Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Ili Valley and Northern Xinjiang on this 10-day private tour from Urumqi to Yining. This carefully designed journey combines Xinjiang's most iconic natural landscapes, including the crystal-clear Sayram Lake, spectacular Kalajun Grassland, peaceful Kuerdening Nature Reserve, and the famous Narat Air Grassland. Travel comfortably with a private vehicle and professional guide as you explore snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, endless grasslands, deep valleys, and colorful ethnic neighborhoods. From the legendary Tianchi Lake to the charming streets of Yining, this journey offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and local experiences.
- Private & Worry-Free Xinjiang Experience: Enjoy a fully private journey with a dedicated vehicle, professional guide, airport transfers, carefully selected hotels, and flexible sightseeing arrangements.
- Discover Xinjiang's Most Beautiful Alpine Landscapes: Visit Tianchi Lake, Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, Kuerdening, and Narat Grassland to experience mountains, lakes, forests, and valleys.
- Experience the Legendary Sayram Lake & Ili Grasslands: Drive around the "Last Tear of the Atlantic," explore vast flower-covered meadows, and admire the stunning scenery of the Tianshan Mountains.
- Explore Unique Local Culture & Silk Road Heritage: Visit Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Tekes Bagua City, Kazanqi Folk Area, and Six-Star Street to experience local traditions and architecture.
- Small Group Private Service with No Hidden Costs: Enjoy a comfortable travel experience with no shopping stops, no forced activities, and one-stop arrangements from arrival to departure.
FROM $1399 per person
Prices vary depending on group size, hotel standards, and how you'd like to tailor your itinerary.
Accommodation: 
Meal: Welcome to Xinjiang!
Upon arrival at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your city hotel.
Enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace and prepare for your Xinjiang adventure.
Distance: Approx. 25 km
Driving Time: Around 40 minutes
Accommodation: Urumqi
Accommodation: Meal: After breakfast, head to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (Tianchi Lake), one of Xinjiang's most famous natural wonders.
Located in the Tianshan Mountains and backed by the magnificent Bogda Peak, Tianchi is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by forests and snow-covered mountains. Explore highlights including:
- Queen Mother's Yaochi
- Minor Heavenly Lake
- Magic Needle viewpoint
Enjoy panoramic views of the lake, mountains, and forests before returning to Urumqi.
In the evening, visit Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, one of the largest Islamic-style markets in Central Asia. Stroll through colorful streets, browse local handicrafts, and taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine.
Distance: Approx. 180 km (round trip)
Driving Time: Around 3 hours
Accommodation: Urumqi
Accommodation: Meal: Today, travel west to explore the spectacular Dushanzi Grand Canyon.
Created by thousands of years of erosion from the Kuytun River, this dramatic canyon features layered cliffs, deep valleys, and unique rock textures. The wide-open views and changing colors make it a favorite destination for photography.
After sightseeing, continue to Kuytun for overnight stay.
Distance: Approx. 320 km
Driving Time: Around 4 hours
Accommodation: Kuytun
Accommodation: Meal: Today's highlight is the legendary Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.”
Located in the western Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake is the largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. Surrounded by mountains and grasslands, the lake features crystal-clear blue water and breathtaking scenery.
Enjoy a scenic drive around the lake, stop at beautiful viewpoints, and take time to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of this high-altitude paradise.
Distance: Approx. 320 km
Driving Time: Around 4 hours
Accommodation: Near Sayram Lake
Accommodation: Meal: Wake up to the beautiful morning scenery of Sayram Lake before continuing south.
Drive through Guozigou Valley and stop at the famous Guozigou Bridge, an impressive engineering landmark surrounded by mountains, forests, and valleys.
Continue to Tekes Bagua City, the only complete Bagua-pattern city in China. The streets are designed according to the ancient Chinese Bagua system, creating a unique circular urban layout.
Enjoy a walk through the city center and experience the charming atmosphere of this special town.
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Driving Time: Around 3.5 hours
Accommodation: Tekes
Accommodation: Meal: Today, explore the magnificent Kalajun Grassland, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Kalajun is famous for its rolling grasslands, snow-covered mountain views, spruce forests, and unique "Human Body Grassland" landscape formed by gentle curves of the hills.
Explore two major areas:
- Kalajun Grassland – endless meadows with panoramic mountain views
- Kuokesu Grand Canyon – dramatic valleys and unique geological scenery
Return to Tekes after sightseeing.
Distance: Approx. 80 km (round trip)
Driving Time: Around 2 hours
Accommodation: Tekes
Accommodation: Meal: Continue your journey to Kuerdening Scenic Area, a hidden natural treasure in the Tianshan Mountains.
As a national nature reserve, Kuerdening is famous for its untouched ecosystem and pristine mountain scenery. The area is covered with ancient spruce forests, peaceful mountain valleys, crystal-clear streams, wide alpine grasslands, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, offering a quiet and immersive experience in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains.
Compared with busier tourist destinations, Kuerdening offers a quieter experience surrounded by pristine nature.
After sightseeing, cross mountain passes and continue to Narat Town.
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Driving Time: Around 5 hours
Accommodation: Narat Town
Accommodation: Meal: Today, visit the famous Narat Grassland via the Sky Grassland Route.
Located at a higher altitude, the Air Grassland offers some of the best panoramic views in the Ili Valley. Vast green meadows stretch toward the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, while horses and livestock roam freely across the landscape.
Experience the classic scenery of Xinjiang's alpine grasslands and enjoy the peaceful beauty of traditional pastoral life.
Return to Narat Town after sightseeing.
Accommodation: Narat Town
Accommodation: Meal: After breakfast, drive west to Yining, the cultural heart of the Ili region and an important city along the ancient Silk Road.
In the afternoon, explore the charming Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, a historic neighborhood known for its traditional blue Uyghur-style houses, colorful streets, horse-drawn carriages, and authentic local atmosphere. Walking through the old lanes, you can experience the daily life, architecture, and cultural traditions of the local community.
Continue to Six-Star Street, a unique historic district famous for its distinctive hexagonal layout, vibrant buildings, traditional courtyards, and small local shops. Take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, enjoy photography, and experience the multicultural charm of Yining.
Distance: Approx. 260 km
Driving Time: Around 4 hours
Accommodation: Yining
Accommodation: Meal: After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Yining at your own pace. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to take a relaxing walk, enjoy a final local meal, or purchase some last-minute souvenirs before leaving Xinjiang.
At the arranged time, your private driver will transfer you to Yining Airport for your departure flight. We will make sure you arrive at the airport comfortably and on time, providing a smooth and worry-free end to your Xinjiang adventure.
As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of the stunning Sayram Lake, vast Ili grasslands, spectacular Tianshan Mountains, and the rich cultures you discovered along the way.
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Driving Time: Around 15 minutes
* Leave Yours Questions & Answers or Review
Authentic Experiences on Our Guizhou Ethnic Hiking Tour
Thank you! We're so happy that you enjoyed discovering the more authentic side of Guizhou with us. The Dong, Miao, and Buyi communities each have their own unique traditions, and we're glad you had the chance to experience them beyond the usual tourist routes. We hope your memories of the mountain trails and village evenings stay with you for many years.
Questions About the Itinerary
Hi Marlowe,
Thank you for your message! We are happy to hear that this Guizhou itinerary matches what you are looking for. This route is specially designed for travelers who want to experience the authentic side of Guizhou, including traditional villages, local crafts, and ethnic culture.
Please see our answers below:
1. We arrange a private vehicle with an experienced local driver throughout the journey. Although some Miao and Dong villages are located deep in the mountains, the roads are in good condition, and you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery comfortably between stops.
2. Yes, cultural interaction is one of the highlights of this tour. You will experience the Miao welcome ceremony with the 12-course "block-the-door wine," visit local craft workshops, and enjoy authentic village life in places like Huanggang and Zhaoxing.
We will also adjust the pace according to your preferences to make sure you enjoy the journey comfortably.
Combining Yangshuo Tour with Other Destinations
Hi Amara,
Thank you for your message! The ideal length of stay in Yangshuo depends on your travel style, but we're happy to share some suggestions.
1. A one-day trip is enough to experience the most iconic highlights, including the Yulong River scenery, West Street area, and countryside landscapes. It is a great option for travelers staying in Guilin with limited time.
2. Longji and Yangshuo are located in different directions, so combining both in one day would make the schedule too rushed. We usually recommend arranging them as separate day trips or adding an extra night.
3. If you have more time, staying overnight allows you to enjoy Yangshuo's relaxed evening atmosphere, local restaurants, and countryside scenery without rushing back to Guilin.
Questions About Sunrise, Photography & Best Hiking Route
Hi Isolde,
Thank you for your message! We're glad to hear that you're interested in this Huangshan journey. Huangshan is one of the best destinations in China for sunrise and landscape photography, and we'd be happy to help you arrange a route that balances beautiful views and comfortable walking.
1. The sunrise viewpoint depends on your hotel location and weather conditions, but popular options include Bright Summit and areas near Beihai.
2. Yes, we can adjust the route according to your interests. Bright Summit is one of Huangshan’s classic viewpoints, while Xihai Scenic Area offers some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes. We can recommend the best combination based on your hiking preference and available time.
3. The hiking distance depends on the route selected. The classic Back Mountain route after taking the Yungu Cable Car is relatively comfortable, while some areas such as Xihai involve more stairs and longer walking. Our guide can help adjust the pace during the tour.
4. Usually, we recommend starting early to enjoy the quieter mountain atmosphere and better lighting for photography. The exact timing will depend on the sunrise time and weather conditions.
We hope you enjoy capturing the most beautiful moments of Huangshan!
Why Choose Buer China Travel
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Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
Before creating your itinerary, our travel specialists take the time to understand your interests, preferences, travel style, and expectations. We carefully plan every part of your journey, from route design and daily schedules to sightseeing experiences and local activities, making sure the pace, destinations, and experiences are perfectly matched to your needs.
We personally select and work with trusted hotels, transportation providers, professional guides, and local partners who meet our standards for quality, comfort, cleanliness, and reliability. From comfortable accommodations and well-maintained vehicles to knowledgeable local experts, every service is carefully chosen to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
About 1–2 weeks before your departure, our team will contact you to go over the final details of your trip. We'll reconfirm your itinerary, hotels, transportation, and special requests, answer any last-minute questions, and provide all essential travel information, including contact details, arrival instructions, and helpful travel tips, so you can arrive in China fully prepared and travel with confidence.
Our support does not end after your trip begins. Throughout your journey, our team stays connected and ready to assist with any questions, schedule adjustments, transportation coordination, or unexpected situations. With local support available when you need it, you can relax and focus on enjoying your China experience with confidence.
Share your travel goals and preferences with us. From logistics to local experiences, we will craft a comprehensive, tailor-made plan and detailed cost breakdown to ensure a seamless trip.
Phone/WhatsApp
+86-190-1697-6605
buerchinatravel/+86-190-1697-6605
>12 years old
2~11 years old
>12 years old
2~11 years old
