The 11-Day National Day Travel Route for Workers

Last year’s divine Northern Xinjiang route personally tested with elders! Reverse itinerary to avoid crowds, playing in the order of Hemu → Baihaba → Kanas, with a comfortable private car throughout, perfect for family trips～

🗓️ Travel Dates

9.27-10.7 (Take 2 days off to combine into an 11-day long holiday)

🚗 Transportation

Private 7-seater car for 5 people (2888 RMB per person), strictly following Xinjiang’s daily ≤600km operation rule for vehicles, safe and worry-free

📍 Daily Highlights

𝐷𝑎𝑦 1: Hangzhou to Urumqi

𝐷𝑎𝑦 2: Urumqi to Koktokay (550km)

⚠️ Start early! We left at 9 AM which was too late and rushed the sightseeing

𝐷𝑎𝑦 3: Koktokay to Hemu (450km)

✅ Hemu homestay with autumn scenery right outside the window, breathtakingly beautiful

𝐷𝑎𝑦 4: Hemu to Baihaba (130km)

▪️ 6:30 AM at Harden Viewing Platform to catch the dawn (dress warmly!)

▪️ Apply for border permits in advance to reach the secret spot at the China-Kazakhstan border

𝐷𝑎𝑦 5: Baihaba to Kanas

▪️ Fish Viewing Platform + Kanas Lake + Old Village stroll, peak autumn colors

𝐷𝑎𝑦 6: Kanas to Burqin

▪️ Hiking the Three Bays + sunset at the Five-Color Beach, overnight in Burqin

𝐷𝑎𝑦 7: Burqin to Kuitun

▪️ Shoot epic photos at the Ghost City, overnight in Kuitun for convenient travel next day

𝐷𝑎𝑦 8: Kuitun to Sailimu Lake to Jinghe

▪️ Stunning lake circuit! But avoid staying at RV campsites (poor soundproofing, easy to get stiff neck)

𝐷𝑎𝑦 9: Jinghe to Anjihai Grand Canyon to Urumqi

▪️ The canyon is breathtaking but has no guardrails, be careful

💰 Cost Reference

15,000 RMB per person (including 4,891 RMB airfare)

Tickets 971 + horse riding 300 + travel photography 399, accommodation about 4,800 RMB per person

💡 Hard-earned Tips

1️⃣ Northern Xinjiang has huge temperature differences in autumn! Bring down jackets and windbreakers

2️⃣ Book Hemu and Baihaba accommodations 3 months in advance, prices surge during National Day

3️⃣ Choose a reputable company for private car rental; driver’s familiarity with the route is more important than the vehicle model

4️⃣ It’s recommended to check in luggage inside Kanas Scenic Area for lighter hiking and more comfort