7 Days Northern Xinjiang Essential Tour: from Heavenly Lake to Kanas Lake

Ni Hao! Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at Urumqi airport, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you directly to the downtown area, where they will help you check in at your hotel.

Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, notable for being the most landlocked major city in the world, far from any sea or ocean. Historically, Urumqi played a significant role as a major stop on the Silk Road, facilitating trade between China and the West. This history has left a lasting impact, making Urumqi a melting pot of ethnic groups, including Uyghurs, Han Chinese, Kazakhs, and others, each contributing to the city's vibrant culture.

Naturally, the city is surrounded by the stunning Tianshan Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Culturally, Urumqi boasts attractions like the Xinjiang Regional Museum, where visitors can learn about the region's history and see artifacts. The International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi is another highlight, offering a taste of local life with its array of spices, textiles, and crafts.

Arrival Ideas: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (IATA: URC) serves as the main airport for Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport offers flights to many major cities across China like Beijing (about 4 hours), Xian (about 3.5 hours), Shanghai (about 5.5 hours), Guangzhou (about 5 hours), Chengdu (about 3.5 hours), Lanzhou (about 2.5 hours), etc. It is also a vital hub for flights to Central Asian cities, including Islamabad, Almaty, Astana (now Nur-Sultan), Dushanbe, Istanbul, and Tehran,etc.

Free Time Ideas in Urumqi (Explore on Your Own):

If you arrive early this day, visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆自治区博物馆). This renowned museum showcases the ethnic diversity and ancient history of Xinjiang and the ancient Silk Road. Explore extensive collections that include exotic artifacts from the Silk Road, and colorful displays of traditional ethnic costumes and household items from various cultures such as Uyghur, Kazakh, and Han. The most unique is the exhibit of ancient mummies, which houses some of the world’s best-preserved mummies, including the famous “Loulan Beauty”, one of the 3800-year-old desert-mummified bodies of Indo-European ancestry. The museum’s immersive exhibits will transport you back in time, allowing you to learn about the fascinating history of the Silk Road and the cultural interactions that have shaped Xinjiang.

The Urumqi Grand Bazaar, also known as the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, is a vibrant marketplace and a perfect way to spend your free time. Explore the many shops and stalls offering various local products, including traditional Uyghur clothing, carpets, handmade crafts, silk scarves, jewelry, spices, and dried fruits. Be sure to try local favorites such as lamb kebabs, polu (pilaf), naan bread, and laghman (hand-pulled noodles). Additionally, the architecture of the Grand Bazaar itself is worth admiring with its grand minarets, domes, and intricate Islamic-inspired designs.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. You'll be driven approximately 70 kilometers (about 1-1.5 hours) to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled at an elevation of around 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, this serene alpine lake is surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, panoramic Bogda mountain views, and connections to ancient myths and legends, Heavenly Lake is a must-see. One such legend involves the Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wangmu), who is said to have hosted a banquet for the Eight Immortals here.

Upon arrival, you'll first take 40-minute sightseeing bus ride through the dramatic mountains. Then, enjoy 10-minute walk to the picturesque lake. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Heavenly Lake, taking in the fresh mountain air and diverse flora and fauna.

Optional Activities (additional fee required):

1. Boat Ride: Cruise across the peaceful waters of the lake, immersing yourself in its beauty and the reflections of the snow-capped mountains.
2. Cableway Ride: Take a cableway up to Mayashan for even more stunning views of Bogda Mountain.

After the tour, continue your journey to Beitun. This section of the trip will take you along the S21 highway through the desert, offering a completely different perspective of Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. The drive takes approximately 4.5-5 hours. Stay overnight in Beitun.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on the scenic drive from Beitun to Hemu. The journey is approximately 215km and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Departing Beitun, you'll traverse the Gobi Desert, a vast, arid expanse characterized by sand dunes and sparse vegetation. As you enter the Hemu Valley, the landscape transforms dramatically into lush alpine meadows, dotted with wildflowers and grazing horses.

Hemu (禾木村), a remote and picturesque village nestled in the Altai Mountains of northern Xinjiang, is often referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in China. Known for its traditional wooden houses, vast grasslands, dense birch forests, and breathtaking mountain views, the village offers a glimpse into a simple way of life. It is home to the indigenous Kazakh and Tuvan ethnic groups, who maintain their nomadic lifestyles and deep connection to nature. The village feels like a step back in time, with horse-drawn carts and rustic wooden cabins adding to its charm. (Hemu in Summer & Autumn Photography: In summer, Hemu gives you a feel of lush greenery, blooming wildflowers. In autumn, the world turns into a living painting, and the mountains are painted in vibrant shades of gold, orange, and red.)

Upon arrival in Hemu, take the sightseeing bus to the service center, then continue to Hemu Village. Explore this poetic village at your leisure, sample local cuisine, and capture the perfect photos of snow-capped mountains, birch forest and traditional wooden houses. You will visit a wooden house of a Tuva family, have a chance to interact with the local Kazakh and Tuvan people and learn about their nomadic traditions and daily life. As the sun sets, enjoy the golden light bathing the village and surrounding mountains.

Spend a peaceful night in Hemu Village.

In the morning, you can rise early and walk to the sightseeing platform to watch the beautiful sunrise (if weather permits). From this vantage point, you can also capture a panoramic view of the entire Hemu Village in the mist.

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Hemu Village and be escorted to Kanas Lake (about 35km, 1 hour’s drive) via mountain road. "Kanas" is a Mongolian word meaning "beautiful and mysterious lake". Known as one of China's most stunning lakes, Kanas Lake is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, lush green slopes, and dense forests. The breathtaking combination of the lake and mountains has earned it the title of "God's Garden". As the deepest glacial moraine-dammed lake in China, it is as beautiful as a shining pearl. Kanas Lake in autumn is very magical, bursting into a kaleidoscope of colors - golden foliage, snow-capped mountains, and the turquoise waters of Kanas Lake.

Upon arrival, you'll first take the sightseeing bus from Jiadengyu Visitors' Center and head to Kanas Lake. The first stop is the Fish Pavilion (观鱼亭), named after multiple reported sightings of a supposed “lake monster” in this area. From the pavilion, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Kanas Lake. The lake's surface resembles a giant mirror, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains, forests, and blue sky. (Walking tips: Climbing up to the pavilion requires ascending about 1,068 stairs, which can be a bit physically demanding.)

Later, you will spend some quiet time strolling around the lake on the plankway to admire even more of its beautiful landscapes. (Optional activity: you will enjoy a peaceful and relaxing cruise on Kanas Lake, where you can take in the turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests.)

After that, continue your trip to the Three Bays: Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. Take the sightseeing bus, and your first stop will be Shenxian Bay (or Immortal Bay). The lake's surface resembles a mirror, gently wrapped in a thin fog. In the distance, a blend of gold, red, and orange colors forms a stunning forest that feels like a fairyland. Next, head to Moon Bay. A short walk will offer you a panoramic view of the bay. At first glance, you'll notice a hint of sapphire blue, like a gemstone nestled in the forest. Named for its crescent moon shape, it’s the brightest jewel of Kanas Lake. Afterward, you can either take the bus or hike to Wolong Bay (or Hidden Dragon Bay). There’s a wooden walkway leading down to the lakeside, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. In autumn, Wolong Bay becomes even more serene, wrapped in the vibrant colors of fall. The red and yellow trees, emerald green lake, and fascinating mountain ranges are simply breathtaking!

After the tour, be transfered to Jiadengyu for accomodation.

On this day, you will head to Burqin, which is about 125 km away and takes 2-2.5 hours to drive. You will explore Wucaitan, also known as Five-Colored Beach. The beach is located beside the clear waters of the Irtysh River, offering a striking contrast between the colorful rocks and the calm, reflective river surface. Its unique beauty comes from multi-colored rock formations shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years. The landscape features vibrant shades of red, yellow, green, purple, and white, creating a surreal, otherworldly scene, especially when illuminated by the setting sun. The landscape is similar to that of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, earning it the nickname "Little Zhangye" after the park in Gansu Province.

In this scenic area, you can walk along well-maintained paths and marvel at the vibrant rock formations. You can also enjoy the view of the populus euphratica forest on the opposite bank of the Irtysh River. The river, a serene ribbon, mirrors the vibrant tapestry of the banks, creating a symphony of nature's most beautiful colors. (Sunset View: The best time to visit Wucaitan is in the evening, especially at sunset. When the sunlight shines on the rocks, they display a colorful array of hues. It's recommended to arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to fully appreciate the most beautiful scenery.)

After the tour, you will be escorted to Burqin. In Burqin, you can explore freely:

1. Kanas Tower Bridge: A trendy bridge blending European and Gothic styles, illuminated with brilliant lights at night, giving the feeling of stepping into a fairytale world.
2. Sino-Russian Old Wharf Street: Experience the history of the old Sino-Soviet shipping wharf with its exotic architecture.

Stay overnight in Burqin.

On this day, you will depart from Burqin and head toward Karamay Urho Ghost Town (about 212 km, 3-3.5 hours). Karamay Urho Ghost Town, also known as Wuerhe Wind City (Wuerhe Fengcheng), is an outstanding example of China's Yardang landforms. It is ranked first among “China's Three Most Beautiful Yardang Landforms” by National Geographic China.

Famous for its eerie and otherworldly rock formations, this area has been shaped by millennia of wind and water erosion, giving it a dramatic, surreal atmosphere. It’s called "Ghost Town" because when the wind blows through the rocks, it produces eerie, whistling sounds, resembling ghostly howls. It was also a filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. You will explore the site via sightseeing bus, allowing you to walk among the towering yardangs. Discovering formations that resemble castles, faces, and animals is a captivating experience.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to Urumqi (about 432km, 5 hours). Stay overnight in Urumqi.

On this day, it is time to end your unforgettable 7 Days North Xinjiang Tour. Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in China and other destinations in Asia. Have a safe journey home!