Northern Xinjiang, Seven Days Six Nights Travel Guide, Budget 7000 RMB, Making Your Trip Happy and Worry-Free

Northern Xinjiang Seven Days Six Nights Travel Guide

Budget Arrangement

Total budget is 7000 RMB, with approximate cost proportions and amounts as follows:

● Transportation: about 45%, which is 3150 RMB. Includes round-trip major transportation to and from Urumqi (airfare fluctuates between 2000 - 3500 RMB), carpool fee 1800 RMB per person (including fuel and tolls), and scenic area shuttle bus 500 RMB.

● Accommodation: about 25%, which is 1750 RMB. Four nights in quasi-four-star hotels + two nights in scenic area characteristic homestays, after sharing rooms about 1200 RMB per person, with the remainder flexible to adjust accommodation standards.

● Tickets: about 15%, which is 1050 RMB. The discounted package tickets for all attractions can be controlled within this range.

● Meals: about 10%, which is 700 RMB. Daily spending between 80 - 150 RMB, enough to enjoy big plate chicken to your fill and freely eat roasted buns.

Itinerary

Day 1: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Fuyun

● Morning: After arriving in Urumqi, the guide will pick you up and arrange check-in at a four-diamond hotel for a short rest. Then head to Tianshan Tianchi, take the shuttle bus directly to the core area, hike along the lakeside plank road or optionally take a boat tour, and enjoy a distant view of Bogda Peak.

● Lunch: Taste milk tea and roasted lamb in a Kazakh yurt inside the scenic area.

● Afternoon: Drive 5 hours to Fuyun, check in at a county hotel. A hidden option is to take the less crowded "Ha Xiong Gou" route to avoid crowds and capture snow mountain reflections.

Day 2: Fuyun - Koktokay - Burqin

● Morning: Explore Koktokay Geological Park and check in at the iconic "Shen Zhong Mountain."

● Afternoon: Head to Burqin, enjoy local specialty dogfish hotpot for dinner.

● Accommodation: Burqin Lanting Holiday Hotel, includes breakfast and is close to the night market.

Day 3: Burqin - Kanas Lake - Hemu Village

● All day: Tour Kanas Lake, climb the Fish Viewing Platform for a panoramic view, hike the three bays (Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, Fairy Bay). A hidden activity is to row a boat searching for the "lake monster" legend or optionally ride horses deep into the grassland, but choose a legitimate horse team and do not trust herders who approach you roadside.

● Accommodation: Wooden cabins inside the scenic area, note poor sound insulation, bring earplugs; large temperature difference between day and night, bring an electric blanket.

● Evening: Arrive at Hemu Village, stay in characteristic wooden houses, and join the bonfire party at night.

Day 4: Hemu Village - Ghost City - Karamay

● Morning: Cross the Gobi Desert to Ghost City, shoot the sunset over the Yadan landforms.

● Afternoon: Return to Karamay, visit "Dinosaur Valley" or experience the glass plank road.

● Accommodation: Four-star hotel in Karamay, recommended to try local night market barbecue.

Day 5: Karamay - Sayram Lake - Yining

● Early morning: Drive 1 hour to the east shore of Sayram Lake, wait for the sunrise known as "the last tear of the Atlantic."

● Morning: Circle the lake, pass the "S-bend road" and "Swan Habitat," observe migratory birds up close.

● Afternoon: Cross Guozigou Bridge, overlook the winding mountain road and spruce forest.

● Accommodation: Yining characteristic homestay, stroll in the evening at Kazanqi Folk Village, experience the Uyghur handicraft market.

Day 6: Yining - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Nalati Grassland - Bayinbuluke

● Morning: Challenge Anjihai Grand Canyon, stand on the cliff edge overlooking layered canyons and rushing rivers.

● Lunch: Enjoy roasted whole lamb in a herder’s yurt near the canyon (reservation required).

● Afternoon: Head to Nalati Grassland, horseback ride to Snow Lotus Valley (200 RMB/2 hours), remember to wear a windproof jacket.

● Evening: Arrive at Bayinbuluke, admire the sunset over the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, wait for the "Nine Suns" wonder.

Day 7: Bayinbuluke - Duku Highway - Urumqi

● Morning: Cross Duku Highway, experience four seasons in one day, pay respects at Qiaolma Martyrs Cemetery.

● Afternoon: Return to Urumqi, visit the International Grand Bazaar to buy dried fruits, camel wool products, and other souvenirs. The guide will send you to the station according to your return time, ending an unforgettable Xinjiang trip. Allow 3 hours for the drive, car rental is recommended to avoid night driving risks.

Notes

● Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, bring enough warm clothing such as thick coats and sweaters.

● Check the opening hours and ticket booking methods of scenic spots in advance; some require prior reservation.

● Respect local religious beliefs and customs, follow local practices.

● The journey is long, prepare some motion sickness medicine and snacks.