Welcome to the beautiful Xinjiang! After meeting you at the airport, we’ll take you to your hotel for check-in and rest. You’ll then have free time to explore on your own—if time permits, feel free to visit the recommended attractions (transportation not included). The next day’s departure time will be communicated to you via text or phone call from your driver and butler, so please keep an eye out for their message.

Attraction Recommendation:

Recommendation 1: Urumqi International Grand Bazaar Night Market (No Ticket Required) – Savor Xinjiang’s signature delicacies. Here, you’ll meet Xinjiang’s warm-hearted “Guli” and hospitable “Balang,” offering you an immersive experience that deeply captures the rich ethnic charm of Xinjiang.

Recommendation 2: Hongshan Park (No Admission Fee): This is a landmark attraction in Urumqi city center. Standing atop the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of most of Urumqi—and it’s also the perfect spot for capturing stunning nightscapes.

Recommendation 3: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (no admission fee, but advance booking required 1–3 days in advance; closed on Mondays): This museum serves as a window showcasing China’s Silk Road culture in Xinjiang, housing an impressive collection of 64,952 cultural relics—truly earning it the title of Xinjiang’s iconic landmark.

[Today's Highlights]: Desert Highway Through Sunset Cable Car

08:00-09:00: It’s such a pleasure to meet you in Xinjiang this season! Our driver will arrive at the hotel exactly on the agreed-upon time and pick up everyone one by one, following your companions’ pre-arranged order. The small-group, leisurely tour for making friends is about to begin—let’s go!

09:00–12:00 Today, we’ll set off and head north after leaving Urumqi. Traveling by vehicle along Xinjiang’s newest and the only desert highway in Northern Xinjiang—the 【S21 Desert Highway】—we’ll traverse the Gurbantunggut Desert within the Junggar Basin, experiencing Xinjiang’s vast, sparsely populated landscapes and the boundless immensity of its deserts. Next, we’ll visit the 【Karamay Beautiful Desert Park】, which spans a total area of 100,000 square meters and showcases the breathtaking scenery of the Gurbantunggut Desert.

12:00–13:00: Enjoy your Chinese meal at the Kela Meili Service Area—or grab a quick snack at any service area along the way (note that service areas in Xinjiang aren’t as well-stocked as those on the mainland).

13:00–18:30, travel by vehicle to Altay. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a short rest, then head to **Altay General Mountain** (snow tickets at your own expense). Afterward, we’ll take the **Sunset Cable Car** (cable car ticket included as a complimentary gift—no refund if you choose not to ride), ascending to the mountain top. There, enjoy dancing on the vibrant slopes of General Mountain while eagerly awaiting the most breathtaking moment of the sunset. Located right in Altay city center, the General Mountain Ski Resort is the nation’s only alpine ski area nestled within an urban setting. With its convenient transportation and abundant natural snowfall, it’s truly a dream destination for every skiing enthusiast!

At 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, as the sun slowly sets—creating a breathtaking spectacle of colors across the world (weather permitting)—some brave souls glide gracefully on their snowboards, chasing the fading light. Meanwhile, the ski resort’s lights gradually come alive, dancing in harmony with the sky’s vibrant hues, like a celestial river cascading down from the heavens. On the slopes, skiers adorned in dazzlingly colorful gear weave effortlessly under the starlit glow, painting an enchanting scene that feels straight out of a living masterpiece.

20:00-20:30, return to Altay and check into the hotel to rest;

Today's Topic: Hemu Village, God's Private Reserve

08:00-09:00 After an early breakfast, take a vehicle to [Hemu];

09:30-13:00 Vehicles depart from Altay City, heading onto the Ahe Highway toward Hemu Village. Along the way, you’ll traverse the majestic Tian Shan Mountains, passing through pristine forests and alpine meadows, fully immersing yourself in the rugged beauty and mystique of northern Xinjiang’s plateau. Feel free to stop at strategic points to capture the breathtaking scenery—natural wonders such as snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls.

13:00–14:30: Arrive at a suitable spot along Ahe Road for lunch. We recommend savoring local specialties such as hand-grabbed rice and mutton soup, allowing you to fully experience the unique culinary culture of the Altay region. Mealtime will last approximately 1.5 hours.

14:30–19:30 After lunch, continue along Ahe Road and arrive at Hemu Village. Known for its pristine wooden houses, tranquil countryside scenery, and vibrant ethnic culture, Hemu Village offers visitors the perfect opportunity to stroll through the village’s winding paths, marveling at the rustic wooden cottages, snow-capped mountain peaks, quaint hamlets, and dense forests that seem straight out of a fairyland—creating a serene and harmonious connection with nature. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the surrounding natural landscapes on horseback or by foot. Following lunch, enjoy free time to delve deeper into Hemu Village’s breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its unspoiled natural splendor and the unique Tuva ethnic culture, Hemu Village truly captivates all who visit.

From 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, we’ll give everyone free time to explore—feel free to join the largest 【Bonfire Party】in Hemu together. (Participation is optional; no refund will be provided if the event isn’t held.) Sing, dance, and let loose—unleash all your emotions tied to Hemu, creating unforgettable, fiery memories of this snowy village. Afterward, transfer by vehicle to your guesthouse in Hemu Village for check-in. During dinner, you can continue savoring local delicacies and fully immerse yourself in the vibrant nighttime ambiance of Hemu Village.

Today's Topic: Kanasi, God's Backyard

Detailed Itinerary:

08:00–10:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at your own pace. For those eager to witness the sunrise, feel free to rise early and join a small group of three to five people for a leisurely hike up to the Haden Platform—perfect for soaking in the breathtaking view. Wrapped in a delicate mist, Hemu Village takes on an especially serene aura. As the clouds along the horizon gradually turn shades of red, the sun slowly peeks over the horizon, casting its golden rays and warmth upon this tranquil village. From high above, amidst the floating clouds and mist, you’ll have a panoramic vantage point of the entire village: their grayish-black wooden houses blanketed in pristine white snow. Wisps of smoke curl gently from the rooftops, signaling that folks are already starting their new day. Meanwhile, if you’d rather sleep in and skip the sunrise, no worries—simply let yourself wake naturally!

10:00–13:00 Vehicles will depart from Hemu Village and travel along the winding mountain road toward Kanas. Along the way, you’ll pass through pristine forests and alpine meadows, immersing yourself in the freshness and mystique of northern Xinjiang’s mountainous region. Feel free to stop at scenic spots along the route to capture the breathtaking natural wonders, such as snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, and gushing streams.

13:00–14:30: Arrive at a suitable spot near the Kanas Scenic Area for lunch. We recommend savoring local specialties such as hand-grabbed rice and lamb skewers, allowing you to experience the unique culinary culture of the Kanas region. Mealtime will last approximately 1.5 hours.

14:30–20:00 After enjoying lunch, we’ll head toward the northernmost, highest point of China’s territorial map—and the very spot where China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia meet: the Kanas Scenic Area. As our vehicle steadily moves forward, leaving behind the plains, we’ll gradually enter rolling hills, foothill grasslands, alpine meadows, and pristine forest regions, stepping closer to what feels like “God’s backyard.” Along the shores of Kanas Lake, you’ll find numerous plump, snow-white “snow mushrooms,” resembling an icy, dreamlike kingdom straight out of a fairy tale. Kanas in winter is breathtakingly pure and serene, offering a heartwarming, healing escape—a true haven not to be missed. Kanas Lake itself glimmers like a brilliant, crystal-clear gem set amidst the towering mountains, its icy waters glowing in hues of blue that seem almost otherworldly. A magical rendezvous with ice and snow has arrived as scheduled, transforming Kanas into a winter wonderland straight out of a fairytale. Without its vibrant colors, the lake now exists only in shades of black and white, creating a mesmerizing. At Shenxian Bay, the morning mist gently shrouds the area, while behind it, silver-tipped snow-capped peaks rise majestically, weaving together a scene straight from a dreamscape. And when you combine Kanas’ iconic snow mushrooms with its ethereal mist-covered pine trees and swirling fog? Well, it’s simply breathtaking—so stunning it takes your breath away!

From 8:30 to 9:30 PM, enjoy dinner at your own pace, followed by free time for activities.

Today's Topic: God's Private Reserve—Hemu Village

08:30-09:30: Enjoy breakfast at your leisure and then embark on today’s exciting journey. 09:30-13:00: Head to the 【Wu'erhe World Devil City】. After exchanging your tickets, hop aboard the scenic shuttle bus inside the park to begin your exploration. Follow the guide’s audio commentary as you marvel at the incredible Yadan landforms—some resemble majestic eagles spreading their wings as if about to swoop down, others vividly capture the image of a celestial dog gazing at the moon, while still others evoke the grandeur of the Titanic itself... Be sure to take advantage of the shuttle bus stops to step out and snap some unforgettable photos!

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at your own pace

15:00–20:00: Visit the Baili Oilfield. In the Baili Oil Region, you’ll not only experience the prosperity and vitality of an oil city but also gain a deeper appreciation for the generations of oil workers who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to this legacy. Here, you’ll find rows of bustling pumping units, busy oil pipelines, and countless stories—and even historical relics—that vividly reflect the remarkable journey of this oil-rich city’s development. Arrive in Kuitun late in the evening and check into your hotel.

Today's Topic: The Atlantic's Last Tear

Detailed Itinerary:

07:30-08:30 Enjoy breakfast freely in the hotel, then pack your luggage carefully—don’t forget to bring along any valuables—and hand your room key to the front desk to check out.

08:30–13:30, drive westward—just as your car climbs to the hilltop, a breathtaking expanse of blue lake will suddenly appear before you: [Sayram Lake Scenic Area], famously known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic." In winter, Sayram Lake takes on an especially serene, mysterious, and majestic aura. The lake surface remains largely ice-free, its waters shimmering in a deep, vibrant blue—as if the very heartbeat of the earth itself is gently rising from the depths, infusing the tranquil lake with a subtle yet vibrant rhythm of life. Unlike the bustling crowds of peak season, winter at Sayram Lake brings a peaceful, almost otherworldly calm. Without the usual throngs of tourists, the lake feels quieter, more serene, and imbued with a profound sense of harmony. Against the backdrop of endless blue skies and fluffy white clouds, the lake glows with an ethereal beauty. Tiny droplets of crystalline ice cling delicately to the shoreline, resembling delicate glass orbs—each one a miniature masterpiece of nature, both vividly alive and dreamlike in their splendor.

14:00-15:00: Enjoy lunch at your own pace in the Visitor Center.

15:30–19:30, after exchanging tickets at the ticket counter, hop aboard for an immersive journey deep into Sai Lake—stopping whenever and wherever you please, fully embracing the freedom of the ride.

19:30-21:00 Tour ends; proceed to the hotel at the east entrance of Sayram Lake for check-in.

Today's Topic: The Atlantic's Last Tear

08:00-09:00 Enjoy breakfast freely in the hotel, then pack your luggage carefully—don’t forget to bring along any valuables—and return your room key to the front desk to check out.

09:00–11:00, drive back into the hidden gem of Sayram Lake, following the lakeside path straight to Moonlight Bay (without circling the lake). In summer, the blue here is like a masterfully spilled indigo palette—crafted by nature itself. Glacial meltwater has tinted the lake’s waters, shifting gradually from the turquoise-green hues of shallow shallows to the vibrant cornflower-blue at the lake’s heart. Sunlight and cloud shadows gently cascade across its surface, breaking into shimmering silver flakes that dance upon the water. In winter, Sayram Lake takes on an especially serene, mysterious, and breathtakingly majestic aura. The lake remains largely ice-free, its crystal-clear waters glowing a deep, mesmerizing blue—as if the very breath of Earth’s depths is rising from the lakebed itself. This tranquil haven feels alive with subtle, lifelike rhythms, far removed from the bustling crowds of peak season. Without the usual throngs of tourists weaving through the landscape, the lake exudes a profound sense of calm and peaceful harmony. Against the backdrop of endless blue skies and fluffy white clouds, the lake shines with an ethereal beauty, while delicate droplets of frost cling to the icy edges of the shore, resembling tiny, otherworldly crystal globes—vivid yet dreamlike in their splendor.

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, returning to the warm embrace of home in Urumqi.