10-Day Tour from Urumqi to Kanas, Xinjiang: Breathtaking Experience
Winter in Xinjiang: 10-day tour from Urumqi to Kanas. The picturesque snowscapes are not to be missed! Come and experience the unique charm of Northern Xinjiang!
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Suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, and explore Urumqi on a city walk.
Day 2-3: Visit Tianchi Lake in Urumqi, cross the S21 Desert Highway, experience the Gurbantunggut Desert, then head to Kanas and Hemu, and enjoy stargazing in Hemu at night.
Day 4-5: Head to the Ghost City and experience the desolate grandeur of the wind-swept landscape, then head to Sayram Lake and enjoy the beauty of the "last tear of the Atlantic."
Day 6-7: Return to Sayram Lake to watch the sunrise, check in at the popular S-shaped bend, then head to Nalati Grassland, and possibly visit Kurdening or Tuergen Apricot Valley.
Day 8: Explore the billion-year-old wonder of Dushanzi Grand Canyon, then return to Urumqi.
Day 9: Visit the Flaming Mountains from Journey to the West and the unique Karez irrigation system.
Day 10: End the tour in Urumqi, with airport/station transfer service provided.
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Must-see attractions:
Sayram Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: G30, Bole, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang
- Opening hours: 09:00–21:00
- Recommended visit duration: 1–2 days
- The clear blue lake is a great place for photos, surrounded by grasslands with colorful wildflowers in bloom, like a painting.
Kanas Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: S232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
- Opening hours: October 16, 2024–April 30, 2025, 10:00–18:00
- Recommended visit duration: 1–2 days
- Discover the mysterious lake monster legend and experience the wonder of the lake changing color with the seasons.
Tianchi Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: No. 501, Junggar Road, Fukang, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang
- Opening hours: November 1, 2024–March 31, 2025, 09:30–19:00
- Recommended visit duration: 1 day
- The lake is like a mirror, reflecting the majestic Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, like a fairyland.
Hemu Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: Hemu Village, Hemu Hanas Mongolian Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
- Opening hours: October 16, 2024–April 30, 2025, 10:00–18:00
- Recommended visit duration: 1–2 days
- Stroll among the quaint and quiet wooden houses and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the mountain valleys.
World Ghost City ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: No. 200, Longji Road, Urho District, Karamay, Xinjiang
- Opening hours: November 1, 2024–October 28, 2025, 10:00–18:00
- Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
- Experience the spectacular and majestic Yadan landform, with its stunning stone pillars.
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Travel essentials:
👚 Clothing: Bring a down jacket and thick sweater, as Kanas is freezing in February, and staying warm is a priority. Also bring a waterproof jacket and pants to keep dry in the snow.
🎒 Accessories: Sunglasses, a warm hat, and a scarf are essential, as the sunlight reflecting off the snow is strong, and it's important to protect your eyes. Choose warm gloves to keep your hands warm while playing in the snow.
🆔 Documents: Bring your ID card and student ID, as some attractions offer discounts. Don't forget cash and bank cards for emergencies.
💊 Other: Bring common medications, band-aids, cold medicine, and lip balm to prevent dryness. The climate in Xinjiang is dry, so moisturizing is important.
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The Urumqi to Kanas tour in Xinjiang offers both beautiful scenery and unique culture. Don't miss this magical land. Bring your camera and set off!