[2025 Wujiaqu Attraction] Travel Guide for S21 Desert Highway (Updated Feb)

8-day tour from Urumqi to Kanas, exploring ancient towns and villages, and experiencing unique customs! An amazing route that takes you on a different journey through the northwest! -- 🛣️ Itinerary: DAY 1: Hongshan Park -> Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar -> Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum -> Turpan Museum -> Hemu Viewing Platform A cultural tour of Urumqi, visiting the bustling Hongshan and Grand Bazaar, and the rich history of the museum, before heading to the Hemu Viewing Platform for stunning views. DAY 2: S21 Desert Highway -> Gurbantunggut Desert -> Ulungur Lake National Wetland Park Travel along the spectacular S21 Desert Highway, experience the beauty of the desert, and then head to Ulungur Lake Wetland Park for the tranquility of nature. DAY 3: Kanas Lake -> Wolong Bay -> Moon Bay -> Fairy Bay -> Hemu Bridge Explore Kanas, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, pass by several scenic spots, and enjoy the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang. DAY 4: Hemu Viewing Platform -> Jikepulin International Ski Resort Climb the Hemu Viewing Platform again, then head to Jikepulin Ski Resort for the fun of winter sports. DAY 5: World Ghost City Visit the mysterious World Ghost City and marvel at the wonders of nature. DAY 6: Sayram Lake Spend the whole day at Sayram Lake and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the plateau lake. DAY 7: Sayram Lake Continue to spend a leisurely day at Sayram Lake and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. DAY 8: Urumqi → Airport transfer 🛩️ Return to Urumqi, end the pleasant trip to northern Xinjiang, and fly back home. -- Travel essentials: 🎒 👗 Clothing: Urumqi and Kanas are still very cold in February, so remember to bring a thick coat, thermal underwear, sweater, windbreaker, and down jacket. Shoes should be waterproof and non-slip winter boots. 🎒 Personal items: Don't forget a power bank, thermos, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For long trips, snacks and books are also great time-killers. 📋 Documents and others: ID card and driver's license are essential, as well as some common medicines, such as cold medicine and stomach medicine. Oh, and disposable underwear and tissues are also very useful, as it is dry there and clothes are not easy to dry. -- From Urumqi to Kanas, you will be accompanied by beautiful scenery all the way, so don't forget to bring your camera to capture every unforgettable moment! 📸

Winter vacation is coming! Want to experience the thrill of skiing? Join an 8-day tour of Urumqi-Kanas-Turpan and explore the snowy Xinjiang. Check it out now! / Itinerary: D1: 🌳Hongshan Park->🏛️Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum->🎉Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar->💧Kanas Lake->🌈Fairy Bay Visit the greenery of Hongshan, feel the historical atmosphere of the museum, and explore the bustling International Grand Bazaar. Head to Kanas in the evening to enjoy the lake and mountain views and the mysterious Fairy Bay. D2: 🛣️S21 Desert Highway->🏜️Gurbantunggut Desert->🌊Ulungu Lake National Wetland Park Travel through the magnificent desert highway, experience the vastness of the desert, and then head to Ulungu Lake to feel the vitality of the wetland and the tranquility of nature. D3: 💧Kanas Lake->🐉Wolong Bay->🌙Moon Bay->🌈Fairy Bay->🌉Hemu Bridge Explore Kanas in depth, from the mystery of Wolong Bay to the tranquility of Moon Bay, and then to the scenery of Fairy Bay and Hemu Bridge. Every step is a beautiful view. D4: 🌄Hemu Viewing Platform->⛷️Jikepulin International Ski Resort Climb to the Hemu Viewing Platform for a panoramic view, then head to Jikepulin Ski Resort to enjoy the fun of ice and snow sports. D5: 👹World Devil City Explore the unique landforms and feel the magic of nature, as if you are in a magical world. D6: 💙Sayram Lake Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sayram Lake all day long. The lake is as dazzling as a sapphire, making you linger. D7: 💙Sayram Lake Explore Sayram Lake in depth again and feel the beauty of the lake and mountains at different times and angles. D8: 🛫Urumqi → 24H Airport Transfer Service End your pleasant trip, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, and leave Xinjiang with beautiful memories. / Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Sayram Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: G30, Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening hours: 09:00-21:00 Recommended duration: 1-2 days The lake is clear and blue, a beautiful place for taking photos. The surrounding grasslands are full of wildflowers, making you linger. 🌈 World Devil City ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 200, Longji Road, Urho District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening hours: November 1, 2024-October 28, 2025 10:00-18:00 Recommended duration: 2-3 hours There are spectacular and magnificent Yardang landforms here, with stone pillars in various shapes, as if entering a magical world. 🏛️ Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 581, Northwest Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:30; Monday Closed Recommended duration: 2-3 hours Want to learn about the history and ethnic customs of Xinjiang? This is the right place. The museum displays a wealth of cultural relics and exhibits, allowing you to see them all at once! / Travel tips: 1️⃣ Customs: Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities, especially keep quiet around temples. 🕌 2️⃣ Food: Turpan's grapes and lamb skewers are must-try delicacies. Foodies, don't miss them! 🍇🍖 3️⃣ Airport transportation: You can choose to fly directly to Kanas or transfer to Altay, both are very convenient! ✈️🚗 4️⃣ Photo spots: Jiadengyu and Kanas Lake in Kanas are beautiful photo spots. Remember to take more photos! 📸 5️⃣ Sun protection and warmth: The temperature difference between day and night is large, so remember to bring sunscreen and warm clothes! ☀️🧣 / 🎉Hope you enjoy the beautiful scenery and have fun on your trip to Urumqi-Kanas-Turpan!

What can you see when driving in Xinjiang in winter? It is a mountain overturning under the snow, It is the quiet and white sky where all things rest. It is the beautiful and simple nature of the world. - Many people choose to go to Xinjiang in summer and autumn, but in fact, the winter in Xinjiang is also beautiful. The snow scenery here is not inferior to Switzerland. Snow-capped mountains/cedars/wooden houses/villages/rime, all the winter beauty you can think of can be found here! - Recommended route: D1 Urumqi D2 Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Ulungur Lake - Burqin D3 Burqin-Kanas-Hemu D4 Hemu-Karayima D5 Karamay - Sailimu Lake - Sailimu Lake D6 Sailimu Lake-Urumqi D7 Urumqi - The same check-in place as in the picture: Shagou, Urumqi, Xinjiang Many people come to Urumqi just as a transit station. In fact, there are many places around Urumqi that are worth visiting to enjoy the snow! - Rent a car and drive 🚗 Navigate to Shagou. There are beautiful snow scenes along the way. Parking is very convenient. You can ride a horse or walk along the path. There are very few people in this season, basically all of them are locals. You can enjoy an entire pure snow scene all to yourself. The price for horseback riding is 60/hour, and you can go deeper into the mountains. There are cedars, streams, and ice waterfalls. It is highly recommended! Xinjiang, China

Visit Xinjiang in winter, starting from Urumqi, and explore the ice and snow wonders of Northern Xinjiang! This 7-day travel guide will take you on a journey through the unique charm of Northern Xinjiang. -------------------- 🚗 Itinerary: D1: Arrive in Urumqi and start your Northern Xinjiang journey! D2: Cross the S21 Desert Highway - explore the golden coast of Ulungur Lake - visit the Ghost City of the Sea for a magical experience. D3: Explore the Kanas Scenic Area, where the natural beauty is mesmerizing - stroll through the Fairy Bay and feel like you're in a fairyland. D4: Spend the whole day at the Hemu Scenic Area and experience the original village style of the Tuva people. D5: Enjoy skiing at the Jikepulin International Ski Resort - challenge yourself at the Jiangjun Mountain International Ski Resort and enjoy the fun of ice and snow. D6: Visit the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park and get up close to the horses at the Akhal-Teke Horse Base. D7: End your pleasant Northern Xinjiang journey and return home from Urumqi. -------------------- Travel tips: 📸 Photo spots: Don't miss Kanas Lake and Tianchi Lake, where beautiful natural scenery awaits your camera! 🛍️ Specialty prices: Dried fruits such as paper-shelled walnuts and purple-skinned salted cashews are delicious and affordable, perfect to take home! 🎈 Customs: Respect the customs of the local Kazakh and Uyghur people and experience the charm of multiculturalism. 🍽️ Food recommendations: Be sure to try Xinjiang's big plate chicken, roasted whole lamb, and pilaf, which will leave you wanting more! -------------------- The beauty of Xinjiang is not only in the scenery but also in the people and things you encounter along the way. We look forward to your next trip to Northern Xinjiang!

Attention skiing enthusiasts! Check out this detailed 9-day skiing itinerary in Altay, Xinjiang. Save it now! . 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, get to know Xinjiang, and enjoy free airport transfer. Day 2-3: Depart from Urumqi, cross the S21 Desert Highway, and explore the natural beauty of Burqin and Kanas. Day 4-5: Head deep into Kanas and Hemu, and enjoy skiing at Jikepulin International Ski Resort. Day 6: Travel from Hemu to Qibaluoyi Viewing Platform, and explore the mysterious Urho Ghost City. Day 7-8: Visit Urho, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and Sayram Lake, and enjoy the sunrise and blue ice at Sayram Lake before returning to Urumqi. Day 9: End your Xinjiang trip and return home from Urumqi. . Travel essentials: 👕 **Clothing**: A down jacket is a must-have for warmth and lightness. January in Xinjiang is freezing, so make sure to wear it. Also, wear thick cotton pants to keep your legs warm. 🎒 **Accessories**: Don't forget your hat, scarf, and gloves to protect yourself from the cold wind. Snow boots are non-slip and warm, so you can walk steadily. 📷 **Equipment**: Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery, a power bank to keep your devices charged, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. 💊 **Medicine**: Bring cold medicine and stomach medicine just in case. Staying healthy is important for a great trip. 🎫 **Documents**: Bring your ID card and passport. You can't travel without them. 🍶 **Food and drink**: Bring a thermos to stay hydrated. The climate in Xinjiang is dry, so it's important to drink enough water. 💰 **Finances**: Bring cash and bank cards for convenient shopping and dining, and a more enjoyable trip. . Don't forget to bring your camera and adventurous spirit to Xinjiang. Every moment in Altay is worth cherishing! 📸✨

Urumqi-Kanas-Turpan, 8-day tour guide is here! The best route to explore Xinjiang without detours. Save it now! / 📅Itinerary: DAY1: Hongshan Park->Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum->Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar->Kanas Lake->Fairy Bay Tour Urumqi, then head to Kanas in the evening to explore the mysterious Kanas Lake and Fairy Bay. DAY2: S21 Desert Highway->Gurbantunggut Desert->Karamayli Nature Reserve->Devil City Scenic Area Travel along the S21 Desert Highway to experience the desert scenery, visit the Karamayli Nature Reserve, and finally arrive at the unique Devil City. DAY3: Hemu Scenic Area->Birch Park Visit Hemu Scenic Area to enjoy the tranquility of nature, then head to Birch Park for a walk in the woods. DAY4: Kanas Scenic Area->Birch Forest Explore Kanas Scenic Area in depth, discover the beautiful legends of Kanas, and stroll through the charming birch forest. DAY5: World Devil City Spend the whole day at World Devil City to admire its unique landforms and scenery. DAY6: Sayram Lake Visit the highland pearl Sayram Lake to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the highland lake. DAY7: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar Return to Urumqi and visit Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar again to experience the market atmosphere of Xinjiang. DAY8: Urumqi → 24-hour airport transfer service End your wonderful trip to Xinjiang with 24-hour airport transfer service. We look forward to seeing you again in beautiful Xinjiang! 🛫 / Travel essentials: 🎒 👕 Clothing: Down jacket, thermal underwear, thick sweater, fleece pants. Keep warm and windproof. 🎫 Documents: ID card, student ID, etc. Xinjiang has strict security checks, so keep them handy. 📸 Accessories: Charger, power bank, selfie stick. Capture beautiful moments. 🧴 Skincare: Sunscreen, lip balm, hydrating mask. Keep your skin hydrated. / The fireworks of Urumqi, the natural wonders of Kanas, and the fragrant fruits of Turpan. One trip, three experiences. Don't miss it! ❤

New Year Travel Guide! 8-Day Urumqi-Kanas-Turpan Tour: Explore the beauty of Northern Xinjiang with this super useful guide! / 🌄 Route Suggestions: Xinjiang Style Tour DAY 1: Hongshan Park - Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum - Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar Explore the greenery of Hongshan, experience the history of the museum, and visit the bustling Grand Bazaar in the evening. DAY 2: S21 Desert Highway - Gurbantunggut Desert - Ulungur Lake National Wetland Park Travel along the spectacular desert highway, experience the vastness of the desert, and then visit the wetland park to enjoy the freshness of nature. DAY 3: Kanas Lake - Wolong Bay - Moon Bay - Fairy Bay - Hemu Bridge Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of Kanas, visit the beautiful Wolong Bay and Moon Bay, and explore the mysterious Fairy Bay and the ancient Hemu Bridge. DAY 4: Hemu Viewing Platform - Jikepulin International Ski Resort Climb to the Hemu Viewing Platform for a panoramic view, then head to the ski resort to enjoy the fun of winter sports. DAY 5: World Devil City Explore the unique landforms and experience the mystery and grandeur of Devil City. DAY 6: Sayram Lake Stroll along the shores of Sayram Lake and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lake. DAY 7: Sayram Lake Stay at Sayram Lake to enjoy the tranquility of the lake and mountains, or go on an outdoor adventure. DAY 8: Urumqi Airport Transfer End your pleasant trip to Xinjiang and head to the airport with beautiful memories. 🛫 / 🎒 Travel Checklist: Must-Have Items for Urumqi-Kanas-Turpan 👗 Clothing: Down jacket, thermal underwear, thick sweater, fleece pants, snow boots, windproof jacket and pants. Urumqi and Kanas are very cold in December, and Turpan has a large temperature difference between day and night, so keeping warm is a top priority. 🎫 Documents: ID card, student ID, driver's license. Security checks in Xinjiang are strict, especially at transportation hubs, so be sure to carry your documents with you. 🎮 Other Essentials: Charger, power bank, selfie stick, camera, moisturizer, lip balm. These items will help you capture beautiful moments and keep your skin hydrated in the dry climate. / We hope you enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food on your Urumqi-Kanas-Turpan trip and leave with unforgettable memories! 🎉

No one can resist the winter in Altay☃️ The snow scene here is so wonderful❗❗ Stepping into Altay in winter❄️ is like entering a dreamland woven with ice and snow. Here, you can find magnificent snow-capped mountains🏔️, crystal-clear lakes, primitive villages, and colorful folk culture👫. It is a rare holy land in the hearts of every traveler. 📜Itinerary 📆Day 1 Departure → Urumqi Airport Pickup → Hotel Check-in 📆Day 2 Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Ulungur Lake → Burqin 📆Day 3 Burqin → Kanas → Hemu 📆Day 4 Hemu (Full Day) 📆Day 5 Hemu → Urho 📆Day 6 Urho → World Devil City → Urumqi 📆Day 7 Urumqi Airport Drop-off → Return 📷Must-visit Attractions: 📍S21 Desert Highway: When you step on the S21 Desert Highway, it feels like you are driving on a road to the end of the world. The undulating sand dunes and Gobi on both sides are as desolate and mysterious as the surface of the moon, giving people an unprecedented sense of conquest. 📍Kanas: Located in Altay, Xinjiang, it is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and undeveloped primitive beauty. It is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also an ideal place to seek peace of mind. 📍Hemu: Located in Burqin County, Altay, Xinjiang, it is one of the most beautiful ancient villages in China and is known as the "Oriental Switzerland." The scenery here varies in different seasons, but it is especially charming in autumn and winter. 📍World Devil City: Officially known as Urho Devil City, it is located in Urho District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in the northwest of China. It is a holy land that gathers majestic landforms and natural wonders and is known as the place on Earth closest to the Martian landscape. 💥Travel Tips: 1️⃣ The sunrise time in winter⛅ is around 9:30, so you don't have to get up early. 2️⃣ The temperature🌡️ is around -20°C, so it is recommended to wear a down jacket, sweater, thermal underwear, and snow boots. 3️⃣ Bring some related medicines and some common medicines, such as band-aids, cold medicine, or medicine for the stomach, etc. ❄️In Altay, every corner has its unique charm, and every breath is so fresh and pleasant. This winter, let's meet in Altay and embark on a journey about snow, light, enthusiasm, and dreams.

|Hemu + Kanas. 🌼Altay can be said to be one of the most popular places to visit this year. "My Altay" adds a touch of emotion to the already beautiful scenery. 🌿If you have read my book Altay and want to see the autumn scenery of Xinjiang, you can make preparations now. ⭕️Highlights of the trip 🔺Small group of 2-6 people without shopping and carpooling (private group available, can be customized) 🔺Car: 9-seater to 7-seater car with large space 🔺Bring DSLR and drone 🔺Single room fee is waived for single person 🔺Arrange afternoon tea, Kazakh costume change and other experiences 🔺Best viewing period: mid-September to mid-October (can be booked during National Day) 😋My detailed itinerary of 6 days and 5 nights in Altay Day 1: Urumqi-S21 Desert Highway-passing Ulungu Lake-Sea Devil City-Travel Book Bar-Altay At about 8 o'clock in the morning, the driver will pick you up at the hotel and you can set off. ✔️ Passing the S21 Desert Highway all the way north, you can experience the vast area and sparsely populated area. ✔️Pass by Ulungu Lake and enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains along the lake ✔️There is a rare Yadan land on the east bank of Jili Lake, which stretches for 10 kilometers ✔️In the evening, go to the travel book bar in the corner of Altay, buy a cup of coffee, find a book, and feel the fireworks in Altay Day 2: Altay-Ahe Highway-Tiguan Altay Grassland-Hemu Scenic Area ✔️After breakfast, we headed to Hemu Scenic Area with all our luggage. There are cascading mountains and dense golden woods. The air is especially fresh when walking on the country roads. ✔️Take a light hike in Hemu, stroll along the Hemu River, order a cup of coffee and walk in the forest, or go horseback riding to the mountains to experience the fairy tale birch forest ✔️You can also wait for the starry sky at night Day 3: Hemu-Kanas Lake-Shenxian Bay-Wolong Bay-Moon Bay-Jiaden Valley ✔️The morning light in Hemu Ancient Village has a quiet and shocking beauty. You can walk to the mountain platform and watch the sunrise shine on the village. ✔️Afterwards, go to Kanas Lake, walk along the forest corridor, and enjoy the mountain and water scenery set against the golden birch forest. ✔️Pass by and check in Shenxian Bay, Wolong Bay, and Moon Bay Day 4: Jiadengyu - Tiejia Highway - Baihaba Village - Naren Ranch (cancelled after September 15) - China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon - G219 Kazakhstan Railway Section - Keledineng Village - Baihua Forest - Haba River ✔️Go to Baihaba Village in the morning and enjoy the scenery of the China-Kazakhstan border on the way. Baihaba Village is a primitive natural village full of traditional folk customs, peaceful and peaceful ✔️Go to the Birch Forest Scenic Area in the afternoon, where you can visit the yurt, make fresh milk tea, change into Kazakh clothes and experience afternoon tea Day 5: Haba River-Small Shop-Batai Tree-Urho Devil City-Urho ✔️Go to "Fengxia Canteen" and "Batai Tree" where "My Altay" was filmed, and leave photos to record this casual trip ✔️Urhe Devil City has magical Yadan landforms of various shapes Day 6: Urho-S101 Provincial Highway-Urumqi ✔️The return trip passes through the S101 Baili Danxia National Defense Highway, which is known as the "Tianshan Geographic Scenic Corridor" and the "Kenswat Reservoir" is an alpine lake with particularly beautiful blue-green water.