13-Day Northern Xinjiang Scenic Road Trip: Kanas, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake & Grasslands

Welcome to Urumqi, the gateway to your Northern Xinjiang adventure!

Upon arrival at Urumqi Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang and an important Silk Road city, where diverse cultures and traditions meet.

Accommodation: Urumqi

After breakfast, begin your Northern Xinjiang road trip with a visit to Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake), one of Xinjiang's most iconic natural attractions.

Located high in the Tianshan Mountains, Tianchi is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and peaceful mountain scenery. Take a walk along the lakeside, enjoy panoramic views, and experience the beauty of this legendary mountain landscape.

After sightseeing, continue driving west through Xinjiang's vast landscapes and arrive in Kuitun for the night.

Distance: Approx. 350 km
Driving time: Around 4 hours

Accommodation: Kuitun

Today you will visit the spectacular Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.”

Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and endless grasslands, the crystal-clear blue lake changes colors under different sunlight, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes in Xinjiang. Enjoy a scenic drive around the lake and stop at the best viewpoints for photos.

Continue through Guozigou Valley, one of Xinjiang's most impressive mountain passes. The valley features dramatic cliffs, green forests, and the famous Guozigou Bridge, offering unforgettable views along the way.

Arrive in Yining in the evening.

Distance: Approx. 450 km
Driving time: Around 6 hours

Accommodation: Yining

After breakfast, travel to Tekes County and explore the magnificent Kalajun Grassland, one of the most beautiful alpine grasslands in Xinjiang.

Unlike ordinary grasslands, Kalajun combines rolling green hills, snow-capped mountain views, deep valleys, and wildflower meadows. Today you will explore:
- East Kalajun Grassland – famous for its endless meadows and panoramic mountain views
- Kuokesu Grand Canyon – known for its spectacular canyon landscapes and unique geological formations

In the evening, visit Tekes Bagua City, a fascinating city designed according to the ancient Chinese Bagua pattern. Take a walk around the city center and enjoy the local atmosphere at Qian Street Night Market.

Distance: Approx. 150 km
Driving time: Around 3 hours

Accommodation: Tekes

After breakfast, continue your journey to Nalati Grassland, one of the most famous pastoral landscapes in Xinjiang.

Located in the eastern Tianshan Mountains, Nalati is known for its wide-open meadows, snow-capped peaks, winding rivers, and traditional nomadic scenery. The Air Grassland Route takes you deep into the highland pastures, where you can enjoy spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and endless green fields.

During the visit, you will have the chance to admire the beautiful harmony between nature and local Kazakh pastoral life, making it one of the highlights of your Xinjiang journey.

After sightseeing, transfer to Nalati Town for an overnight stay.

Distance: Approx. 250 km
Driving time: Around 3.5 hours

Accommodation: Nalati Town

Today, continue exploring the cultural side of Xinjiang before heading back toward northern Xinjiang.

Drive to Yining and visit Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, a historic neighborhood showcasing traditional Uyghur architecture, colorful houses, local handicrafts, and everyday life. Stroll through the old streets and experience the unique atmosphere of this multicultural city.

Continue to Liuxing Street, a charming historic district famous for its colorful European-style houses, diverse communities, and relaxed local lifestyle.

On the way to Jinghe, pass through the beautiful Guozigou Valley and enjoy another view of Sayram Lake from the road. The changing landscapes from mountains and lakes to grasslands make today's drive a memorable scenic journey.

Arrive in Jinghe in the evening.

Distance: Approx. 530 km
Driving time: Around 7 hours

Accommodation: Jinghe

Today, travel to Urho District of Karamay to explore the mysterious World Devil City (Urho Ghost Town).

Created by millions of years of wind erosion, this unique geological landscape features strange rock formations, towering cliffs, and dramatic desert scenery. Under the sunlight and strong winds, the formations create a mysterious atmosphere that has earned the name “Devil City.”

Walk through the scenic area, admire the incredible natural sculptures, and enjoy the vast beauty of Xinjiang's Gobi desert landscape.

After sightseeing, continue to your hotel in Urho.

Distance: Approx. 430 km
Driving time: Around 5–6 hours

Accommodation: Urho

Today, head north to the legendary Kanas Scenic Area, one of the most beautiful destinations in China.

After arriving at the Kanas visitor center, transfer to the scenic shuttle bus and enter the protected area. The journey into Kanas itself is a scenic experience, passing through dense forests, mountain valleys, and alpine landscapes.

Explore the highlights of Kanas, including:
- Kanas Lake – a stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by mountains and forests, famous for its changing colors and peaceful atmosphere
- Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay) – the most iconic viewpoints along the Kanas River, each offering unique shapes and breathtaking scenery

Enjoy the beauty of this remote mountain paradise before returning by shuttle bus and staying near the scenic area.

Distance: Approx. 360 km
Driving time: Around 4.5–5 hours

Accommodation: Jiadengyu Area

Today, continue exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Kanas Scenic Area, with visits to some of its most spectacular viewpoints and villages.

Start the day by taking the scenic shuttle bus back into Kanas and head to Guanyu Pavilion, the best viewpoint overlooking the entire Kanas Valley. After taking the shuttle halfway up the mountain, walk up 1,068 steps to reach the top. From here, enjoy a panoramic view of the turquoise Kanas Lake, surrounding forests, and snow-covered mountains — one of the most unforgettable views in Northern Xinjiang.

Continue to Baihaba Village, often known as one of the most beautiful border villages in China. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and wooden houses, this peaceful village offers a glimpse into traditional Kazakh life and the simple beauty of a remote mountain community.

In the afternoon, leave Kanas and travel to Hemu Village, a fairy-tale destination hidden among mountains and birch forests. After arriving at the scenic area entrance, take the shuttle bus into the village.

Distance: Approx. 70 km driving after leaving Jiadengyu
Driving time: Around 1.5 hours (excluding scenic shuttle transfers)

Accommodation: Hemu Village

Wake up early and enjoy one of the most beautiful moments of the journey — the Hemu sunrise.

Take a short hike to Haden Viewing Platform, where you can watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the wooden houses, golden birch forests, and surrounding mountains. The morning mist rising above Hemu Village creates a magical atmosphere that feels like a scene from a fairy tale.

After sunrise, explore the charming Hemu Village, including:
- Hemu Bridge – a classic viewpoint overlooking the village and river
- Hemu River – a peaceful river flowing through the valley
- Birch Forest – especially beautiful in autumn with golden leaves
- Traditional wooden houses – showcasing the unique architecture of local Kazakh communities

In the afternoon, leave Hemu and continue to Rainbow Beach, a colorful riverside landscape famous for its unique rock formations and beautiful sunset views.

Later, arrive in Burqin and enjoy the evening atmosphere of the Sino-Russian Old Wharf Style Street. You can also try local specialties such as cold-water fish and take photos at the popular riverside landmark.

Distance: Approx. 150 km
Driving time: Around 3–4 hours

Accommodation: Burqin

Today, travel to Keketuohai Scenic Area, a spectacular destination combining natural beauty and fascinating history.

Located in the Altai Mountains, Keketuohai is known for its dramatic valleys, crystal-clear rivers, granite cliffs, and colorful forests. The scenic area offers a completely different landscape from Kanas and Hemu.

Explore the highlights of Keketuohai:
- Keketuohai National Geopark – admire the beautiful mountain valleys and river landscapes
- No.3 Mine Pit – a famous rare-metal mine with important historical significance and a unique open-pit landscape

Enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery before staying overnight in Keketuohai Town.

Distance: Approx. 350 km
Driving time: Around 5–6 hours

Accommodation: Keketuohai Town

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Urumqi.

Although today involves a longer drive, the route offers a fascinating transition through different landscapes of Xinjiang. Along the way, enjoy views of:
- Gurbantunggut Desert – one of China's largest deserts, featuring vast golden landscapes and unique desert ecosystems
- Flaming Mountain area – famous for its dry climate, red-colored mountains, and connection with the ancient Silk Road

Experience the incredible contrast between Xinjiang's mountains, grasslands, and deserts before arriving back in Urumqi.

Distance: Approx. 520 km
Driving time: Around 6+ hours

Accommodation: Urumqi

After days of exploring Xinjiang's spectacular nature, spend your final day discovering the culture and history of Urumqi.

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum

Explore Xinjiang's rich history, Silk Road heritage, and diverse cultures through fascinating exhibitions and ancient artifacts.

(Closed every Monday)

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

One of Urumqi's most famous landmarks, the bazaar is a lively place to experience local flavors, traditional handicrafts, spices, souvenirs, and Xinjiang's multicultural atmosphere.

Red Hill Park

Visit this city landmark for panoramic views of Urumqi and a relaxing end to your journey.

After the city tour, enjoy your final evening in Xinjiang.

Accommodation: Urumqi

Your unforgettable Northern Xinjiang adventure comes to an end today.

At the scheduled time, your private driver will transfer you to Urumqi Airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for traveling with us, and we hope to welcome you again for your next China adventure!