8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili River Valley

Day 1 Arrive Urumqi

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: Local 4-star Urumqi Jingcadia Hotel or similar

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Historically, this city was a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, where diverse cultures intersected. Today, it boasts significant populations of Uyghurs, Han Chinese, and various other ethnic groups. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. 

Day 2 Urumqi – Kuitun | Dushanzi Grand Canyon

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Kuitun Runjin International Hotel or similar

Depart from Urumqi and journey westward across the vast northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains to Kuitun, a scenic drive that unfolds from bustling city streets into open plains and distant snow-capped peaks. Along the way, stop at the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a dramatic masterpiece of nature carved by wind and water over millions of years — its steep, striped cliffs plunging into a deep, rugged gorge that shifts in color with the changing light. Walk along the canyon’s edge, marvel at the sweeping panoramas, and capture unforgettable photos before continuing on to Kuitun, where the day’s adventure ends in comfort and local flavor.

Day 3 Kuitun – Yining | Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge

Distance: Approx. 450 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Ningbai Hotel or similar

Depart from Kuitun and travel westward into the heart of the Tianshan Mountains toward Yining, a journey that blends soaring peaks, alpine lakes, and engineering marvels into one unforgettable day. Along the way, pause at Sayram Lake, the “Atlantic’s Last Tears,” whose brilliant blue waters shimmer beneath snow-capped ridges and stretch toward the horizon like a jewel set in the mountains. Continue through the dramatic Guozigou Valley, where the soaring Guozigou Bridge — the “First Bridge of the Tianshan Mountains” — arcs gracefully across deep gorges and connects the rugged peaks on either side. Arrive in Yining as the landscape softens into green valleys and fertile plains, closing the day with the warmth and charm of this historic Silk Road city.

Day 4 Yining – Nalati | Flower Sea of Tianshan Mountains

Distance: Approx. 270 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodations: Local 4-star Nalati Minrong Yunting Hotel or similar

Depart from Yining and head east into the Tianshan Mountains toward Nalati, a scenic journey that carries you from fertile valley plains into sweeping alpine highlands. Along the way, stop at the Tianshan Flower Sea, a vibrant carpet of blooming flowers stretching beneath the Tianshan Mountains — a dazzling splash of color planted and tended by hand against the backdrop of the mountains. Wander through the blossoms, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and soak in the endless views before continuing on to Nalati, where the famous “3D Grassland” of rolling meadows, forests, and snow peaks awaits to crown the day’s adventure.

Day 5 Nalati | Explore Nalati Grasslands

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Nalati Minrong Yunting Hotel or similar

Spend a full day exploring the sweeping beauty of Nalati Grassland, one of the most celebrated alpine meadows in all of Xinjiang. Begin at the Sky Grassland, where rolling green hills rise toward the clouds and snow-capped peaks frame panoramic views in every direction — a truly “three-dimensional” landscape of meadow, forest, and mountain. Continue to the River Grassland, where crystal streams wind gently through open pastures, mirroring the sky and drawing flocks of grazing sheep and horses along their banks. Throughout the day, opt for horseback riding across the open plains, feel the freedom of the highland wind, and immerse yourself in the timeless rhythm of nomadic life.

Day 6 Nalati – Yining | Six-Star Street

Distance: Approx. 270 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Binglv Kunlun Hotel or similar

Depart from Nalati and journey back westward to Yining, retracing the scenic mountain roads as the highland meadows give way once more to green valleys and fertile plains. Upon returning to the city, unwind with a leisurely stroll through the Six-Star Streets of Yining, a charming grid of colorful alleys brimming with local flavor, artisan shops, and warm street-side hospitality. Wander past painted doorways and blooming courtyards, sample traditional snacks, and soak in the easy rhythm of this historic Silk Road town.

Day 7 Yining – Urumqi | Urumqi International Grand Bazaar

Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours on a second class high-speed train
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Urumqi Jingcadia Hotel or similar

Depart Yining and settle in for a smooth 5.5-hour high-speed train ride back to Urumqi, watching the landscapes of the Ili Valley gradually give way to the open plains and distant ridges of northern Xinjiang from the comfort of your seat. Upon arriving in the city, dive straight into the vibrant atmosphere of the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, a lively crossroads of Silk Road culture. Wander its bustling lanes piled high with spices, dried fruits, silk goods, and handicrafts, sample local delicacies, and soak in the music, color, and energy of this iconic marketplace — a fitting finale to your journey through Xinjiang.

Day 8 Depart Urumqi

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel

A private transfer to the airport or train station of Urumqi will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!