Xinjiang Kanas Lake & Hemu Village Tour from Urumqi

Welcome to Urumqi, Xinjiang’s capital city. Upon arrival, your local  driver (or w/ guide) will meet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city on your own like Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar before beginning your journey into Northern Xinjiang’s scenic Altay region.

Depart Urumqi in the morning for Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Mountains, an alpine lake set at nearly 2,000 meters. Surrounded by spruce forests and snow-capped peaks, Tianchi offers beautiful lakeside walking paths and optional boat rides or cable-car excursions to higher viewpoints overlooking Bogda Peak. 

In the afternoon, continue north alongside dramatic mountain and desert landscapes to Fuyun County, gateway to the Keketuohai Geopark. Arrive and settle into your hotel for the evening.

Spend the morning exploring Keketuohai National Geopark, a major geological reserve known for its granite canyons, crystal-clear rivers, rare mineral deposits, and dramatic rock formations created by glacial and tectonic forces. The park is often compared to “China’s Yosemite” for its rugged scenery.

Afterward, drive to Burqin, a charming town near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. As the sun begins to set, visit Five-Colored Beach, a stunning landscape where multicolored rock formations overlook the Irtysh River. The cliffs glow with reds, purples, yellows, and greens, one of the most photogenic sunset locations in Xinjiang.

Overnight in Burqin.

This morning, drive about three hours from Burqin to Jiadengyu, the gateway to the Kanas Lake Nature Reserve. After entering the scenic area and taking the park shuttle, continue into the reserve, a region known for its alpine forests, clear rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Today’s main visit is Guan Yu Tai, also called the Fish Watching Pavilion, the highest and most famous viewpoint in Kanas. Take the shuttle up the mountain and follow the wooden walkways to reach the viewing platforms that overlook the entire lake. From here, enjoy a sweeping panorama of Kanas Lake, the surrounding Siberian spruce forests, and the distant snow capped Altay Mountains. The lake’s color changes throughout the day, shifting from deep emerald to bright turquoise, making this viewpoint one of the highlights of the region.

After descending, spend some time walking along the lower lakeside area or relaxing in the village surroundings before heading to your accommodation near Kanas Lake.

Overnight near Kanas Lake.

Spend the morning exploring the most classic scenic spots along the Kanas River. Take the park shuttle to visit the Three Bays, which include Lying Dragon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Moon Bay. These river bends are famous for their changing colors, misty morning reflections, and picture perfect views of the surrounding forests. Walking along the wooden paths between the bays offers one of the most beautiful and relaxing experiences in the Kanas Reserve.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Hemu Village, one of the most picturesque wooden villages in China. Recognized by China’s National Geographic as one of the six most beautiful villages in the country, Hemu is home to the Tuwa people, believed to have ancient Siberian roots. Explore the serene village surrounded by birch forests and rolling meadows and visit local Tuwa families to learn about their daily life and traditions.

Settle into your accommodation in Hemu Village for a peaceful night in this scenic valley.

Overnight in Hemu Village.

Rise early for a one hour walk up the wooden steps to the grassland overlooking Hemu Village. From the top, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise as golden light spreads across the valley, illuminating the wooden houses, birch forests, and the winding river below. This is one of the most iconic sunrise views in Northern Xinjiang. If you wish, you can also enjoy a short horse ride on the open grassland.

After descending, start the drive to Karamay. Along the way, stop at Urho Ghost City, also called Wuerhe Wind City, a dramatic landscape carved by powerful winds over thousands of years. The sculpted rock formations and constant whistling wind create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Continue through the vast Hundred Mile Oil Zone before arriving in Karamay for the night. Overnight in Karamay.

This morning, begin the journey back to Urumqi. Along the way, make a stop at Anjihai Grand Canyon, one of Xinjiang’s most impressive natural landscapes. Shaped by erosion over thousands of years, the canyon features steep cliffs, layered rock formations, and braided river channels that create dramatic patterns from above. Take time to walk to the viewing platforms for panoramic views and photos.

After visiting the canyon, continue the drive to Urumqi and check into your hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day is for you to freely explore Urumqi on your own. Overnight in Urumqi.

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Urumqi airport or train station for your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and cultures of Northern Xinjiang.