North and South Xinjiang Group Tour Photography Special Route Covering All Scenic Spots in Xinjiang 15 Day Trip Popular Group Tour Recommendation and Price

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Star-Recommended✨ | 15-Day North and South Xinjiang Photography Tour:Measure the grandeur and tenderness of the Tianshan Mountains with your lens.
I. Itinerary Design Philosophy: A Dual Symphony of Nature and Humanity
As China’s largest provincial administrative region by land area, Xinjiang’s vast geographical expanse creates a unique landscape where ‘each place has its own scenery, and every hundred miles brings different customs.’ This itinerary is specially designed for photography enthusiasts, connecting the snow-capped mountains and lakes of Northern Xinjiang with the desert oases of Southern Xinjiang. It covers four major types of natural landscapes: alpine meadows, yardang landforms, canyon wonders, and plateau lakes, while also incorporating cultural experiences of various ethnic groups to meet the dual demands of landscape photography and humanistic documentary.
Itinerary Highlights:
▶ Unique Light and Shadow Created by Large Temperature Differences Between Day and Night:Scenes such as morning mist in Kanas, Northern Xinjiang, and sunrise over the Pamir Plateau, Southern Xinjiang, require capturing the golden shooting periods in the early morning and late evening.
▶ Season-Limited Landscapes:Photography arrangements for themes such as the golden period of the Tarim poplar forest in September-October, the lavender fields of Ili in June, and the snowy plains of Kanas in winter.
▶ Professional Photography Services:Accompanied by a photography leader throughout the journey, providing services such as drone aerial photography assistance, guidance for starry sky shooting locations, and reservations for VIP access in scenic areas.
II. 15-Day In-Depth Itinerary Plan (Summer 2026 Edition)
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into a four-star hotel. During free time, you can visit the International Bazaar to capture humanistic scenes or explore the Xinjiang Museum to learn about Silk Road history.
Special Arrangement:The first night’s dinner is a welcome banquet featuring specialties such as roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice.
Day 3:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Fuyun
Shooting Focus:Overlooking the panoramic view of Heavenly Lake of Tianshan from Mayan Mountain and the sunrise over Bogda Peak.
Transportation:Equipped with anti-bump tourist buses throughout the journey, with luggage transported directly to the hotel.
Day 4:Koktokay Geological Wonders
Core Landscapes:Irtysh River Grand Canyon, Zhongshan, and Mine Pit No. 3.
Photography Tips:Excellent shooting effects when afternoon light penetrates the canyon; it is recommended to bring a polarizing filter to eliminate water surface reflections.
Day 5:Burqin → Kanas Lake
In-Depth Experience:
Ascend Guanyu Platform to capture the panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay/Moon Bay/Wolong Bay).

Star-Recommended✨ | 15-Day North and South Xinjiang Photography Tour: Measure the grandeur and tenderness of the Tianshan Mountains with your lens. Overnight in a scenic area wooden cabin to capture the Milky Way and starry sky.
Day 6:Secret Realm of Morning Mist in Hemu Village
Shooting Schedule:
06:00 Capture the Tuvan wooden houses amidst morning mist from the Haden Platform.
10:00 Horseback ride deep into the birch forest for creative shooting.
20:00 Capture the cooking smoke and starry sky of Hemu Village.
Day 7:Sunset Blockbuster at the Devil City
Shooting Points:
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the yardang landforms.
Shoot silhouette effects during sunset.
Special Arrangement:Extend shooting by 1 hour after the scenic area closes.
Day 8:Creative Shooting Around Sayram Lake
Shooting Route:
09:00 Capture wildflowers and the lake at Jinhua Zihui.
12:00 Capture swans at Kele Yongzhu.
16:00 Capture the grassland and snow-capped mountains at Xihai Grassland.
19:00 Capture sunset at Dianjiang Platform.
Day 9:Grassland Scenery in Ili
Key Scenes:
Wild lilies on the Nalati空中草原 (Nalati空中 Grassland).
The human-like lines of the Kalajun Grassland.

I. Itinerary Design Philosophy: A Dual Symphony of Nature and HumanitySpecial Experience:Visit families of various ethnic groups to capture traditional living scenes.
Days 10-11:Crossing the Duku Highway
Shooting Themes:
Snow-capped mountain tunnels on the northern section of the Duku Highway.
Humanistic documentary of the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery.
Sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns of Bayanbulak.
Special Arrangement:Carry oxygen-making equipment in the vehicle to cope with altitude sickness.
Days 12-13:Humanistic Exploration in Southern Xinjiang
Shooting Content:
Opening ceremony of the Kashgar Old City.
Etiqal folk experience scenes.
Eagle dance performances by various ethnic groups.
Reflections on Karakul Lake on the Pamir Plateau.
Special Reminder:Obtain consent in advance before shooting portraits of various ethnic groups.
Day 14:Tarim Poplar Forest
Season-Limited:
The optimal shooting period is from mid-October to early November.
Shooting Locations:Reflections of poplars in the water and silhouettes of desert poplars.
Special Experience:Shoot desert camel caravans in the Lop Nur Village.
Day 15:Return to Urumqi
Arrange airport drop-off according to flight time, with the opportunity to capture the windmill array in Dabancheng along the way.

As China’s largest provincial administrative region by land area, Xinjiang’s vast geographical expanse creates a unique landscape where ‘each place has its own scenery, and every hundred miles brings different customs.’ This itinerary is specially designed for photography enthusiasts, connecting the snow-capped mountains and lakes of Northern Xinjiang with the desert oases of Southern Xinjiang. It covers four major types of natural landscapes: alpine meadows, yardang landforms, canyon wonders, and plateau lakes, while also incorporating cultural experiences of various ethnic groups to meet the dual demands of landscape photography and humanistic documentary.III. Pricing System and Itinerary Instructions (Reference for 2026)
Basic Tour Fee Composition:
Transportation Expenses:Includes tourist buses and scenic area shuttles throughout Xinjiang.
Accommodation Standards:10 nights in four-star hotels + 4 nights in characteristic homestays.
Catering Services:14 breakfasts and 24 main meals (including 5 special meals).
Ticket Expenses:Covers first-entry tickets to all core scenic areas in the itinerary.
Photography Services:Drone aerial photography, starry sky shooting guidance, etc.
2026 Itinerary Prices (Unit:RMB/person):
June 1st/June 30th Class:
Adult Price:12,800-15,800 (fluctuates based on room type).
Child Price (under 12 years old, no extra bed):8800
September 15th Class (Poplar Season):
Adult Price:14800-17800
Child Price:9800
Special Note:
Prices may fluctuate with changes in fuel surcharges.
Group discounts available for 6 or more people traveling together.
Specific fees are subject to the itinerary confirmation provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
IV. Registration Method and Consultation Channels
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency with the following specific process:
Online Consultation:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing and specify ‘Photography Tour Registration.’

Itinerary Highlights:Submit Materials:Provide copies of valid identification and a health commitment letter.
Pay Deposit:A deposit of 3,000 RMB/person is required to confirm your seat.
Sign Contract:Sign an electronic travel contract 30 days before departure.
Final Payment:Pay the remaining balance 15 days before departure.
V. Fee Instructions and Service Standards
Fees Include:
Transportation:Air-conditioned tourist vehicles in Xinjiang (one seat per person with care).
Accommodation:Standard rooms in hotels listed in the itinerary (including breakfast).
Catering:Team main meals (10 people per table, 8 dishes and 1 soup).
Tickets:First-entry tickets to scenic spots marked in the itinerary.
Tour Guide:Certified tour guide services.
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance.
Fees Do Not Include:
Personal consumption.
(Every effort will be made to arrange room sharing for single registrants).
Transportation expenses to and from Urumqi from various locations.
Self-funded items not marked in the itinerary.
Service Commitments:
No shopping stops arranged throughout the entire journey.
Daily shooting duration of no less than 8 hours.
Provide 24-hour emergency support services.

▶ Unique Light and Shadow Created by Large Temperature Differences Between Day and Night: Scenes such as morning mist in Kanas, Northern Xinjiang, and sunrise over the Pamir Plateau, Southern Xinjiang, require capturing the golden shooting periods in the early morning and late evening. Organize a work-sharing session after the end of each day’s itinerary.
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Guide
Documentation:
Original valid identification (for domestic tourists).
Photography Equipment:
Camera, lenses (it is recommended to carry a wide-angle + telephoto combination).
Tripod, spare batteries, and memory cards.
Clothing and Gear:
Windbreaker (to cope with temperature differences in mountainous areas).
Comfortable hiking shoes.
Sun protection items (SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses).
Precautions:
The Pamir Plateau is over 3,000 meters above sea level; assess your physical condition in advance.
The use of drones is prohibited in scenic areas and must be reported in advance.
Respect local customs when shooting portraits of various ethnic groups.
Daily departure times may change based on light conditions.
VII. Special Reminders
The opening status of scenic areas may change due to weather/policy; both parties can reasonably optimize the itinerary through mutual agreement.
June-September is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang; it is recommended to book seats 60 days in advance.
Seats for the Poplar Season (October) classes are tight; a deposit of 5,000 RMB/person is required to lock in seats.
The final itinerary is subject to the departure notice provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
This 15-day photography tour has been designed by a professional team through on-site inspections. It covers classic shooting locations such as Kanas and Sayram Lake, as well as niche scenes such as the Lop Nur Village and villages of various ethnic groups. There are still available seats for the summer 2026 classes. Photography enthusiasts can consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for specific departure dates and real-time prices to embark on your Western Region light and shadow journey.

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.