16 days North & South Xinjiang Tour: Kanas, Ili & Kashgar

Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, where your local driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to rest or explore on your own. If time permits, visit Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar for your first introduction to Xinjiang's food, handicrafts and local culture.

Overnight in Urumqi.

Approx. 500 km, 7 hours

Leave Urumqi and travel north along the S21 Desert Highway toward Burqin, crossing the wide landscapes of the Junggar Basin.

In the late afternoon, visit Colorful Beach, known for its colorful Yardang formations beside the Irtysh River. The landscape is particularly attractive in the softer light toward sunset.

Afterwards, explore Burqin's local night market, known for grilled fish and regional snacks.

Overnight in Burqin.

Approx. 160 km, 3.5–4 hours

Travel into the Altai Mountains to Hemu Village, a traditional settlement surrounded by forests, mountains and river valleys.

Explore the village, see its characteristic wooden houses and learn about the local Tuva community. Walk to a viewpoint above Hemu for panoramic views across the village and surrounding valley.

In autumn, the forests around Hemu turn shades of gold and yellow, making this one of Northern Xinjiang's most distinctive seasonal landscapes.

Later, continue to Jiadengyu, the main gateway to the Kanas Scenic Area.

Overnight in Jiadengyu.

After breakfast, enter Kanas Scenic Area from Jiadengyu and head first to the Fish Viewing Pavilion for panoramic views over Kanas Lake and the surrounding Altai Mountains.

Afterwards, continue to Kanas Lake, where you can walk along the lakeshore or take an optional boat cruise to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery from the water.

In the afternoon, explore the Three Bays along the Kanas River: Immortal Bay, Moon Bay and Lying Dragon Bay. Stop at the viewpoints and enjoy a walk along the scenic boardwalk between Moon Bay and Lying Dragon Bay.

In autumn, the forests around Kanas turn shades of yellow and gold, adding rich seasonal colors to the lake and river valleys.

After the visit, leave the scenic area and drive back to Burqin.

Overnight in Burqin.

Approx. 500 km, 6–7 hours

Leave Burqin and travel south across the vast landscapes of the Junggar Basin toward Kuytun.

Along the way, visit Urho Devil's City, one of Xinjiang's best-known Yardang landscapes. Take the scenic shuttle through the area to see the unusual ridges, towers and castle-like formations created by long-term wind erosion across the Gobi landscape.

After the visit, continue to Kuytun for the night.

Overnight in Kuytun.

Approx. 450 km, 5–6 hours driving

Travel west toward Sayram Lake, a vast alpine lake surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains.

Spend time along the lakeshore, where deep blue water stretches toward snow-capped mountains and open grasslands. In summer, wildflowers brighten the meadows, while September brings the first golden colors of autumn.

Continue through the dramatic Guozigou Valley and across the Guozigou Bridge before descending into the Ili Valley and arriving in Yining.

Overnight in Yining.

Approx. 260 km, 3–4 hours

Begin with a visit to Kazanqi Folk Culture Village in Yining, where traditional homes, neighborhood streets and local food offer a glimpse into everyday Uyghur life in the Ili Valley.

Then travel east through the Ili Valley to Nalati Grassland, one of Xinjiang's best-known alpine grasslands.

Explore the grassland, where broad green meadows rise toward spruce-covered mountain slopes, with horses and livestock grazing across the valley. In summer, the grasslands are at their greenest, with wildflowers scattered across the meadows.

Overnight in Nalati.

Approx. 170 km, 3–4 hours

Enjoy the morning scenery around Nalati before driving deeper into the Tianshan Mountains to Bayanbulak Grassland, a vast high-altitude landscape of open grasslands, wetlands and winding rivers.

Explore the high-altitude grasslands and wetlands, including the Swan Lake area when accessible. Later, visit the Nine Bends of the Kaidu River, where the river winds across the broad grassland and wetlands beneath the surrounding mountains.

Overnight in Bayanbulak.

Approx. 270 km, 5–7 hours

Today marks the transition from Northern to Southern Xinjiang.

Travel south along the Duku Highway, crossing the Tianshan Mountains as alpine grasslands gradually give way to the dry red-rock landscapes of Southern Xinjiang. Along the way, pass the scenic Big and Small Dragon Lakes nestled among the mountains.

Stop to explore the Tianshan Grand Canyon, where towering red cliffs rise above a narrow canyon carved deep into the Tianshan foothills. Walk into the canyon to experience its dramatic rock formations and changing colors up close.

Continue to Kuqa and check into your hotel. If time permits, take an evening walk through Kuqa Old Town.

Overnight in Kuqa.

Approx. 320 km, 5–6 hours

Spend the morning discovering the Silk Road heritage around Kuqa.

Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, an important early center of Buddhist art along the ancient Silk Road. Continue to Kizilgaha Beacon Tower or Subashi Ancient City, depending on the day's timing and local arrangements.

After the visits, drive south toward Alar, leaving the Tianshan foothills behind and entering the increasingly arid landscapes of the Tarim Basin.

In late October, when conditions and timing allow, a seasonal stop can be arranged to see the golden Populus euphratica forests around Shaya.

Overnight in Alar.

Approx. 450 km, 6–7 hours driving

Today, cross the Taklamakan Desert along the famous Taklamakan Desert Highway, one of the most memorable overland journeys in Southern Xinjiang.

The road stretches across the vast desert of the Tarim Basin, passing sand dunes, desert vegetation and areas of Populus euphratica forest. In autumn, the golden poplar trees create a striking contrast against the surrounding desert.

Continue to Hotan, a historic oasis city long known for jade, silk and Silk Road trade. After arriving in Hotan, visit the White Jade River, where local people have traditionally searched for the jade that has made Hotan famous for centuries. If time allows, explore a local market for jade, silk and other traditional handicrafts. 

In the evening, you might explore the night market (the old one) for food or explore Tuancheng for shopping. 

Overnight in Hotan.

Approx. 500 km, 6–7 hours

Before leaving Hotan, visit a traditional mulberry paper-making workshop to see how paper is still handmade from mulberry bark using techniques passed down through generations.
Then travel west through the oasis towns of Southern Xinjiang toward Kashgar.

Stop in Yarkand, once an important Silk Road kingdom. Visit the Altun Cemetery and Amanisahan Mausoleum, then continue to Kashgar in the afternoon.

After arrival, enjoy a relaxed first walk through Kashgar Old City or stop for tea at a traditional teahouse.

Overnight in Kashgar.

Spend your full day discovering Kashgar, one of the great historic trading cities of the Silk Road.

Explore Kashgar Old City, walking through its lanes, residential neighborhoods and handicraft areas. Visit Id Kah Mosque and see local craftsmen working with copper, wood and other traditional materials.

Stop at a traditional teahouse for tea and nang bread, then explore the local bazaar.

If your visit coincides with the appropriate market day and current operating schedule, a visit to the livestock market can also be arranged.

Overnight in Kashgar.

Approx. 5–6 hours

Leave Kashgar and travel south along the Karakoram Highway into the Pamir Mountains.

Stop at Baisha Lake, where pale sand dunes meet blue mountain water, then continue to Karakul Lake, with views toward Muztagh Ata and the surrounding snow-covered peaks.

Continue to Tashkorgan and visit the historic Stone City and nearby Golden Grassland.

Overnight in Tashkorgan.

Spend the morning enjoying the landscapes around Tashkorgan before beginning the return journey to Kashgar.

Travel through the Pamir Plateau, with views of high mountains, broad valleys and traditional communities along the route. Stop at scenic locations according to road and weather conditions before continuing back toward Kashgar.

Optional Panlong Ancient Road: When road conditions, permits and timing allow, the return journey can include Panlong Ancient Road and Bandil Blue Lake. This is a longer mountain route and will be confirmed locally according to current conditions.

Arrive in Kashgar in the evening.

Overnight in Kashgar.

Your driver will transfer you to Kashgar Airport or railway station according to your onward travel arrangements. Your 16-day journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang ends in Kashgar.