Urumqi

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang and the farthest major city from any ocean in the world. Upon arrival, the driver will meet you at the airport and you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast in the morning, the driver will take you to the train station for your tour to Kuitun. Upon arrival in Kuitun, our team will meet you and take you to visit the stunning Dushanzi Grand Canyon—a hidden gem in Xinjiang. This spectacular canyon was carved by snowmelt and rainfall from the Tianshan Mountains over countless dry years, creating towering formations that resemble a cluster of bamboo shoots. The canyon floor spans 100–400 meters in width, while the upper rim stretches 800–1,000 meters across, with cliffs rising 200 meters high at an elevation of 1,070 meters. After the tour, we will drive to Jinghe for your overnight stay.

Today, we'll visit Sayram Lake, the crown jewel of your Northern Xinjiang tour. Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic", this alpine wonder dazzles with crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush grasslands and vibrant wildflowers. Stroll along the shore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak in the serene beauty of this fairyland. In the afternoon, continue your tour across the Guozigou Bridge, Xinjiang's largest and most iconic bridge. Marvel at the engineering marvel as it spans dramatic valleys, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Driving from Yining to Tekes, your tour begins at the enchanting Kalajun Prairie, a place as poetic and picturesque as a painting. This area is dotted with numerous springs and, from May to September each year, serves as an ideal gathering place for pastoral communities to trade goods and celebrate cultural activities. The name "Kalajun" comes from the Kazakh language, meaning "dark wilderness". For generations, the people of this grassland have maintained a simple nomadic way of life, their traditions radiating a unique and timeless charm.

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your accommodation. We'll journey to the renowned Naraty Grassland, a legendary pastureland celebrated since ancient times for its breathtaking landscapes. Here, vast river valleys meet towering mountains, crisscrossed by deep gorges, lush forests, and endless open grasslands. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and experience the traditional Kazakh nomadic way of life. Afterward, we'll transfer you to your hotel for check-in, where you can relax and unwind.

After bidding farewell to the beautiful Naraty Grassland, we'll return to Yining and visit the enchanting Kazanqi Folk Village—a "blue fairy-tale town" nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Stroll through streets lined with vibrant Uyghur houses, painted in sky-blue hues and adorned with wooden carvings and colorful spires. The village's whimsical charm evokes comparisons to Morocco's Chefchaouen, offering endless photo opportunities. Next, we'll stop at the Accordion Museum on Liuxing Street, home to over 800 accordions from 20+ countries. This unique collection draws music lovers and travelers alike, making it a must-see for its cultural and artistic flair. Later, we'll board the fast train to Urumqi, concluding today's adventures.

Urumqi

Today, we will arrange your airport transfer. You'll conclude your enjoyable tour of northern Xinjiang and return to your sweet home.