DAY 1 USA - Beijing

Today, you will board a flight to Beijing, the capital of China, marking the start of your long-awaited journey to Northern Xinjiang.

DAY 2 Arrival in Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing, meet the tour guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 3 Beijing - Urumqi

After breakfast, take a flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Urumqi is not only the political, economic, and cultural center of Xinjiang, but it is also the city farthest from any ocean in the world. It is a crucial point on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road and a melting pot of diverse cultures. Upon arrival, a local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a restful night to prepare for the beautiful journey in Xinjiang that begins tomorrow.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4 Urumqi - Fuyun - Koktokay - Burqin

Early in the morning, fly to Fuyun and then drive to Koktokay and Burqin. "Koktokay" means "green jungle" in Kazakh and "blue river bend" in Mongolian. First, visit the Koktokay National Geopark, where the granite landforms of the Ertix Grand Canyon are unique, and the variously shaped rocks are a marvel of nature. The serene beauty of Irtysh Lake's reflections is enchanting year-round. The clear blue waters of Koktokay Lake nurture abundant rare aquatic flora and fauna, with numerous swans, wild ducks, and other birds making it their home, reminiscent of southern China's Jiangnan region. The Irtysh River is the only river in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean, known as a "natural geological museum."

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

DAY 5 Burqin - Kanas Scenic Area - Hemu

In the morning, drive to Kanas Lake. "Kanas" means "beautiful and mysterious lake" in Mongolian, and it is a famous freshwater lake in the Altay region. Kanas Lake is crescent-shaped, with snow-capped peaks, green slopes, and dense forests around it. The lake's calm and beautiful reflections are like a fairyland. The scenic area integrates mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, and grasslands, and there are even legends of "lake monsters" appearing in the lake. Visit the ever-changing Moon Bay, the picturesque Wolong Bay with its clear waters and dense forests, and the wide and gentle Fairy Bay with its marshes and meadows. Finally, ascend to the Fish Viewing Pavilion to admire the stunning scenery of Kanas Lake and experience the lake's color-changing wonder.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 Hemu - Burqin

Explore Hemu Village, a picturesque mountain village known as "China's First Village." Hemu, officially named "Hemu Kanas Township," is located in Burqin County in northern Xinjiang, near the borders of Mongolia, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Burqin is a tidy border town where the Irtysh River flows gently, flanked by birch forests and fields of sunflowers. The green land is dotted with locals' white yurts, rivers, wooden houses, smoke from kitchens, birch forests, and people herding on the Hemu Bridge. At dusk, the birch trees glow golden in the sunset, creating a peaceful and beautiful scene like a colorful oil painting.
 

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

DAY 7 Burqin - Altay - Yining

After breakfast, continue to enjoy the serene beauty of the Altay region. Drive to Altay Airport and fly to Yining. After dinner, rest well to prepare for more beautiful scenery ahead.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 Yining - Sailimu Lake - Yining

Drive to Sailimu Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains, known as the "Blue Gem of the Mountains." Sailimu Lake is a fault basin lake in the Tianshan Mountains, with clear waters and expansive grasslands around it. In summer, the meadows are lush, and wildflowers bloom everywhere. If the timing is right, visit the lavender fields, where waves of purple flowers sway in the wind, creating a beautiful sea of lavender. Along the way, admire the magnificent scenery of the Guozigou Bridge, a crucial point on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road with rich historical and natural landscapes.
 

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

DAY 9 Yining - Nalati - Yining

Drive to Nalati Grassland, one of China's most beautiful grasslands and one of the world's four major alpine valley grasslands. The scenic area consists of a highland grassland sightseeing area, a Kazakh folk customs area, and a tourism living area. In summer, the pastures are green and endless, with wildflowers blooming in vibrant colors. After June, herders bring large flocks of livestock here, marking the golden season of the grassland. You will have the opportunity to enjoy Kazakh folk activities and experience their traditional culture.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 Yining - Urumqi - Tianshan - Urumqi

After breakfast, fly back to Urumqi, then drive to visit the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. The Tianshan Mountains, which stretch across central Xinjiang and extend into Kazakhstan, feature the towering Bogda Peak, covered with snow year-round, earning the nickname "Sea of Snow." The mid-mountain Heavenly Lake, formed by melting snow, is vast and serene, believed to be the "Yaochi" where the Queen Mother of the West resides in legend. Take a boat ride on the beautiful Heavenly Lake (unavailable in April due to weather) and stroll along the lakeside paths into the ancient forests, enjoying the natural beauty. Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner tonight.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11 Urumqi - Beijing

After breakfast, bid farewell to the plateaus, lakes, cattle and sheep, blue skies, and vast grasslands. Fly back to Beijing and transfer to a luxurious hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Included: Breakfast

DAY 12 Beijing - USA

With hearts full of joy and memories, board a flight back to your sweet home, looking forward to revisiting these beautiful places in the future.

Included: Breakfast