9 Days Urumqi to Kanas Lake Tour

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the farthest major city from any ocean in the world. Known as a traveler's paradise, it boasts stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unique local traditions. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, our professional tour guide will take you to Burqin, where you can admire the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, we will escort you to the downtown area and assist you with hotel check-in.

After breakfast, we'll take the coach to Hemu Village, also known as "the first village in China". This scenic spot is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, approximately 30 kilometers east of Kanas Lake. It is a charming and unique wooden village featuring picturesque bridges and stunning landscapes. Here, you can also experience the distinctive lifestyle of the Tuvas people, making it a truly worthwhile destination.

Your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning and drive along the mountain road to Kanas Nature Reserve. As China's only European-style ecological site, it has earned the title "Pure Land of the World" for its pristine natural beauty. Along the way, you'll visit Kanas Lake. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to a shuttle bus to explore the reserve's stunning landscapes, including a stop at the Fish Pavilion for breathtaking views of Kanas. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Jiadengyu to check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest.

The next afternoon, you'll travel back to Burqin.

After breakfast, we will drive back to Burqin, the best place to witness the sunset at Five-Colored Beach. As you stroll along this vibrant shoreline, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a dreamlike world. The unique volcanic landscape, composed of purplish-red, terra-cotta, yellow, and light green mudstone, sandstone, and gravel, creates a breathtaking natural masterpiece. This is the most stunning colorful beach—a true marvel of nature and one of Burqin's greatest wonders.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, you'll travel to Fuyun to start your journey at Keketuohai National Geological Park. There, you'll visit "Haizi Kou" and explore Tunnel No. 3, which contains various mineral formations. Enjoy a tram ride along the Irtysh Grand Canyon before reaching Shenzhong Mountain, where you'll visit the Earthquake Museum.

After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, our professional tour guide will accompany you back to Urumqi. The tour takes you along the edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert, China's second largest desert. Along the way, you'll pass by the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, a protected paradise for wild animals. We will then return to Urumqi to conclude our tour.

At approximately 08:30, we will begin our 1.5-hour drive to the Heavenly Lake entrance. Upon arrival, you'll take a 40-minute shuttle bus ride that winds through the picturesque Tianshan mountains to reach the lake shore. Here you can choose between several activities: trek around the pristine lake, enjoy a scenic boating cruise, or take the cable car up Maya Mountain for breathtaking views of Bogoda Peak.

For lunch, we'll experience authentic Kazakh hospitality with a meal served in a traditional yurt. In the afternoon, we'll return to Urumqi to visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, home to remarkable archaeological treasures from the Silk Road and exhibits showcasing Xinjiang's diverse minority cultures——a perfect opportunity to learn about the region's history and unique ethnic traditions. If time permits, we'll conclude our day at the Grand International Bazaar, where you can explore the vibrant market and enjoy dinner.

Today, you'll bid farewell to Urumqi. We'll arrange your transfer according to your flight or train schedule. Wishing you a pleasant journey home!