Urumqi Tour Charter Dabancheng Windmills plus Salt Lake Itinerary and Cost for One Day Tour

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and quotation.

Surrounded by the intertwining stars and moon, near Urumqi lies Dabancheng, a hidden gem illuminated by windmills and salt lakes. Not only is it the inspiration behind Wang Luobin’s song ‘Girls of Dabancheng,’ but its combination of Asia’s large-scale wind farm and the ‘Mirror of the Sky’ salt lake makes it a popular choice for a one-day trip around Urumqi in 2026. To avoid the crowds and explore the poetic and industrial aesthetics of this land through a custom vehicle self-guided tour, this guide will provide you with practical references.
I. Destination Highlights: The Duet of Windmills and Salt Lakes
(1) Dabancheng Wind Farm:A White Forest on the Gobi Desert
Located approximately 50 kilometers southeast of downtown Urumqi, the Dabancheng Wind Farm is Xinjiang’s earliest developed wind energy base and one of Asia’s large-scale wind farms. By 2026, over 600 wind turbines will have been built here, forming a spectacular ‘white forest’ of windmills stretching for tens of kilometers across the Gobi Desert. With blade diameters exceeding 80 meters and tower heights reaching 80 meters, they create a striking contrast against the distant snow-capped Tianshan Mountains under a clear sky.
Photo Tips:
Best Shooting Locations:Drive along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway or G314 National Road, where a dedicated parking lot is available 3 kilometers west of the Chaiwopu Interchange for close-up shots of the windmill matrix.
Sunset Hours:In the late afternoon, the windmills cast long shadows in the setting sun, creating a dramatic contrast with the reddish-brown Gobi soil—a golden hour for photography enthusiasts.
Industrial Aesthetics Experience:Some windmills feature observation decks at their base, allowing visitors to learn about wind power generation principles and appreciate the charm of clean energy.

Surrounded by the intertwining stars and moon, near Urumqi lies Dabancheng, a hidden gem illuminated by windmills and salt lakes. Not only is it the inspiration behind Wang Luobin’s song ‘Girls of Dabancheng,’ but its combination of Asia’s large-scale wind farm and the ‘Mirror of the Sky’ salt lake makes it a popular choice for a one-day trip around Urumqi in 2026. To avoid the crowds and explore the poetic and industrial aesthetics of this land through a custom vehicle self-guided tour, this guide will provide you with practical references.(2) Dabancheng Salt Lake:The Blue and White ‘Mirror of the Sky’
Located on Yantian 3rd Road in Dabancheng District, about 66 kilometers from downtown Urumqi, the salt lake is a comprehensive scenic area integrating natural landscapes with industrial production. By 2026, the景区 (scenic area) will balance tourism development and ecological protection by adding facilities such as salt sculpture art and camping zones. With a salt content seven times that of seawater, the lake’s azure waters reflect like a mirror, surrounded by pristine white salt crystals and snow-capped Tianshan peaks in the distance—a pure and picturesque scene.
Unique Experiences:
Salt Lake Floating:An indoor saltwater swimming pool allows visitors to experience the buoyant fun of the ‘Dead Sea’ and feel the nourishing effects of saltwater on the skin.
Salt Sculpture Art:Salt sculptures of the Monkey King and carnival scenes, crafted from 3,000 tons of salt and covered in snow, offer a fairy-tale-like filter—popular spots for photo opportunities.
Close-Up of Ice Salt Flowers:In winter, hexagonal salt crystals combine with thin ice along the lakeshore to form unique ‘ice salt flowers,’ perfect for macro photography.
II. Simple Itinerary: A One-Day Journey Through Poetry and Industry
(1) Morning:Sunrise Among the Windmills

I. Destination Highlights: The Duet of Windmills and Salt Lakes08:30 Depart from Downtown Urumqi
Take a custom vehicle from the city and drive southeast along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, reaching the Dabancheng Wind Farm in about 1 hour. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Tianshan Mountains and the changing landscapes from urban to Gobi desert along the way.
10:00-11:30 Windmill Photography and Science Experience
Disembark at the dedicated parking lot for close-up shots of the windmill matrix. If interested in wind power generation, visit observation decks at some windmill bases to learn about clean energy production.
(2) Midday:A Culinary Feast by the Salt Lake
12:00-13:30 Lunch in Dabancheng Ancient Town
Drive to Dabancheng Ancient Town and savor local specialties at restaurants there. Try Dabancheng’s famous large plate chicken with belt noodles—tender chicken, soft potatoes, and noodles soaked in flavorful broth to warm and refresh. Pair it with freshly baked roasted baozi (stuffed buns) with fragrant mutton filling and a cup of salty milk tea to experience the fusion of ethnic culinary cultures.
(3) Afternoon:Blue and White Hours at the Salt Lake

(1) Dabancheng Wind Farm: A White Forest on the Gobi Desert14:00-17:00 In-Depth Salt Lake Tour
Enter the salt lake scenic area and first visit the ‘Mirror of the Sky’ main attraction. At noon without wind, the azure sky, snow-capped Tianshan peaks, and lake surface reflect perfectly—ideal for stunning photos. Then explore the salt sculpture group and admire the snow-covered salt art. For salt lake floating, head to the indoor saltwater pool for a ‘Dead Sea’-like experience. Winter visitors can also search for ‘ice salt flowers’ along the lakeshore and capture this unique landscape with macro lenses.
(4) Late Afternoon:Return Journey and Windmill Sunset
17:30 Depart for Urumqi
If time allows, stop again at the windmill array during the return trip to photograph the windmills’ silhouettes at sunset. Bathed in golden sunlight, the windmill blades contrast sharply with the reddish-brown Gobi soil, adding a romantic touch to your one-day trip.
III. Pricing Details: Transparent Consumption, Flexible Options
(1) Custom Vehicle Fees (Reference 2026 Market Prices)
7-Seater Business Van (Suitable for 4-6 people):Approximately 800-1,200 yuan per day

Located approximately 50 kilometers southeast of downtown Urumqi, the Dabancheng Wind Farm is Xinjiang’s earliest developed wind energy base and one of Asia’s large-scale wind farms. By 2026, over 600 wind turbines will have been built here, forming a spectacular ‘white forest’ of windmills stretching for tens of kilometers across the Gobi Desert. With blade diameters exceeding 80 meters and tower heights reaching 80 meters, they create a striking contrast against the distant snow-capped Tianshan Mountains under a clear sky.13-15-Seater Minibus (Suitable for 8-16 people):Approximately 1,300-1,800 yuan per day
37-38-Seater Coach (Suitable for 20-35 people):Approximately 2,000-2,600 yuan per day
Fees include vehicle usage, driver service, and fuel costs, subject to contract terms and potential fluctuations based on travel date, route mileage, and services provided.
(2) Scenic Area Tickets (Real-time 2026 Prices)
Dabancheng Salt Lake:Approximately 60 yuan per person for admission, 30 yuan per person for shuttle bus (optional), and about 60 yuan per vehicle for self-driving entry (7 seats or fewer).
Dabancheng Ancient Town:Approximately 40 yuan per person for admission, usually including access to the Wang Luobin Music Art Museum and Folk Custom Exhibition Hall.
(3) Dining and Others
Lunch:Approximately 50-80 yuan per person at restaurants in Dabancheng Ancient Town, subject to actual consumption.

Photo Tips:Salt Lake Floating Experience:Approximately 50 yuan per person for the indoor saltwater pool experience, subject to scenic area announcements.
IV. Registration Method: Professional Customization, Hassle-Free Travel
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for custom vehicle services. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will recommend vehicle types and itinerary plans based on group size, interests, and budget. Whether for family trips, friend gatherings, or corporate team-building, exclusive itineraries can be tailored to your needs.
V. Fee and Service Descriptions
Fees Include:Custom vehicle fees, first admission tickets to scenic areas, travel agency liability insurance, and travel accident insurance (coverage of 100,000 yuan).
Fees Exclude:Personal expenses, entertainment projects within scenic areas, dining, and other unmentioned costs.
Service Descriptions: All vehicles belong to officially registered travel agency fleets with legal operating qualifications. Drivers are familiar with Xinjiang’s road conditions and can handle常规 (routine) emergencies. In case of force majeure such as weather changes, road closures, or temporary scenic area shutdowns during the itinerary, both parties can negotiate reasonable adjustments to the route or停留 (stopover) times. For solo registrants, the agency will尽力 (do its best) to coordinate shared rooms, with special cases requiring separate negotiation.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing. It is advisable to communicate fully with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency before travel to clarify needs and jointly plan a worry-free, comfortable exclusive itinerary.
The windmills and salt lakes of Dabancheng represent a poetic dialogue between nature and industry, making them a treasure destination for a one-day trip around Urumqi. Choose a custom vehicle self-guided tour to avoid the crowds, chase the morning light among the windmills, and encounter the ‘Mirror of the Sky’ by the salt lake—making this day a shining memory.

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and quotation.