Xinjiang International Travel: Detailed Guide to the Northern Xinjiang Loop Tour Route
The Northern Xinjiang Loop is one of the most iconic routes in Xinjiang tourism. Starting from Urumqi, it passes through key destinations including Tianchi Heavenly Lake, Keketuohai, Kanas, Hemu, Five-Color Beach, Sayram Lake, and Yili, before returning to Urumqi to complete a full circle.Xinjiang International Travel(Xinjiang International China Travel Service) provides you with a detailed overviewXinjiang Northern Loop Tour Itinerarythe best planning, itineraries, and practical travel guides.
Best Route Planning for Northern Xinjiang Loop
Classic North Loop Tour (8-9 Days)
This is the most popular North Loop itinerary, ideal for most travelers.
Day 1:Urumqi →Tianchi of Tian Shan→ Fuyun
Day 2:Fuyun →KeketuohaiGeopark → Burqin
Day 3:Buerjin →Wucaitan→ Kanas
Day 4:Kanas In-Depth Tour (Moon Bay、Fish Observation Deck、Kanas Lake）
Day 5:Kanas →Hemu Village(Morning Mist Experience)
Day 6:Hemu → Devil's City → Karamay
Day 7:Karamay →Sayram Lake→ Yining
Day 8:Yining →Nalati Grassland→ Duku Highway (Seasonal Access) → Urumqi
Deep North Loop (10-12 days)
If time permits, you can add the following attractions to the Classic North Loop itinerary:
• AddBaihaba Village(First Village in the Northwest, Border Pass Required)
• AddKalajun GrasslandHuman Prairie, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• AddZhaosu Grassland(Tianma Hometown)
• AddGuozigou Bridge(Majestic Canyon Bridge)
• AddLavender Estate(Best of 6-7)
Key Attractions on the Northern Loop of Xinjiang
Kanas — God's Backyard
KanasA core attraction of the Northern Loop, known as "God's Back Garden." Kanas Lake is China's deepest moraine-dammed lake, with its waters changing color across seasons and weather. The surrounding birch and larch forests shift hues throughout the year, especially in autumn when the layered foliage turns vibrant—a breathtaking sight.
Hemu Village — China's Most Beautiful Countryside
Hemu VillageA Tu ethnic village, renowned as "China's Most Beautiful Countryside." At dawn, cooking smoke rises gently while morning mist envelops the entire village; golden birch forests shimmer under the sunlight.
Sayram Lake – The Atlantic's Last Tear
Sayram LakeThe highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Tianshan Lake is known as "the last tear of the Atlantic." Its waters shimmer in a deep blue like gemstones, while the surrounding mountains display breathtaking scenery that changes with the seasons.
Keketuohai – Geological Wonder
KeketuohaiNational Geoparks are renowned for their unique geological formations. The towering, dramatic cliffs flanking the Ertix Grand Canyon feature iconic landmarks such as Divine Bell Mountain and Husband-and-Wife Peak, leaving visitors in awe.
Recommended Premium Itinerary: Northern Xinjiang Loop
Northern Xinjiang · 8-Day Autumn Inquiry Tour
8-day loop tour starting and ending in Urumqi, featuring Tianchi of Tianshan, Keketuohai, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and more.View detailed itinerary →
Premium Northern Xinjiang Wilderness Loop Tour – 9 Days
9-day deep loop tour covering all classic attractions in Northern Xinjiang.View detailed itinerary →
Wild Northern Xinjiang 10-Day Tour
Explore Northern Xinjiang in-depth over 10 days.View detailed itinerary →
Fly赏 Northern Xinjiang 11-Day Tour
11 days to fully cover all classic attractions in Northern Xinjiang.View detailed itinerary →
Best time to visit the Northern Xinjiang Loop
6-8:Summer: Yili grassland flower seas, Sayram Lake wildflowers, and Kanas green forests.
9-10:In autumn, northern Xinjiang displays vibrant fall colors: the forests of Kanas are ablaze with hues, and morning mist frequently shrouds Hemu.
12-2:Winter: Kanas Ice & Snow World and Hemu's Snow Village charm.
Practical Guide to Xinjiang's Northern Loop Route
Transportation
Self-driving:The North Ring Road is approximately 3000-4000 km long with generally good road conditions.
Charter Car:Recommended for 4-6 people: carpool or private hire at approximately 800-1200 USD per day.
Group Tour:Choose a pure-play small group tour for a hassle-free experience.Xinjiang China International Travel ServiceMultiple premium North Ring routes available.
Important Notes
• Northern Xinjiang has large temperature swings between day and night; bring a warm jacket even in summer.
• Strong UV rays – sunscreen is a must
• Xinjiang uses Beijing Time, but actual daily routines are about 2 hours later.
• Respect local ethnic customs and traditions
Conclusion
The Northern Loop of Xinjiang is one of the most classic travel routes in Xinjiang.Xinjiang International TravelWe've carefully organizedXinjiang Northern Loop Tour ItineraryCovers the most stunning natural landscapes of Northern Xinjiang. For more details on Northern Loop itineraries, visitRoute ListPage, or viewTravel GuideGet more travel tips.
