8-Day Northern Xinjiang and Uyghur Heritage Tour

Day 1 Arrive Urumqi

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Urumqi Jianguo Palace 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 – Burqin | Kurban Tonggut Desert, Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan)

Distance: Approx. 420 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Burqin Nightlight Town Hotel or similar

Set out from Urumqi in the morning and travel across the vast Kurban Tonggut Desert along Xinjiang’s newly built desert highway, a striking route that cuts through the heart of the Jungar Basin, the second-largest in Xinjiang. Pause at the tranquil Wulungu Lake to capture the contrast of water against the arid landscape before continuing to Burqin, where the surreal, multicolored rock formations of Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan) await. As evening falls, immerse yourself in local life at the lively Burqin Fish BBQ night market, savoring fresh grilled fish and the warm, bustling atmosphere of this charming frontier town.

Day 3 Burqin – Hemu – Jiadengyu | Hemu Village, Hemu Grassland

Distance: Approx. 140 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 2 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Birch Forest Hotel Jiadenyu or similar

Begin your morning journey to Hemu Village, one of the three remaining settlements of the Tuva Mongols in China. This enchanting hamlet is often praised as “the most beautiful village in China,” a reputation that feels especially deserved in autumn when the forests blaze with color and the entire valley transforms into a storybook landscape. Wander through the rustic wooden homes and tranquil lanes to soak in its distinctive charm, or take a gentle hike up the surrounding hills for a sweeping panorama of the village cradled by mountains and forest. At the confluence of the Kanas and Hemu rivers lies the expansive Hemu Grassland, divided gracefully by the Hemu River as it flows from northeast to southwest. Here, optional horseback riding offers a classic and immersive way to experience the region’s open beauty.

Day 4 Jiadengyu – Burqin | Kanas Lake

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Burqin Nightlight Town Hotel or similar

Kanas Lake unfolds as a breathtaking alpine jewel, its turquoise waters shifting in tone with the light and earning its reputation as one of China’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by dense forests, rolling meadows, and distant snow‑capped peaks, the landscape feels both serene and mysterious. A 30‑minute shuttle carries you up to the Fish Pavilion, where a sweeping panorama reveals the shimmering lake embraced by untamed wilderness. From there, another shuttle leads you to the lake’s iconic trio of bays – ethereal Fairy Bay, graceful Moon Bay, and the dramatic Crouching Dragon Bay – each offering its own poetic blend of emerald shallows, mirrored reflections, and elegant curves shaped by centuries of flowing water, making every stop a moment of quiet wonder. Finally, enjoy a scenic 2.5‑hour drive to Burqin, covering approximately 140 kilometers.

Day 5 Burqin – Karamay | Orho Ghost City, Oil Field

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 4.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Boda Yindu Hotel Karamay or similar

Depart Burqin and travel south toward Karamay, watching the scenery shift from river valleys to the stark beauty of Xinjiang’s desert frontier. Pause at the famed Urho Ghost City, a surreal maze of wind‑carved rock formations rising like ancient fortresses from the barren earth. As you wander through this otherworldly landscape—sculpted by centuries of fierce gales—you’ll understand why it’s often called the “wind city” or “devil’s city.” After soaking in its dramatic, cinematic terrain, continue your journey toward Karamay, where the horizon gradually transforms into a vast forest of rhythmic “nodding‑donkey” pumpjacks at the Karamay Oil Field, one of China’s most significant energy hubs.

Day 6 Karamay – Urumqi | Red Hill, International Grand Bazaar

Distance: Approx. 330 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 4.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Urumqi Jianguo Palace Hotel or similar

Depart Karamay and journey southeast toward Urumqi, watching the rugged desert scenery gradually give way to the broader landscapes of northern Xinjiang. Upon arrival in the regional capital, ascend Red Hill, the city’s iconic landmark, where winding paths lead to sweeping views of Urumqi’s skyline framed by distant mountains. Then immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the International Grand Bazaar, a lively showcase of Uyghur culture filled with colorful stalls, fragrant spices, traditional handicrafts, and the rhythmic energy of local life. This blend of natural vistas and cultural richness makes the final leg of your trip both dynamic and memorable.

Day 7 Urumqi – Turpan – Urumqi | Karez Well, Grape Valley, Uyghur Family, Emin Minaret

Distance: Approx. 380 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Urumqi Jianguo Palace Hotel or similar

Set out from Urumqi for a full‑day journey to Turpan, passing Asia’s largest wind farm before descending from the cool mountain basin into one of China’s hottest and most storied oases. Begin at the ingenious Karez Well system, an ancient network of underground channels that has sustained life in this harsh desert for centuries. Continue to the lush Grape Valley, where shaded trellises, sweet grapes, and cool breezes offer a refreshing contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. A visit to a local Uyghur family provides a warm window into traditional hospitality, music, and daily life. Conclude your exploration at the elegant Emin Minaret, Xinjiang’s tallest ancient tower, rising gracefully beside its historic mosque and reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Turpan.

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!