A Comprehensive 9-Day, 8-Night Altay, Xinjiang Travel Guide for Guangdong Locals

At the end of 2024, I, a Guangdong native, finally fulfilled my dream of visiting Altay. This was my first time in Northern Xinjiang during winter, and I've summarized a complete travel guide for Guangdong locals visiting Xinjiang in winter!
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⏰ Time: December 26 - January 3
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💰 Expenses:
Private small group tour fee: CNY 5,400
Round-trip flight from Guangzhou to Xinjiang: CNY 2,700 (an additional CNY 1,000 for a business class experience on the return trip)
Game of Thrones Trip Moments: CNY 800
Ski equipment rental: CNY 660
Food and drinks: Around CNY 1,200
💰 Total expenses: CNY 10,760
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👍 Itinerary: We signed up for a private small group tour with a local travel agency. We had a 6-seater luxury vehicle, and the driver arranged the itinerary, making the entire trip extremely smooth.
Day 1: Guangzhou - Urumqi, Xinjiang
Day 2: Urumqi - Altay - General's Mountain
Day 3: General's Mountain - Kanas (Fairy Bay, Crouching Dragon Bay, Kanas Lake)
Day 4: Kanas - Hemu (Old House Performance, Sunset Bonfire Party, Strolling around Hemu)
Day 5: Game of Thrones Trip Moments in Hemu - Jikepulin Ski Resort
Day 6: Hemu - Karamay
Day 7: Karamay - Sayram Lake (Lake Loop)
Day 8: Sayram Lake Sunrise - Return to Urumqi
Day 9: Urumqi City Tour (Grand Bazaar, Hetian Street 2, local cafe hopping) - Afternoon flight back to Guangzhou
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🧥 Gear: You don't need to bring too many clothes
1️⃣ For base layers, it's recommended to buy a quick-drying, cotton-padded ski set, along with 1-2 pairs of fleece-lined leggings.
2️⃣ Sandwich layering: close-fitting base layer + thermal inner layer + down vest + sweatshirt + 2-in-1 down and windproof jacket
3️⃣ For the 2-in-1 down and windproof jacket, Camel is recommended for its high cost-effectiveness.
4️⃣ Snow boots: Must be waterproof and non-slip. I bought a pair from Camel, and the standard size fits perfectly.
5️⃣ Choose a hat that can cover your ears, gloves that cover your entire hand, and a cotton-padded, windproof face mask.
6️⃣ Be sure to bring sunglasses 🕶️
7️⃣ Be sure to bring facial masks and moisturizer. It's recommended to buy heat packs locally.
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😋 Food Recommendations:
📍 Urumqi: Nuriman Fig Pilaf, Loulan Secret Roast, Kashgar Hand-Pulled Noodles, Tea Ballet (recommended milk tea), Old Town Corner Cafe (friendly owner, ethnic ambiance)
📍 Altay: Taihe Clay Pot Hot Pot
📍 Xinjiang Souvenirs: Xinbeiyuan Dried Fruit Wholesale Market (open until 8-9 PM, good prices, excellent service, and affordable shipping back to Guangdong)
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