15 Day Private Car Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Explore Secret Canyons Wensu Grand Canyon Xiata Ancient Road Scenic Wonders Comprehensive Quotation for High Quality Itinerary Car Rental Recommended Route Price

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

Starred Icon 15-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:A Private Journey Through Canyons and Ancient Trails
If you yearn for a journey far from urban hustle, immersing yourself in the interplay of nature and culture, this 15-day custom vehicle tour of northern and southern Xinjiang will open the door to a hidden realm. From the red rock formations of Wensu Grand Canyon to the snow-capped meadows of the Xiata Ancient Trail, from the lakes and mountains of Kanas to the pastoral songs of the Ili River Valley, this route weaves together Xinjiang’s most breathtaking natural wonders and historical sites, fulfilling all your imaginings of in-depth travel through flexible custom vehicle arrangements.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture
Wensu Grand Canyon:A Visual Feast of Geological Wonders
Located in Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, the Wensu Grand Canyon is hailed as a “living museum of geological evolution.” It preserves Paleozoic rock strata dating back 240 million years, with red sandstone shaped by wind erosion and flowing water into a canyon landscape of countless gullies. Visitors can hike through the canyon’s core zone to observe the layered structure of Danxia landforms up close or ride a 4×4 deep into undeveloped areas to feel the awe of “one peak, one cliff, one world.”
Recent Opening Information:The scenic area currently operates on a timed reservation system, limiting daily admissions to 3,000 people. Opening hours are 9:00-19:00 (summer); reservations are recommended via the scenic area platform.
Tour Tips:The canyon has significant temperature variations; bring a windbreaker. Some sections require climbing; wear non-slip hiking shoes.
Xiata Ancient Trail:A Hiking Secret Realm Through Time and Space
The Xiata Ancient Trail, located in Zhaosu County, was a vital passage on the ancient Silk Road. Here, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows, and flower fields converge into a three-dimensional ecological tapestry. Visitors can hike along the Muzart River to admire the 6,995-meter Muzart Snow Mountain up close or explore Tang Dynasty garrison ruins along the trail, feeling the weight of history.
Recent Transportation Information:From Zhaosu County Town to the Xiata Scenic Area, self-drive or custom vehicle travel takes about 1.5 hours, offering scenic views of Tianshan pastures along the way.
Tour Tips:The ancient trail lacks commercial facilities; bring your own food and water. Summer is the best season, but be prepared for sudden rain.
15-Day Custom Vehicle Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang's Canyon Secret Realms: Visit Wensu Grand Canyon and Xiata Ancient Trail wonders. Comprehensive quotation for high-quality itinerary custom vehicle tour _ How much is the recommended route? Image 1
Starred Icon 15-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A Private Journey Through Canyons and Ancient TrailsKanas Lake:The Four-Season Fantasy of Northern Xinjiang’s Jewel
Famous as the “Color-Changing Lake,” Kanas Lake shifts between blue, green, and milky white hues with the seasons and light. The area is dotted with Tuwa villages where visitors can experience traditional wooden architecture and folk culture or take a boat tour to the lake’s heart island to investigate legends of the “lake monster.”
Recent Policies:Starting in 2026, Kanas Scenic Area implements a “single-ticket” system covering admission and shuttle bus fees, valid for 48 hours.
Tour Tips:Autumn is peak season; book accommodations early. Winter offers snow and ice activities, but some roads require tire chains.
II. Simple Itinerary: Flexible Arrangements for In-Depth Experiences
Days 1-3:Gather in Urumqi, Acclimate to Plateau Climate
After arriving in Urumqi, check into a downtown hotel. Recommended free activities:
International Bazaar:Experience ethnic handicrafts and specialty cuisines.
Xinjiang Museum:View “unique folk” mummies and artifacts from the Niya Site.
Days 4-6:In-Depth Exploration of Wensu Grand Canyon
Urumqi to Aksu:Fly for about 1.5 hours, then travel by custom vehicle to Wensu Grand Canyon.

If you yearn for a journey far from urban hustle, immersing yourself in the interplay of nature and culture, this 15-day custom vehicle tour of northern and southern Xinjiang will open the door to a hidden realm. From the red rock formations of Wensu Grand Canyon to the snow-capped meadows of the Xiata Ancient Trail, from the lakes and mountains of Kanas to the pastoral songs of the Ili River Valley, this route weaves together Xinjiang’s most breathtaking natural wonders and historical sites, fulfilling all your imaginings of in-depth travel through flexible custom vehicle arrangements.Canyon Tours:Choose between Route A (for photography enthusiasts) or Route B (for hikers).
Nearby Experiences:Visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves to admire Western Regions Buddhist art treasures.
Days 7-9:Xiata Ancient Trail and Zhaosu Grassland
Aksu to Zhaosu:Travel by custom vehicle across the Tianshan Mountains, enjoying views of the Ili River Valley.
Xiata Ancient Trail Hiking:Opt for a light hike (3 hours) or in-depth trek (6 hours).
Zhaosu Grassland Activities:Experience horseback riding and watch the “Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River” performance.
Days 10-12:Kanas Lake and Hemu Village
Zhaosu to Kanas:Travel by custom vehicle via Kuitun and Burqin, approximately 10 hours.
Kanas Tours:Climb Guanyu Platform for a panoramic lake view; take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Bay, Sleeping Dragon Bay).
Hemu Village Experience:Stay in a Tuwa wooden house and photograph the village in morning mist.
Days 13-15:Return Journey and Free Time
15-Day Custom Vehicle Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang's Canyon Secret Realms: Visit Wensu Grand Canyon and Xiata Ancient Trail wonders. Comprehensive quotation for high-quality itinerary custom vehicle tour _ How much is the recommended route? Image 3
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and CultureKanas to Urumqi:Return by custom vehicle, with a stop at the Karamay Devil City along the way.
Free Time in Urumqi:Recommended: Visit the “Building 8, Bus Route 2” stop (filming location for the song “The First Snow of 2002”).
III. Pricing Details: Transparent and Flexible Options
Base Cost Reference (2026)
Custom Vehicle Fees:15-seat business van: Approximately 1,200-1,500 RMB/day (includes driver and fuel).
Accommodation Fees:Budget hotels: Approximately 200-300 RMB/night; characteristic homestays: 400-600 RMB/night.
Admission Fees:Wensu Grand Canyon: 95 RMB/person; Xiata Ancient Trail: 80 RMB/person; Kanas: 160 RMB/person (all include shuttle bus).
Dining Fees:Approximately 80-120 RMB/person/day (includes meals and snacks).
Cost Fluctuation Notice
Prices may vary by season, vehicle type, and accommodation standard; final prices are based on contracts or day-of confirmation.
Custom vehicle fees may increase by 20%-30% during holidays; early booking is recommended.
15-Day Custom Vehicle Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang's Canyon Secret Realms: Visit Wensu Grand Canyon and Xiata Ancient Trail wonders. Comprehensive quotation for high-quality itinerary custom vehicle tour _ How much is the recommended route? Image 4
Wensu Grand Canyon: A Visual Feast of Geological WondersIV. Registration: Convenient, Efficient, and Professional Services
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which offers:
Custom Itineraries:Adjust routes and activities based on traveler preferences.
Vehicle Options:Choose from 5-seat sedans, 7-seat business vans, and 15-seat minibusses.
Driver Services:Experienced local drivers familiar with road conditions and scenic spots.
V. Cost and Service Explanations
Included Costs
Custom vehicle fees (includes driver, fuel, tolls).
Accommodation fees (default double occupancy; single travelers pay a supplement).
Admission fees (for sites listed in the itinerary).
Excluded Costs
15-Day Custom Vehicle Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang's Canyon Secret Realms: Visit Wensu Grand Canyon and Xiata Ancient Trail wonders. Comprehensive quotation for high-quality itinerary custom vehicle tour _ How much is the recommended route? Image 5
Located in Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, the Wensu Grand Canyon is hailed as a “living museum of geological evolution.” It preserves Paleozoic rock strata dating back 240 million years, with red sandstone shaped by wind erosion and flowing water into a canyon landscape of countless gullies. Visitors can hike through the canyon’s core zone to observe the layered structure of Danxia landforms up close or ride a 4×4 deep into undeveloped areas to feel the awe of “one peak, one cliff, one world.” Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, entertainment).
Dining fees (freely chosen or arranged by the travel agency).
Insurance fees (travel accident insurance recommended).
Service Commitments
Itinerary changes may be made by mutual agreement during the trip.
Drivers and guides are licensed and adhere to service standards.
Final details are based on actual consultation and contracting.
VI. Travel Tips
Document Preparation:Bring valid ID, driver’s license (if self-driving), and a small amount of cash.
Clothing Recommendations:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring a windbreaker, sun hat, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Cultural Respect:Observe local customs when visiting ethnic villages.
Consult Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for more itinerary details and discounts. Let this 15-day journey through northern and southern Xinjiang become the most vibrant chapter in your memories!