11 Days Northern Xinjiang Tour: Turpan, Bayinbuluk Grassland and Kanas Lake

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and the farthest land from any ocean. It is the heaven of travelers for its beautiful natural scenery, profound cultural deposits and special local customs and practices. Upon arrival, be transferred to the hotel and check in. The rest of day is free at leisure.

Driving to Turpan passing by Salt Lake and the wind power station which is the largest one in Asia spreading at the foot of Tianshan Mountain. head up to the Karez Well irrigation system that produce the best melons and grapes in China. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups. Today's tour end up with the 2hrs's exploration of Jiaohe Ruins, resembles Pompei, but 300 years older，a Chinese archaeological site found in the Yarnaz Valley, 10 km west of the city of Turpan and a natural fortress located atop a steep cliff on a leaf-shaped plateau between two deep river valleys where you can experience the way of life of the Uygur ancestors.

Morning breakfast at the hotel, drive in the deep of Tianshan Mountain, enjoy the beautiful scenery and drive to Korla, known as the "City of Pears" and the "City of Petroleum". Visit the Iron Gate upon arrival which was a very important pass in the ancient Silk Road. and then Walking along the Peacock River after dinner to feel the local's city life style.

Today we will drive Kuqa and take you to visit the Kuqa Mosque, which is the second Mosque in Xinjiang. Stroll around Kuqa Old Town will make you have an unforgettable memory.

Enjoy the sunrise in the morning and head to Bayinbuluk by car(3hrs) to explore another grassland scenery in Bayanbulak Grassland, which is the second largest grassland in China. There are verdant grass, flock of sheep and various plants. A fairyland which is worth for you to spend your time here. Then we are going to Swan Lake, the unique natural reserve for swan in China. It is the paradise of flocks of wild swan.

Please note you will need special Xinjiang Travel Permit to Bayinbuluk which will be applied 4months in prior. 

Enjoy your breakfast the hotel, on the way travel to Anjihai Grand Canyon, which is called the paradise of the photographer. Anjihai River is originated in Tianshan Mountain, through many years of scouring, in the vicinity of Tungut, it was formed a huge alluvial fan under the Northern slope of Tianshan Mountain. The scale of the river valley alluvial fan is quite magnificent, to the north opening with umbrella-shaped, it can be called a geographical wonder.

After enjoying the nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, and then our professional tour guide will bring you to head to Burqin, it is the best place where you can enjoy the sunset of Five-colored Beach, just walk into the colourful Beach, you will feel as if in a dream world. The unique lava landscape consisted of purplish red, vandyke red, yellow and light green mudstone, sandstone and gravel. this is the most beautiful colourful Beach, the masterpiece of nature, and the miracle of Burqin.

After breakfast, we’ll take the coach to Hemu village, which is also known as the first village in China, the Scenic Spot is located in Burqin County, Altay District, about 30 kilometres east of Kanas Lake. It is an exquisite and unique wooden house village with a small bridge and magnificent scenery. Meanwhile, you can also experience the unique lifestyle of Tuvas, which is quite worth to visit.

Your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning, and then drive along the mountain road to Kanas Nature Reserve, China's only European-like ecological site that has been awarded the title of the "Pure Land of the World" due to its unspoiled natural scenery. En-route, visit Kanas Lake. Upon arrival change the shuttle bus to the inside of the Reserve to enjoy the beautiful scenery, head to the Fish Pavilion, enjoy a view of Kanas. Later afternoon back to Jiadengyu district to check into the hotel. Dinner and rest.

Exciting day! we will drive along the mountain road to the well-known Three Bays (Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, Immortal Bay), enjoy the most beautiful mountain lake you have never seen. The lake takes on different colors following the four seasons of the year, sometimes it's crystal blue, sometimes it's dark green or even gray.

later afternoon we will check into the hotel. dinner and rest.

Today, you will say goodbye to Xinjiang, be transferred based on your flight or train schedule. Wish you a pleasant journey home!