8 Days Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Village & Sayram Lake

After breakfast, depart from Urumqi and travel toward the northern Tianshan region to visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, a UNESCO-listed alpine lake located at around 1,980 meters above sea level. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests, the lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic views of Tianshan Mountains.

Upon arrival, take a sightseeing shuttle bus followed by a short walk to reach the lakeshore. Enjoy walking along the wooden pathways, admiring reflections of glaciers and alpine scenery, and experiencing the cool mountain air. Optional activities include a boat ride on the lake or a cable car ride for panoramic views of Bogda Peak.

After the visit, continue the long drive north into the vast landscapes of the Junggar Basin, gradually transitioning into desert and semi-desert scenery. Along the way, you may spot wild animals such as horses, camels, and donkeys in remote grassland areas.

Arrive in Fuyun County, located in the Altay region along the Irtysh River, known for its riverside scenery and quiet frontier atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Fuyun.

After breakfast, depart for Keketuohai National Geological Park, one of China’s most important geological heritage areas. The park features deep canyons, granite mountains, rivers, and forested valleys, creating a dramatic natural landscape ideal for sightseeing and photography.

Travel by sightseeing bus along the Irtysh River, passing through scenic viewpoints such as birch forests, wetlands, and river islands. Continue to Kekesuli Wetland, where seasonal birds such as swans, cranes, and geese gather, especially in summer and autumn, creating a peaceful natural habitat surrounded by mountains.

In the afternoon, proceed toward Burqin and visit Wucaitan (Five-Colored Beach), a spectacular riverbank landscape famous for its multicolored rock formations shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years. The cliffs display layers of red, yellow, green, purple, and gray tones, which become especially vivid during sunset.

Enjoy walking along the viewing platforms and riverbanks, where the contrast between the colorful cliffs and the calm Irtysh River creates one of the most photogenic scenes in Northern Xinjiang. After the visit, continue to Burqin for overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart Burqin and travel deep into the Altai Mountains toward Kanas Lake, one of the most iconic alpine lakes in China. The journey itself is scenic, with forests, rivers, and mountain valleys gradually replacing the open desert landscapes.

Upon arrival in the Kanas Lake Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus to reach different viewpoints. Start with the famous Fish Pavilion, a high observation platform offering a sweeping panoramic view of the lake, forest, and surrounding snow-capped peaks. From above, the lake appears like a winding jade river cutting through dense mountains.

Continue along the lake trails or boardwalks to enjoy the peaceful lakeside environment, where crystal-clear water reflects changing light and forest colors.

Later, visit the legendary Three Bays of Kanas:

• Shenxian Bay with its misty morning atmosphere and mirror-like reflections
• Moon Bay, famous for its elegant crescent shape and turquoise water
• Wolong Bay, known for its dragon-shaped curve and dense forest surroundings

Each bay offers a different mood depending on light and season, making this one of the most photogenic regions in Xinjiang.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Jiadengyu, the main accommodation base of the Kanas area.

Overnight in Jiadengyu.

After breakfast, depart for Hemu Village, often described as one of the most beautiful rural villages in China. Located in a remote valley surrounded by mountains and birch forests, the village is home to traditional wooden houses and indigenous Kazakh and Tuvan communities.

Upon arrival, take a sightseeing bus into the village area and explore at a relaxed pace. Wooden cabins are scattered across open grasslands, with smoke rising gently from chimneys and horses grazing freely in the fields. The setting creates a timeless atmosphere, far removed from modern urban life.

Walk along observation points to admire panoramic views of the village valley, especially where the river curves through green meadows and forests. In different seasons, the scenery transforms dramatically—lush green in summer and golden forests in autumn.

You may also explore local life, interact with villagers, or simply enjoy photography opportunities of the wooden houses framed by mountains and forest backdrops.

In the afternoon, leave Hemu Village and drive back to Burqin for overnight stay.

Overnight in Burqin.

After breakfast, depart Burqin and travel across vast desert and steppe landscapes toward Urho Ghost Town, one of the most dramatic Yardang landform regions in China.

Upon arrival, explore the area by sightseeing bus. The landscape here is shaped entirely by wind erosion over millions of years, creating towering rock formations that resemble ancient cities, castles, animals, and ruins. The silence of the desert combined with strong winds often produces eerie whistling sounds, which is why the area is called “Ghost Town.”

Walk through designated viewing areas and observe how light and shadow change the appearance of the rocks throughout the day. The scenery is especially striking under strong sunlight or during sunset, when the formations cast long, surreal shadows across the desert floor.

After the visit, continue driving to Kuitun for overnight stay.

Overnight in Kuitun.

After breakfast, depart Kuitun and drive toward one of the most breathtaking alpine lakes in Xinjiang, Sayram Lake. The journey passes through vast grasslands and mountain valleys, with continuous views of the Tianshan Mountains in the distance.

Upon arrival at Sayram Lake, you will be greeted by a vast high-altitude lake surrounded by rolling meadows and snow-capped peaks. Known as one of the clearest lakes in western China, its deep blue waters contrast beautifully with green pastures and white mountain ridges.

Begin your exploration at viewpoints along the lakeshore. Depending on timing, you may visit sections of the circular scenic road, where every turn reveals a different angle of the lake. Wide grasslands stretch toward the water, often dotted with grazing horses and sheep, creating a classic pastoral landscape.

If weather conditions allow, sunset over Sayram Lake is a highlight of the journey. The changing light transforms the lake into layers of blue, gold, and silver tones, making it one of the most photographed scenes in northern Xinjiang.

After sightseeing, continue the drive to Yining, a cultural hub in the Ili River Valley known for its rich ethnic diversity and fertile landscapes.

Overnight in Yining.

After breakfast in Yining, your group will transfer to Yining Railway Station and board the high-speed train back to Urumqi. This final journey offers a last chance to enjoy the changing landscapes of the Ili River Valley, where green farmlands, rivers, and distant mountain ranges gradually transition back into the broader expanses of northern Xinjiang.

During the train ride, you can relax and reflect on the highlights of the past days—from the turquoise waters of Sayram Lake, the fairytale scenery of Hemu Village, the dramatic cliffs of Wucaitan, to the vast alpine beauty of Kanas Lake. The route provides a smooth and comfortable connection back to the regional capital.

Upon arrival in Urumqi, the tour service officially ends at the railway station. If your international or domestic flight is scheduled for later in the day, you may proceed independently to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport or extend your stay in the city.

For travelers with extra time, Urumqi also offers optional last-minute visits such as local bazaars for souvenirs, dried fruits, and handicrafts, or simply a short rest before departure.

This concludes your journey through northern Xinjiang, leaving behind memories of alpine lakes, grassland villages, desert formations, and some of the most diverse landscapes along the Silk Road.