Discover Xinjiang's greenest corner in summer -- crystal lakes, lavender fields, blue-painted alleyways, dramatic Danxia landforms, and the legendary Big Plate Chicken, all on a relaxed family-friendly 8-day journey.
The Ili Valley (伊犁河谷) is Xinjiang's most lush and verdant region, a paradise of alpine lakes, flower-covered hills, and multicultural cities. This easy-paced 8-day summer tour takes you from Urumqi through some of China's most stunning scenery: the sacred Heavenly Lake, the dramatic red Danxia landforms of the S101 Defense Road, the turquoise Sayram Lake, and the charming blue alleyways of Kazanqi. Perfect for families and first-time visitors, this itinerary combines natural wonders with deep cultural immersion -- and includes a stop in Shawan, birthplace of Xinjiang's famous Big Plate Chicken.
From alpine lakes to lavender fields and blue alleyways, each day reveals a new facet of Xinjiang's most beautiful valley.
Welcome to Xinjiang! After arrival, explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar (大巴扎) and stroll along Hotan Er Street (和田二街), soaking in the local atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Xinjiang cuisine -- lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, naan bread, and fresh seasonal fruits.
Visit the stunning Heavenly Lake (天山天池), a sacred alpine lake at 1,910m elevation surrounded by towering spruce forests and snow-capped Bogda Peak. Take a boat ride across the crystal waters, then visit the Xinjiang Grand Theatre (新疆大剧院) for a spectacular cultural performance showcasing Uyghur, Kazakh, and Han traditions. Continue to Changji for the night.
Drive the historic S101 National Defense Road (S101国防公路), one of Xinjiang's most scenic and least-traveled routes. Pass through Kensiwaite (肯斯瓦特) and marvel at the Hundred Miles Danxia (百里丹霞) -- dramatic red and orange rock formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion. These geological wonders rival Zhangye's famous Danxia but without the crowds. Continue to Jinghe for the night.
Today's crown jewel: Sayram Lake (赛里木湖), poetically known as 'the last tear of the Atlantic.' This crystal turquoise lake sits at 2,073m elevation, surrounded by flower-covered hills and snow-capped peaks reflecting on its pristine surface. Walk along the lakeshore, photograph wildflowers, and breathe in the pure mountain air. Then cross the magnificent Guozigou Bridge (果子沟大桥), an engineering marvel suspended above a deep valley. Continue to Qingshuihe.
A full day of cultural immersion. Explore Six Star Street (六星街), a unique multicultural neighborhood where Uyghur, Russian, and Chinese architecture blend together. Visit Kazanqi Folk Area (喀赞其), a vibrant Uyghur quarter with blue-painted houses, horse-drawn carts, artisan workshops, and the best local ice cream you've ever tasted. Wander through narrow alleyways, meet local families, and discover traditional crafts being made the same way for centuries. Arrive in Yining for the evening.
Drive to the dramatic Dushanzi Grand Canyon (独山子大峡谷), carved over millennia by the Kuitun River. Walk along cliff-edge walkways and marvel at the otherworldly layered rock formations that reveal millions of years of geological history. The canyon's sculpted walls and gullies create an almost Martian landscape -- a photographer's dream. Continue to Kuitun for the night.
Today includes a delicious highlight: stop in Shawan (沙湾), the undisputed birthplace of Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken (大盘鸡). This legendary dish -- tender chicken, potatoes, and peppers stewed with hand-pulled noodle sheets -- was invented here, and no version you've had elsewhere compares to the original. After a memorable lunch, continue to Urumqi, stopping at local markets for dried fruits, nuts, and last-minute souvenirs.
Transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport or train station for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, there may be a chance for last-minute shopping at local markets for dried fruits, jade, and Xinjiang specialties.
Summer is the best time to visit the Ili Valley -- lavender in bloom, grasslands at their greenest, and comfortable temperatures. Secure your spot today and experience Xinjiang's paradise valley with SilkRoad Boutique.