14 Day In Depth Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Combining Natural Scenery with Cultural History Official Group Tour Channels Compiled Recommended Itinerary and Pricing
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
14-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:A Moving Canvas Interwoven with Nature and Humanity
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Xinjiang, a vast region covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is divided into northern and southern parts by the Tianshan Mountains, each nurturing distinct natural wonders and cultural heritages. Northern Xinjiang features forests, lakes, and snow-capped mountains as its backdrop: the blue waves of Kanas Lake reflect the spruce forests, the morning mist in Hemu Village entwines with the wooden houses of the Tuwa people, and the blue ice of Sayram Lake refracts diamond-like brilliance under the sunlight. Southern Xinjiang, on the other hand, is characterized by deserts, canyons, and ancient cities: the earthy streets of Kashgar Old City echo with the sounds of century-old copperware, the golden dunes of the Taklimakan Desert contrast beautifully with the poplar forests, and the reddish-brown cliffs of the Kyzylia Grand Canyon are etched with the epic of geological movements.
This 14-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang connects over 20 core attractions, including Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Duku Highway, Kashgar Old City, and Baisha Lake, covering six major landform types: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, deserts, canyons, and ancient cities. The itinerary is designed to balance immersive natural experiences with in-depth exploration of human history and culture:In northern Xinjiang, visitors can hike the Three Bays of Kanas, ride horses across the Nalati空中 Grassland (Nalati Alpine Grassland), and take boat tours of Sayram Lake; in southern Xinjiang, they can participate in the opening ceremony of Kashgar Old City, visit local families of various ethnic groups, and traverse the Duku Highway to experience the wonder of “four seasons in one day.”
Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Key Arrangements:Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into a four-diamond hotel in the city center. For leisure activities, we recommend visiting the International Bazaar to taste baked stuffed buns and pilaf, and to adjust to Xinjiang’s time difference.
Day 2:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Special Train
Key Arrangements:In the morning, visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan to admire the scenic blend of snow-capped mountains and lakes in northern Xinjiang; in the afternoon, return to the city and board the train for a welcome cocktail party.
14-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A Moving Canvas Interwoven with Nature and HumanityDay 3:Altay – Hemu Village
Key Arrangements:Transfer by bus via the Ahe Highway to Hemu Village. In the evening, ascend the observation deck to photograph the sunset and check into a characteristic wooden cabin within the scenic area.
Day 4:Hemu Village – Kanas
Key Arrangements:Photograph the morning mist in Hemu at dawn, then proceed to the Kanas Scenic Area for a boat tour of the lake and hikes along Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay.
Day 5:Kanas – Colorful Beach – Special Train
Key Arrangements:In the morning, explore Kanas Lake; in the afternoon, visit Colorful Beach to admire the Danxia landform, and return to the special train in the evening.
Day 6:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Key Arrangements:Spend the day touring Sayram Lake by its circumference, with options for cycling or sailing experiences; arrive in Yining in the afternoon and stroll along Six-Star Street.
Day 7:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Key Arrangements:Spend the day exploring the Nalati Alpine Grassland in depth and experiencing grassland folk activities.
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationDay 8:Nalati – Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Key Arrangements:Traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway, admiring the interwoven landscapes of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons; in the evening, witness the sunset over the meandering river at Bayanbulak.
Day 9:Bayanbulak – Duku Highway – Kuqa
Key Arrangements:Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway, visit the Kuqa Grand Canyon, and experience the majestic canyon landform of southern Xinjiang.
Day 10:Kuqa – Kashgar
Key Arrangements:In the morning, visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves; in the afternoon, arrive in Kashgar, check into a hotel near the old city, and for leisure activities, we recommend exploring the Kashgar Night Market.
Day 11:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area
Key Arrangements:Spend the day touring Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, overlooking Muztagh Ata in the distance, and check into a hotel in Taxkorgan County.
Day 12:Taxkorgan – Kashgar
Key Arrangements:In the morning, visit local families of various ethnic groups; in the afternoon, return to Kashgar to visit Id Kah Square and the Century-Old Tea House.
Xinjiang, a vast region covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is divided into northern and southern parts by the Tianshan Mountains, each nurturing distinct natural wonders and cultural heritages. Northern Xinjiang features forests, lakes, and snow-capped mountains as its backdrop: the blue waves of Kanas Lake reflect the spruce forests, the morning mist in Hemu Village entwines with the wooden houses of the Tuwa people, and the blue ice of Sayram Lake refracts diamond-like brilliance under the sunlight. Southern Xinjiang, on the other hand, is characterized by deserts, canyons, and ancient cities: the earthy streets of Kashgar Old City echo with the sounds of century-old copperware, the golden dunes of the Taklimakan Desert contrast beautifully with the poplar forests, and the reddish-brown cliffs of the Kyzylia Grand Canyon are etched with the epic of geological movements.Day 13:Kashgar – Turpan
Key Arrangements:In the morning, tour Kashgar Old City; in the afternoon, take the special train to Turpan and enjoy a fruit feast.
Day 14:Turpan – Urumqi for Departure
Key Arrangements:In the morning, visit Flaming Mountains and Karez Irrigation System; in the afternoon, return to Urumqi for your flight, concluding the journey.
Price Information
Based on the latest schedule information for May 2026, the price of the 14-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang varies according to room type selection:
Deluxe Golden Diamond King Bed Room (2 persons per room, with en-suite bathroom):Reference price for group departures on May 26 and June 16 is 49,888 yuan per person;
Platinum Delight Golden Diamond Four-Person Compartment (shared bathroom):Reference price for group departures on June 4 and June 17 is 15,800 yuan per person (upper bunk) and 16,800 yuan per person (lower bunk);
Royal Delight Golden Diamond Two-Person Compartment (private bathroom):Reference price for group departures on June 30 and July 13 is 22,800 yuan per person (upper bunk) and 23,800 yuan per person (lower bunk).
The price includes accommodation in dedicated train compartments throughout the journey, first entrance tickets to scenic spots, local transportation transfers, most meals including breakfast, tour guide services, and cultural experience activities. Prices may fluctuate according to schedule, room type, and market conditions, and are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
This 14-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang connects over 20 core attractions, including Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Duku Highway, Kashgar Old City, and Baisha Lake, covering six major landform types: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, deserts, canyons, and ancient cities. The itinerary is designed to balance immersive natural experiences with in-depth exploration of human history and culture: In northern Xinjiang, visitors can hike the Three Bays of Kanas, ride horses across the Nalati Alpine Grassland, and take boat tours of Sayram Lake; in southern Xinjiang, they can participate in the opening ceremony of Kashgar Old City, visit local families of various ethnic groups, and traverse the Duku Highway to experience the wonder of “four seasons in one day.”Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Visitors can contact customer service manager Zhang Jing and provide “itinerary + number of people + departure date” to receive detailed information and personalized plans.
Fee Information and Service Description
Fees Include:
Transportation:Accommodation fees for corresponding room types on the dedicated train throughout the journey, ground transportation transfer fees, and scenic area shuttle bus fees;
Accommodation:Accommodation fees for hotels or guesthouses corresponding to the standard on the ground section of the itinerary;
Meals:Fees for breakfast and main meals indicated in the itinerary, including special dining experiences such as the Turpan Fruit Feast and Qiuci Song and Dance Dinner;
Tickets:Fees for first entrance tickets to attractions indicated in the itinerary;
Experience Projects:Fees for experience projects indicated in the itinerary, such as the cable car to Yunxiao Peak in Hemu, sailing experience on Sayram Lake, and visits to Tajik families;
Services:Tour guide services throughout the journey and services from dedicated train crew.
Simple ItineraryFees Do Not Include:
Major transportation fees from your departure location to Urumqi;
Personal independent consumption and optional value-added experience projects at scenic spots;
For single registrants, our agency will do its best to coordinate room-sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Specific service content and refund/change rules shall be executed in accordance with the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and relevant laws and regulations, and shall be subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Precautions
Seasonal Suitability:From May to June, the grasslands of northern Xinjiang are lush and green; from July to August, the flower fields of Ili are in full bloom; from September to October, the autumn colors of southern Xinjiang are rich and vibrant. Travel is possible year-round, but the scenic focus varies by season;
Document Preparation:For those visiting border areas during the itinerary, a pass must be obtained in advance. Specific requirements can be inquired with customer service;
Supply Checklist:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night, so bring a light jacket, sun protection items, and moisturizing skincare products; some sections of the Duku Highway prohibit vehicles with more than seven seats, so confirm road conditions in advance;
Policy Changes:The opening hours of scenic spots and the schedule of dedicated trains may change due to weather, policies, or other factors. Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made upon mutual agreement between both parties.
This 14-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang adopts a mobile model of “accommodation on the train + sightseeing off the train,” allowing visitors to avoid the fatigue of frequent luggage handling and freely switch between the private space of the dedicated train and the magnificent scenery of the scenic spots. Whether it’s the vibrant nature of northern Xinjiang or the profound humanity of southern Xinjiang, through scientifically planned itineraries and attentive services, visitors can enjoy a comfortable and in-depth journey to the Western Regions.
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
