Latest 12-Day Northern Xinjiang Highlights Tour

【Introduction】:
Northern Xinjiang and Ili are among the most popular travel destinations in Xinjiang, boasting stunning natural landscapes and unique ethnic cultures. Below is an introduction to their scenic spots and travel tips:

🛬【Itinerary】:
Day 1: From various cities to Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Karamay Sand Mountain Park - Altay
Day 3: Altay - Ahe Highway (open after July 1) - Altay Grassland - Hemu Village
Day 4: Hemu Village - Harden Platform for Sunrise Viewing - Stroll by Kanas Lake - Kanas
Day 5: Kanas - Fairy Bay - Moon Bay - Wolong Bay - Karamay
Day 6: Karamay - Self-drive around Sayram Lake + Lakeside Walk + Sunset Glow - Sayram Lake
Day 7: Second Visit to Sayram Lake + Sailing Experience - Guozigou Bridge - Yizhao Highway - Zhaosu
Day 8: Zhaosu - Xiata Ancient Trail - Tekes
Day 9: Tekes - Bayinbuluk - Bayin
Day 10: Bayin - Nalati Air Grassland - Xinyuan
Day 11: Xinyuan - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Day 12: Urumqi - Home Sweet Home

1. Kanas Lake
- Known as "a lake that changes color with the seasons," especially beautiful in autumn.
- Main attractions: Guanyu Platform, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay.
2. Hemu Village
- A primitive village inhabited by the Tuva people, featuring golden birch forests and wooden houses in autumn.
- Ideal for capturing morning mist.
3. Five-Colored Beach
- Located in Burqin, where the Yadan landform meets the Irtysh River, best viewed at sunset.
4. Sayram Lake
- Dubbed "the last tear of the Atlantic," with azure waters and blooming wildflowers in summer.
5. Nalati Grassland
- One of the world's four major grasslands, lush and green in summer with grazing sheep.
- Offers horseback riding and Kazakh cultural experiences.
6. Lavender Fields
- China's largest lavender plantation, resembling Provence during the blooming season in June and July.
7. Guozigou Bridge
- A magnificent bridge spanning a canyon, surrounded by forests.
8. Xiata Ancient Trail
- Perfect for hiking enthusiasts, with views of snow-capped mountains.
9. Bayinbuluk Grassland
- Famous for the breathtaking sunset reflections of its "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns."

🍩【Must-Try Cuisine】:
Roasted buns + Whole roasted lamb + Lamb skewers + Big plate chicken + Hand-grabbed rice

🏨【Accommodation Tips】:
Ctrip Four-Diamond Hotels + Century-Old Wooden Houses + Classic Homestays

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

🧡【Travel Tips】:
1. Best Travel Time
- Northern Xinjiang: September to October (vivid autumn colors), June to August (summer escape).
- Ili: June to August (grassland flower seas), April (apricot blossom season).
2. Transportation and Itinerary
- Northern Xinjiang and Ili attractions are scattered; it's recommended to rent a car or self-drive. Some road sections have strict speed limits.
- Plan your route in advance to avoid driving at night.
3. Climate and Gear
- Large temperature differences between day and night; bring windproof jackets, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Summer grasslands have many mosquitoes; prepare mosquito repellent.

S21 Desert Highway Hemu Scenic Area Kanas Scenic Area Sayram Lake Guozigou Bridge Tekes Eight-Trigram City Xiata Tourist Area Bayinbuluk Scenic Area Nalati Tourist Scenic Area Tangbula Grassland Duku Highway