area's highest point, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Accommodation presentation
Accommodation in Kanas Scenic Area: Shenshanjian/Linshiyoushi/Anyuyinshi B&B (Kanas Scenic Area Branch) ◆◆◆ or similar
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Select accommodation within the scenic area to save time on transportation in and out of the scenic area
Located at the entrance of Kanas Tuva New Village, this guesthouse draws inspiration from traditional Tuvan wooden houses, blending nature with craftsmanship. Constructed from local logs, the main structure not only preserves the craftsmanship and wisdom passed down through generations of Tuvans, but also provides a stable and warm space, offering tranquility and warmth year-round. Wake up in the morning and open the window to a view of the snow-capped Altai Mountains, while in the afternoon, you'll be greeted by the lush greenery of the mountainside.
Day 5 Kanas Three Bays (light hike) [through bus] Tuva family visit [through bus] Baihaba
All day
Itinerary presentation
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Upgrade to the VIP through bus to Kanas Scenic Area, no carpooling, no waiting, no queuing
丨Kanas Three Bays/Highlights Hiking
The three bays are probably the most beautiful places in Kanas: Moon Bay with its charming blue water, Wolong Bay with its yellow-green but majestic appearance, and Fairy Bay at dawn.
[Three Bays Light Hike]: Hike the highlight of Three Bays, from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay (approximately 3 kilometers, mainly downhill, relatively easy). Get up close and personal with the Kanas River and photograph its endless reflections. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverside wooden plank path, admiring the stunning scenery of Kanas. Of course, tourists who prefer not to hike can opt to stop and explore along the way.
丨Exploring the Tuvan people/Exploring their intangible cultural heritage through folk songs and dances
Travel to Kanas Old Village and join us on an "Explore Tuvan Culture" tour. The "Handega" band will introduce the intangible cultural heritage of the "Sul," listen to local inheritors play the "Sul," and savor Tuvan handmade delicacies for a unique cultural exchange. For 400 years, the Tuvans have lived by Kanas Lake, relying on herding and hunting for generations, inhabiting the deep mountains and dense forests. The glossy black of the old wooden houses, and the moss cloaking the cracks in the wood, bear witness to their legacy.
Accommodation presentation
Accommodation in Baihaba Village: Baihaba Sanbai Village B&B or similar
[Wild Luxury VIP Privileges] Select accommodations in Haba Village, the same homestays as those in movies and TV series
Located in Baihaba, this guesthouse was renovated from the original wooden houses in the village. It was also the filming location for the TV series "My Altay".
Day 6: Baihaba → Hujierte Transit Road → World Devil City → Wuerhe
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Baihaba Village/Nordic scenery on the border
After breakfast, we visited the filming location for "My Altay," known as the "No. 1 Village in the Northwest." Located on the border between China and Kazakhstan, it's connected by a national defense highway. China Geographic named Baihaba Village one of China's eight most beautiful towns. The village is filled with quaint wooden houses, flanked by rivers and trees. Autumn is the most beautiful season in Baihaba Village. Golden leaves shimmer in the sunlight, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance contrast against the blue sky, creating a fairytale-like experience. The morning mist lingers, and the evening sun bathes the village in breathtaking beauty.
丨Hujierte Migration Road/Nomadic Scenery on the Border
As we travel along the China-Kazakhstan border highway, we'll pass the famous Pangjilt Migration Road in the Kanas region—a crucial route for local herders to conduct large-scale herd migrations of cattle and sheep. Every autumn, herders drive their herds from high-altitude summer pastures to lower-elevation winter pastures. During this migration season, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the spectacular spectacle, and we'll arrange time for you to admire and photograph this unique cultural spectacle. (Please note: The migration schedule varies from year to year, typically lasting two to three weeks. This is subject to weather and other factors, so not every tour group will be able to witness the migration. Please understand.)
丨The World's Devil's City/ One of China's three most beautiful yardangs
[Wild Luxury VIP Privileges] Devil City Private Campsite, Sunset Afternoon Tea
Departing from Baihaba, we'll head to Urho Ghost City, passing through Burqin along the way. Named one of the most beautiful yardangs in the world by National Geographic China, this uniquely shaped landform has been shaped by millions of years of wind erosion. Take a train into Ghost City and admire the magnificent clusters of giant stone pillars in various shapes scattered across the Gobi Desert. Millions of years of wind and rain have shaped the wind-eroded depressions between the mounds, resembling the ruins of an ancient castle, towering above the Gobi Desert, like eight rivers winding through the desert.
Arrange afternoon tea at the Devil City Campground, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yadan landform as the sun sets.
Accommodation presentation
丨High-end hotel: Karamay Urho Heyi Licheng Hua Ting Hotel◆◆◆◆◆
Located near various scenic spots, the hotel covers 110 acres and comprises 25 traditional villas. As a unique landscaped garden hotel in Karamay, it offers a comprehensive range of amenities, including conference rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a laundry room, ensuring a comfortable and efficient stay for guests.
Day 7: Wuerhe (Poplar Forest) → (Visiting Baili Oilfield) Urumqi ★ Dismissal Day
All day
Itinerary presentation
After breakfast, we will depart from Wuerhe, passing through Populus euphratica forest and Baili Oilfield, and head to Urumqi.
丨Wurhe Populus euphratica Forest/Ten thousand acres of Populus euphratica forest in the desert
Continuing deeper along the sandy road, we parted the dense forest and suddenly emerged into a magnificent expanse of poplar trees. Each tree, growing with unruly grace, stood upright or tilted against the sandy soil, a mysterious glimpse of vitality and hope. This is the largest wild poplar forest in the Wuerhe area, privately discovered by the China-TravelNote team. Don't worry about crowded scenic spots anymore, and enjoy the photos!
丨Bai Li Oilfield/ Feel the collision of industry and nature
The Karamay Baili Oilfield is one of Xinjiang's most important oil production bases and a long-standing powerhouse among China's onshore oilfields. Along the dozens of kilometers of Gobi Desert, thousands of pumping units (commonly known as "kowtow machines") tread day and night, like silent warriors rooted in the wilderness, experiencing the collision of industry and nature.
丨Farewell on the disbanding day/Looking forward to seeing you again next time
After arriving in Urumqi, your wonderful journey ends. We will transfer you to [Urumqi Airport] or [Urumqi Railway Station] according to your flight.
If you need to depart from Urumqi Airport on the same day, we recommend booking a flight after 5:00 PM. If you're staying in Urumqi, we'll transfer you to your hotel. We look forward to meeting you again on your next trip to Yeshebang.
Reference: Wuerhe-Urumqi Airport is about 430 kilometers and takes about 5 hours
