9 Day Xinjiang Natural Wonders and Cultural Discovery Tour

The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure.

Your driver will arrange a pickup time in advance, following a route based on proximity. The exciting journey begins as you traverse the S21 Desert Highway, which cuts across the Gurbantünggüt Desert in the Junggar Basin—the shortest route to Altay—offering unique desert scenery. Arrive at the Kelameili Service Area and step into the Kelameili Desert Park, where hot, fine sand flows over your ankles and dunes are sculpted into soft curves by the wind. Climbing a sandy slope, you'll see golden waves as far as the eye can see—perfect for capturing stunning desert vistas. Then, drive to General Mountain and take the cable car. As it ascends slowly, a panoramic view of Altay city unfolds. In summer, the sunset is late; by the time you reach the summit, the setting sun kisses the distant mountains, casting its glow over grasslands and the city—every shot is cinematic. Afterward, check into your hotel in Altay.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for the journey to the Ahe Highway. Depart in the morning along the Ahe Highway, breathing in fresh air and natural scenery—every snapshot looks like wallpaper. Drive to Hemu Village. Upon arrival at the scenic area entrance, transfer to a shuttle bus, enjoying the Hemu River valley views along the way. First, check into your log cabin and drop off luggage, then you're free to explore! Stop at Hemu Bridge, where the clear, rushing Hemu River and rustic wooden bridge, with grazing cattle and sheep nearby, offer perfect photo opportunities. You can also hike to the Haden Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of Hemu Village, with its scattered log cabins and curling smoke, waiting for the sunset. As the sun sets, the village and forest are edged in gold—a magnificent scene.

Head to the Kanas Scenic Area in the morning, passing grasslands, flower seas, and streams along the way. Transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus to Kanas Lake. Stroll slowly along the boardwalk, watching the lake shimmer in blue-green hues under the sunlight. Distant snow-capped mountains reflect on the lake's surface, with gentle breezes creating ripples—as if stepping into a fairy tale. If you have enough energy, hike to Guanyu Terrace for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake's "S" shape, taking in all the beauty of the lake and mountains. After exploring, check into your log cabin and have dinner on your own.

Visit the Kanas Three Bays: Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. There are viewing platforms near the road and boardwalks leading to the water. Enter Immortal Bay, where sunlight filters through clouds onto the blue-green water, as if countless pearls are scattered. When mist rises, it feels like a gentle white veil—soft and healing. At the Moon Bay viewing platform, the winding, graceful Kanas River flows through dense taiga forests. Walking through the Kanas Three Bays, all you see is pure natural beauty. After taking the shuttle bus to Jiadengyu, have lunch on your own, then drive to Huyanghe.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Arrive at Sayram Lake Scenic Area and drive around the lake: at Qinshui Beach, the crystal-clear water meets lush green banks, allowing you to touch the cool lake water up close and capture a series of lake-and-light photos. At Dianjiangtai, climb up for a distant view—the vast lake, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands form a stunning painting; this is an excellent spot for lake views. Drive to Yining, passing Guozigou Bridge, where you can see snow-capped mountains, forests, and the bridge together in one frame. Head to the lavender flower fields (seasonal; subject to actual blooming conditions). In summer, the fields are covered in purple, with gentle breezes creating waves of fragrant blossoms—a romantic summer exclusive in Ili. Check into your hotel in Yining and have dinner on your own.

Head to the Nalati Scenic Area in the morning. Take the cable car for a bird's-eye view of the grassland. Transfer to the shuttle bus to Nalati Sky Meadow. The slopes on both sides are covered in dense snow-capped spruce. Distant snow-capped mountains glow silver under the sun, with summer meadows dotted with wildflowers. Hike the wooden boardwalk to the top for a 360° view of snow mountains and grasslands. After exploring, take the shuttle bus out of the scenic area and head to Nalati Ayixiamu Wedding for an immersive Kazakh nomadic cultural experience (complimentary activity; no refund if not participated). Dress in embroidered Kazakh coats and take photos in yurts and grasslands. Learn to make naan, kneading dough and waiting for it to turn golden and fragrant. Watch a lively traditional Kazakh wedding performance, filled with laughter, singing, and dancing. Savor Kazakh specialty cuisine, bringing joy to your taste buds. Return to Nalati Town for check-in.

Drive to the Hundred-Mile Gallery, a stunning summer countryside scene where every photo looks like a wallpaper. Enter the Duku Highway, starting an extraordinary crossing: at Hashilegen Snow Mountain Pass, snow still lingers in summer, offering a unique one-day, four-season experience with snow-capped peaks above and green grass below. Continue driving back to Urumqi, enjoying the沿途 summer scenery of Gobi and grasslands intertwined.

It's time to leave Xinjiang. Your suitcase is heavier than when you arrived, seemingly filled with the winds of Sayram Lake, the fragrance of grassland wildflowers, the coolness of snow on the Duku Highway, and the warm afternoon sunlight dozing off in a bumpy car.