Purely Scenic 10-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour

【Introduction】:
Northern Xinjiang refers to the area north of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, including regions such as Altay, Ili, Tacheng, Karamay, and Urumqi. This area is renowned for its magnificent natural landscapes, offering diverse scenery across all four seasons:

🛬【Itinerary】:
Day 1: From various cities - Home sweet home
Day 2: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake of Tianshan - S21 Desert Highway - Altay
Day 3: Altay - Ahe Highway (open after July 1) - Hemu Village
Day 4: Hemu Village - Harden Platform for sunrise - Kanas Lake - Lakeside stroll - Burqin
Day 5: Burqin - Colorful Beach - Urho Ghost City - Sightseeing train - Dushanzi/Kuitun
Day 6: Kuitun/Dushanzi - Self-driving around Sayram Lake - Yining
Day 7: Yining - Seasonal lavender viewing - Bayanbulak Grassland
Day 8: Bayanbulak Grassland - Nalati Air Grassland - Xinyuan
Day 9: Xinyuan - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Day 10: Urumqi - Home sweet home

1. Kanas Lake
- Known as "Paradise on Earth," the lake's water changes color with the seasons, especially stunning in autumn.
- Recommended activities: Panoramic view from Guanyu Pavilion, hiking the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay).
2. Hemu Village
- A primitive village inhabited by the Tuva people, with wooden houses shrouded in morning mist resembling a fairy tale world.
- Winter activities include horse-drawn sledding and the "water turns to ice" experience.
3. Sayram Lake
- Dubbed "Tears of the Atlantic," the lake boasts crystal-clear blue waters, with wildflowers blooming along its shores in summer.
4. Nalati Grassland
- One of the world's four major grasslands, its air grassland resembles a green carpet in June and July.
5. Duku Highway
- One of China's most beautiful roads (open from June to September), experiencing four seasons in a single day, connecting attractions like Nalati and Bayanbulak.
6. Ghost City (Urho)
- A stunning Yadan landform, with magical light and shadow effects at sunset.

🍩【Must-Try Cuisine】:
Baked buns + roasted whole lamb + lamb skewers + big plate chicken + hand-grabbed rice

🏨【Accommodation Tips】:
Ctrip Four-Diamond hotels + classic homestays

🚌【Transportation Tips】:
Seven-seater business vehicles or luxury seven-seater business vehicles

🧡【Tips】:
1. Climate and Clothing
- Large temperature differences between day and night (summer daytime temperatures exceed 30°C, while nighttime may drop below 10°C). Prepare windproof jackets and sun protection gear.
- Winter temperatures can reach -20°C, requiring down jackets, snow boots, and other cold-weather gear.
2. Transportation and Itinerary
- Northern Xinjiang attractions are scattered; renting a car or self-driving is recommended (check vehicle conditions in advance; some routes require off-road vehicles).
- Roads like Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway are only open in summer; check road conditions before traveling.

Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Altay Region, Xinjiang Hemu Scenic Area World Ghost City Colorful Beach Sayram Lake Bayanbulak Scenic Area Nalati Tourist Scenic Area Tangbula Grassland