From the Gurbantunggut Desert to the mystical Kanas Lake, this 9-day journey crosses every landscape Xinjiang has to offer -- Tuwa log-cabin villages, Yardang rock formations, golden sunsets, and pristine alpine waters.
The Kanas region in northern Xinjiang is one of China's last true wildernesses -- a land of pristine alpine lakes, ancient Tuwa villages, vast deserts, and surreal Yardang rock formations. This comprehensive 9-day deep dive takes you through the full spectrum of northern Xinjiang's wonders: cross the Gurbantunggut Desert via the new S21 highway, stay in the iconic log-cabin village of Hemu, explore the mysterious Kanas Lake and its Three Bays, watch the sunset paint Wucaitan's Yardang formations in gold and crimson, and discover the lakeside Yardang formations of Ulungur Lake. Available year-round -- in winter, the itinerary is modified to skip Wucaitan (D6) and drive directly from Kanas to Burqin (D5), creating a magical snowscape adventure.
From desert crossings to alpine lakes and ancient villages, each day unveils a new chapter of northern Xinjiang's extraordinary landscape.
Welcome to Xinjiang! After arrival, explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar (大巴扎) and stroll along Hotan Er Street (和田二街). Browse stalls selling dried fruits, jade, silk scarves, and handcrafted instruments. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Xinjiang cuisine -- lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and naan bread.
Visit the sacred Heavenly Lake (天山天池), a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dense spruce forests and the snow-capped Bogda Peak. Take a boat ride across the crystal waters and walk the lakeside trails. According to legend, this is where the Queen Mother of the West entertained King Mu of Zhou. Continue to Changji for the night.
Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert -- China's second largest -- via the spectacular new S21 Desert Highway (S21沙漠公路). Stop at Kelameili Desert Park (克拉美丽沙漠公园) for sand dune photography and the chance to spot wild Przewalski's horses and Mongolian wild asses. The desert gradually gives way to the Altay Mountains as you approach Altay city for the night.
Drive the scenic Ahe Highway (阿禾公路), winding through mountain valleys and birch forests. Arrive at Hemu Village (禾木), one of China's most beautiful villages -- an iconic Tuwa settlement of traditional log cabins nestled in a river valley. Watch the golden sunset paint the wooden rooftops and surrounding birch forests from the village viewpoint. This is the kind of place that makes you put down your camera and simply breathe.
The main event: Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖), China's deepest alpine freshwater lake and one of its most mysterious. Explore the famous Three Bays (三湾) -- Moon Bay (月亮湾), Dragon Bay (卧龙湾), and Immortal Bay (神仙湾) -- each offering unique perspectives of the lake's color-changing waters. Take an optional boat ride on the lake for close-up views of the surrounding taiga forests. Local legend speaks of a giant creature living in the lake's depths. Stay overnight in Jiadengyu.
Visit Wucaitan (五彩滩), a stunning Yardang landform area along the Irtysh River. The multi-colored rock formations -- red, yellow, green, and white -- glow spectacularly at sunset, earning the name 'Five-Colored Beach.' Walk the riverside boardwalk and photograph the formations against the fading light. Cross the impressive Kanas Grand Bridge (喀纳斯特大桥) and continue to Burqin, a charming riverside town known for its grilled fish. Note: in winter, this day is skipped -- the route goes directly from Kanas to Burqin.
Explore the vast Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖), one of Xinjiang's largest freshwater lakes. Visit the remarkable Sea Devil City (海上魔鬼城) -- Yardang rock formations that rise dramatically from the water's edge, creating an almost supernatural landscape. The wind-carved formations look like castles, towers, and mythical creatures emerging from the lake. Enjoy fresh fish lunch at the lakeside before continuing to Fuhai for the night.
Return to Urumqi via the S21 Desert Highway, this time experiencing the desert landscape from a different perspective as you head south. The vast emptiness of the Gurbantunggut Desert stretches to the horizon in every direction -- a humbling reminder of nature's scale. Arrive in Urumqi for a farewell dinner and last-minute shopping at local markets for dried fruits, nuts, and Xinjiang specialties.
Transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for your onward journey. Depending on your flight time, there may be a chance for final shopping at the airport duty-free or a visit to the Xinjiang Museum to see the famous 3,800-year-old Yingpan Man mummy.
Whether it's autumn's golden forests, winter's pristine snowscapes, spring's wildflowers, or summer's emerald lakes -- Kanas is extraordinary in every season. Secure your spot today.