Beijing Family Adventure: Immersive Cultural Journey
A Variant Itinerary for the Ultimate Xinjiang Exploration
Introduction
This redesigned 11-day Xinjiang itinerary offers an enhanced exploration of China's northwestern frontier, focusing on deeper cultural immersion and optimized travel routes. Experience the perfect blend of ancient Silk Road heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and authentic ethnic encounters across one of Asia's most diverse regions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi - Gateway to Xinjiang
Your guide and driver will welcome you at Urumqi Airport and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to acclimate and prepare for your Xinjiang adventure. Accommodation: Excemon Xinjiang Yilite Hotel
Day 2: Urumqi to Buerjin - Desert Landscapes & Rainbow Beach
Embark on an 8-9 hour scenic drive from Urumqi to Buerjin, witnessing the spectacular desert landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before experiencing the magnificent sunset at Rainbow Beach, known for its vibrant, colorful geological formations. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Shangshi International Hotel
Day 3: Buerjin to Kanas Lake - Alpine Wonderland Exploration
After a 2-hour drive to Jiadengyu, devote your day to exploring the stunning Kanas Nature Reserve. The crescent-shaped Kanas Lake, surrounded by dense forests, showcases both northern vigor and southern grace. Enjoy a boat trip on the pristine waters and hike to the Watching Fish Pavilion for panoramic views. In the evening, experience the traditional Mongolian Tuwa Tribe music performance. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Friendship Peak Resort Hotel
Day 4: Hemu Village to Altay - Nomadic Culture Immersion
Travel approximately 4 hours to Altay, stopping at Hemu Village en route. This picturesque settlement near the Mongolian and Russian borders features traditional nomadic lifestyles, wooden houses, birch forests, and winding rivers creating a fairy-tale landscape. Overnight in Altay. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Altay Di Qu Hotel
Day 5: Altay to Kuitun - Ghost City & Yadan Landforms
A 6-hour private transfer brings you to Kuitun. En route, explore the Urbo Ghost City with its remarkable Yadan landforms - natural rock sculptures shaped by wind and rain over millennia into castle-like formations and mysterious figures. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Haofeng International Grand Hotel
Day 6: Kuitun to Huocheng - Sayram Lake Discovery
Journey 6 hours to Huocheng, home to 29 minority groups. After hotel check-in, visit Sayram Lake, known as "the last drop of the Atlantic tears." As Xinjiang's highest and largest cold water lake (458 sq km), it features perpetual snow mountains and vast grasslands, with June-August offering the clearest waters and blooming flowers. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Sayram Lake Hotel
Day 7: Huocheng to Yining - Border Experience & Lavender Fields
Visit the Khorgos Port on the China-Kazakhstan border, observing the neighboring country from the port entrance. Explore the border cooperation area before visiting the world's third-largest lavender park (after Provence and Furano). Capture stunning photographs in the No. 65 section with the finest lavenders before transferring to Yining. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Meijing Hotel
Day 8: Yining to Nalati Grassland - Equestrian Adventure
Today's highlight is Nalati Grassland within Nalati National Forest Park, a historically significant pasture combining beautiful scenery with Kazakh ethnic culture. Experience horseback riding across the boundless grasslands and immerse yourself in local traditions. Note: Temperatures are cooler, especially mornings/evenings. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Liancheng Ecology Resort Xinyuan
Day 9: Nalati to Korla - Scenic Mountain Transfers
After breakfast, embark on an 8-hour drive to Korla, enjoying breathtaking landscapes including forests, grasslands, deserts, and snow-capped mountains. Your driver will accommodate photo stops throughout the journey. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Jinjiang Metropolis Hotel
Day 10: Korla to Urumqi - Lake Exploration & Grand Bazaar
Travel to Urumqi via the scenic Tianshan Road, spotting unique black-headed sheep along the grasslands. Visit the expansive Bosteng Lake complex (240 sq km) before the 6-hour drive to Urumqi. After hotel check-in and rest, explore the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, featuring strong Islamic architecture, Uighur culture, local foods, and handicrafts - perfect for souvenir shopping. Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Excemon Xinjiang Yilite Hotel
Day 11: Departure from Urumqi
Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your remarkable Xinjiang journey. Meals: Western buffet breakfast