Xinjiang Northern Grand Loop 10-Day Winter Tour
Couldn't load pickup availability
🌟 Tour Highlights
-
Explore Xinjiang's most iconic winter landscapes: Ulungur Lake, Kanas Three Bays, Hemu Snow Village, Devil City, and Sayram Lake Blue Ice.
-
Enjoy premium private services: English-speaking guide, private driver, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
-
Experience unique winter adventures: Jiangjun Mountain Skiing, Hemu Star Photography Workshop, Bonfire Party, Blue Ice Exploration, and Snowfield Sunset Picnic.
-
Stay inside scenic areas (Kanas & Hemu) in authentic Tuva wooden cabins, offering an immersive cultural experience.
-
Special privileges: Welcome dinner front-row seats, aerial photography at Sayram Lake, heated tent afternoon tea, VIP access, and more.
🗺️ Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Urumqi & Welcome Dinner
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Urumqi hotel
Upon arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, your English-speaking guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for rest.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with Xinjiang specialties and a vibrant ethnic dance performance.
Exclusive Privileges:
-
Front-row seats for the dance show
-
Complimentary disposable amenities kit upon hotel check-in
Day 2 — Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Ulungur Lake → Burqin
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Burqin hotel
After breakfast, head north along the spectacular S21 Desert Highway, now transformed into a snow-covered winter road.
Arrive at Ulungur Lake, completely frozen in winter with sapphire-blue ice perfect for walking and photography.
Continue to Burqin, known for Russian-style architecture and its iconic Kanas Tower Bridge.
Day 3 — Burqin → Kanas Three Bays → Kanas Lake
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kanas wooden cabin
Explore the famous Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay), sparkling with rime and snow-covered forests.
Visit Kanas Lake, China’s deepest glacial moraine lake, surrounded by pristine alpine forest.
In the evening, stay in a cozy wooden cabin inside the scenic area.
Day 4 — Kanas → Hemu Village
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hemu wooden cabin
Depart for Hemu Village, known as “God's Private Land,” one of China's most beautiful winter villages.
Free afternoon in the village—enjoy cafés, local snacks, or take the Yunxiao Peak cable car (optional).
Evening activities include a lively bonfire party and a star photography workshop under Hemu's crystal-clear skies.
Day 5 — Hemu Free Day
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hemu wooden cabin
Spend a full day exploring Hemu at your own pace. Visit the Harden viewing platform or stroll through peaceful birch forests.
Optional horseback riding through snow-covered forests and plains.
Exclusive Privileges:
-
VIP access to Zhaosu Wetland Park (drive-in without shuttle bus).
-
Scenic-area accommodation in traditional wooden cabins.
Day 6 — Hemu → Altay → Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Altay hotel
Start the day with Hemu’s breathtaking morning fog.
Drive to Altay and enjoy skiing at Jiangjun Mountain, home to world-class powder snow and over 40 trails.
In the evening, celebrate with a fun “snow disco” on the slopes.
Day 7 — Altay → Devil City → Karamay
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Karamay hotel
Visit the awe-inspiring World Devil City, where wind and snow create ghostly echoes through massive yardang formations.
Enjoy a romantic sunset moment with hot tea, snacks, and fruits on the vast snowfield.
Day 8 — Karamay → Sayram Lake
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
Accommodation: Sayram Lake area hotel
Arrive at Sayram Lake, a winter wonderland famed for ice bubbles, ice cracks, and magical blue ice.
Relax with a warm afternoon tea set inside a heated tent.
Exclusive Privileges:
-
Complimentary aerial photography
-
Heated tent with pastries & coffee
Day 9 — Sayram Lake → Urumqi → International Grand Bazaar
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Urumqi hotel
Catch the stunning Sayram Lake sunrise.
Return to Urumqi and visit the International Grand Bazaar for shopping and cultural immersion.
Day 10 — Urumqi Departure
Transportation: Private car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
✅ What’s Included & Excluded
| Included | Excluded |
|---|---|
| 1. Hotel accommodation with breakfast | 1. International/domestic air or train tickets |
| 2. English-speaking private guide | 2. China entry visa fees |
| 3. Private driver + air-conditioned vehicle | 3. Guide & driver gratuities |
| 4. Welcome dinner + Sayram Lake afternoon tea | 4. Optional activities (horse riding, snowmobile, ski rental) |
| 5. Entrance tickets to scenic areas & ski resort | 5. Personal expenses, shopping, meals not listed |
| 6. Experiences: star photography, bonfire party, aerial photos | |
| 7. Amenities kit, VIP access, pre-booked tickets | |
| 8. Travel agency liability insurance |
💡 Useful Tips
-
Minimum 4 travelers required; single travelers may join by paying a single-room supplement.
-
Winter temperature ranges from –10°C to –30°C; pack thermal layers, snow boots, gloves, hats, and scarves.
-
Kanas & Hemu altitude: 1,500–2,000m—stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity on day 1.
-
Bring cold-resistant camera batteries; for star photography, bring a tripod and wide-angle lens.
-
Ski rental services are available at Jiangjun Mountain; private lessons can be booked at your own cost.
-
Lunches and most dinners are not included; your guide will recommend excellent local restaurants.
-
Mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) widely accepted; carry CNY 1,000–2,000 cash for remote areas.
-
Visa invitation letter available upon request.
📅 Booking Information
-
Price: USD 2,399 per person (based on 4 travelers)
-
Booking Deadline: At least 60 days in advance recommended
-
Last-minute bookings (≤72 h) available upon request
-
Cancellation Policy
-
Cancel ≥15 days before departure: 90% refund
-
Cancel 7–14 days before departure: 50% refund
-
Cancel ≤6 days: No refund
-
Suitable For
Travelers who love winter landscapes, photography, snow adventures, and authentic cultural immersion. Ideal for couples, friends, families, and small private groups with basic physical fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions About China Travel
It's the Chinese Yuan (CNY), sometimes called Renminbi (RMB).
Generally, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are great times to visit China. The weather's sweet, not too hot, and perfect for exploring.
It's a HUGE country, so weather goes wild! Think sizzling summers, freezing winters (especially north), and mild springs/autumns. Check the forecast for your specific cities before you pack.
Yep, most foreign nationals usually need a visa. Your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship. Check out our handy visa guide for more.
ATMs are easy to find in major cities, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay & Alipay) are usually the norm in China. In more rural areas, an ATM could be difficult to come across.
Nope, tipping isn't generally a thing in China (and can even be seen as a bit odd).
For the highlights like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, 10-14 days is a solid start for first-timers. If you want to dive deeper or hit more regions, two to three weeks is even better.
Comfy walking shoes are a must! Layered clothing is smart for all the varied climates. Don't forget any personal meds, a portable power bank, and a travel adapter.
It's best to avoid drinking tap water in China. Stick to bottled water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth to be safe. Most hotels provide complimentary bottles.
Yes, but here's the kicker: China has the "Great Firewall." This means many apps like Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook are blocked. Get an eSIM or VPN set up before you arrive to stay connected.
China uses Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and Type I (three flat pins, often angled). A universal travel adapter is your best friend here.
GENUINE REVIEWS
What Travelers Say
Up to now, we have received over 2 million tourists from home and abroad, with a high praise rate of 98%
An Unforgettable Adventure of a Lifetime
"From desert camping to snow mountain trekking, this journey exceeded all my expectations. Professional logistics allowed me to fully focus on enjoying every wonderful moment."
A Cultural Exploration Full of Surprises
"Learning traditional crafts in Beijing's hutongs and tasting authentic food at Hong Kong's night markets helped me appreciate the complex beauty and profound depth of Eastern culture."
A Photographer's Dream Destination
"Yunnan's snow-capped mountain reflections and ancient village morning fog inspired countless award-winning shots. The itinerary avoided crowds, allowing me to capture nature's purest moments."
A Dream Come True Family Tour
"The Xinjiang grasslands gave my children their first sense of the vastness between heaven and earth. Our professional guide explained Silk Road history vividly in English, with every detail perfectly arranged."
