Overview of Northern Xinjiang Tourism
Northern Xinjiang refers to the region north of the Tianshan Mountains, primarily covering Altay, Tacheng, Bortala, Changji, and Ili. This area features diverse natural landscapes, including alpine lakes, pristine forests, vast grasslands, and Danxia landforms. It is the most developed tourism destination in Xinjiang.
The core appeal of Northern Xinjiang tourism lies in its "pure natural beauty." Whether it's the autumn colors of Kanas, the deep blue of Sayram Lake, or the lush green pastures of Nara Valley, each destination showcases the awe-inspiring power of nature.
Route 1: Classic Northern Xinjiang Loop (7-8 Days)
This is the most popular Northern Xinjiang route, covering key attractions and ideal for first-time visitors.
Itinerary Reference:
Day 1: Gather in Urumqi, check into hotel to rest. Visit the International Grand Bazaar and enjoy Xinjiang cuisine.
Day 2: Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin (approx. 500 km, 6-7 hours). The S21 is a highway crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert, offering unique desert scenery. Upon arrival in Burqin, explore the He Di Night Market.
Day 3: Burqin → Kanas (approx. 140 km, 3 hours). In the afternoon, tour Kanas Lake and visit the Viewing Platform. Reaching the platform requires climbing 1068 steps for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Day 4: Kanas → Hemu (~60 km, 2 hours). Spend the afternoon strolling through Hemu Village; head to the viewing platform at sunset. Hemu is a pristine Tuva village featuring scattered wooden houses surrounded by birch trees.
Day 5: Hemu Morning Mist → Five-Color Beach → Burqin. Start your day at the viewing platform to capture the iconic Hemu morning mist (prime photo spot). In the afternoon, head to Five-Color Beach to witness the sunset over the Yadan landforms.
Day 6: Burqin to Sayram Lake (approximately 450 km, 6 hours). Sayram Lake is Xinjiang's highest-altitude alpine lake, featuring crystal-clear blue water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a scenic loop around the lake and capture stunning lakeside views.
Day 7: Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Urumqi (approx. 550 km, 7 hours). Visit the Guozigou Bridge, one of China's most scenic highway bridges, then return to Urumqi.
Trip Highlights:Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Five-Color Beach, Sayram Lake, S21 Desert Highway, Guozigou Bridge.
Best Season:6-10. Mid-to-late 9 through early 10 offers the peak autumn colors.
Accommodation recommendations:For Kanas and Hemu, stay within the scenic area for easy access to morning mist and sunrises. In Burqin and around Sayram Lake, there are plenty of accommodation options.
Route 2: Kanas In-Depth Tour (9-10 days)
Expands the classic loop with stops at Baihaba, Keketuohai, and other scenic spots. Ideal for travelers with ample time seeking an immersive experience.
Itinerary Reference:
Day 1-5: Follows the classic Northern Xinjiang loop route.
Day 6: Hemu → Baihaba (approx. 80 km, 3 hours). Located on the China-Kazakhstan border, Baihaba is known as "the First Village in Northwest China." A border pass is required (usually arranged by your travel agency). The village remains quiet and pristine with few tourists.
Day 7: Baihaba → Kanas → Burqin. Enjoy the scenic views of Kanas again on the way back.
Day 8: Burqin to Keketuohai (~300 km, 4 hours). Keketuohai is famous for its granite landforms and the Ertix River Grand Canyon. Unique geological sites include God's Bell Mountain and Husband-and-Wife Peak.
Day 9: In-depth tour of Keketuohai Scenic Area. Hike along the Ertix River and enjoy the autumn colors of the canyon.
Day 10: Keketuohai → Urumqi (~500 km, 6 hours). Return trip.
Trip Highlights:Adds the border village of Baihaba and the geological wonders of Keketuohai to the classic route.
Best Season:Mid-9 to mid-10.
Important Notes:Baihaba requires a border pass; bring photocopies of your ID in advance. Keketuohai Scenic Area is large—allow ample time for your visit.
Route 3: Ili Grassland Tour (5-7 days)
Focused on the Ili River Valley, featuring grasslands and flower seas—perfect for summer travel.
Sample Itinerary (5-day version):
Day 1: Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approx. 550 km, 7 hours). Tour the lake and stay near Sayram Lake.
Day 2: Sayram Lake → Guozigou → Yining (approx. 200 km, 3 hours). In the afternoon, explore Kazanchi Folk Culture District to experience the authentic vibe of Yining's old town.
Day 3: Yining → Nalati Grassland (~280 km, 4 hours). In the afternoon, explore Nalati Sky Grassland and enjoy horseback riding. As one of the world's four great grasslands, Nalati is lush with green grass and wildflowers in summer.
Day 4: Nalati → Kalajun Grassland → Yining (~200 km, 3 hours). Known as the "3D Grassland," Kalajun features rolling hills blanketed in lush greenery, resembling living sculptures of the earth.
Day 5: Yining → Urumqi (approx. 550 km, 7 hours). Return trip.
Added to Itinerary Reference (7-day version):
Day 4: Nalati → Xiata Ancient Trail (approx. 150 km, 3 hours). Xiata was a key route on the ancient Silk Road, featuring snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and hot springs.
Day 5: Xiaata → Qiongkushitai (approx. 100 km, 3 hours). Qiongkushitai is the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Trail, featuring charming primitive pastoral scenery.
Day 6: Qiongkushitai → Yining. Passing through Tekes Bagua City.
Day 7: Yining → Urumqi. Return trip.
Trip Highlights:Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, Xiata Ancient Trail, Qiongkushitai.
Best Season:6-8. Lavender blooms in 6 (Huocheng), and the grasslands are most beautiful in 7.
Important Notes:Yili has many mosquitoes in summer, so bring insect repellent. The grasslands have strong UV rays; remember to use sun protection. Duku Highway is typically open from 6 to 10 and serves as a route connecting northern and southern Xinjiang.
Select Transport Mode
Charter / Shared RideMost flexible option with customizable itineraries. 7-seater business vans ideal for small groups of 2-6 people. Peak season rates are higher; book in advance.
Group Tour:Effortless and hassle-free, perfect for travelers who want to skip the stress of transportation and accommodation. For a better experience, choose our pure-play small group tours.
Self-driving:Highest freedom of movement, but Xinjiang's roads are complex and distances are vast; long-distance driving experience is required. Some mountain areas have weak signal coverage, so download offline maps in advance.
Public Transit:Trains and buses connect major cities, but public transport between scenic spots is limited, making in-depth travel difficult.
Equipment List
- Heavy coat / Hardshell jacket (for large day-night temperature swings and low mountain temperatures)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat (high UV levels)
- Comfortable hiking shoes (for long walking distances in scenic areas)
- Thermos (Hot water is precious in mountainous areas)
- Power bank and car charger (limited power banks available)
- Common Medications (Cold & Flu, Gastrointestinal, Band-Aids)
- ID Card (Required for Security Check; Carry with You)
The beauty of Northern Xinjiang lies in nature's purity and grandeur. Slow down, immerse yourself, and every step becomes a view.
