8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake

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Duration 8 Days
Route Urumqi → Fuyun → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu → Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Yining → Urumqi
Entry City Urumqi
Exit City Urumqi

Overview

This 8-day journey connects Urumqi, Fuyun, Burqin, Kanas, Hemu, Kuitun, Sayram Lake, Yining in a sociable small-group format. It is designed for international travellers who want a well-paced Xinjiang tour with clear transfers, essential landmarks and time for local culture.

Route at a glance

Urumqi → Fuyun → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu → Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Yining

Who this tour suits

First-time visitors, couples, families and friends who prefer a practical itinerary with guided sightseeing and balanced daily pacing.

Daily Itinerary

Arrival in Urumqi, Day 1 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Arrival in Urumqi, Day 1 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake. Photo by Caitriana Nicholson from 北京 ~ Beijing, 中国 ~ China, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Arrive in Urumqi by flight or train, escort to the hotel in Urumqi downtown; explore the city on your own.

Urumqi to Fuyun via Heavenly Lake, Day 2 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Urumqi to Fuyun via Heavenly Lake, Day 2 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake.

Explore the serene Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. Enjoy the sweeping views before continuing to Fuyun.

Fuyun to Burqin via Keketuohai and Five-Colored Beach, Day 3 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Fuyun to Burqin via Keketuohai and Five-Colored Beach, Day 3 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake. Photo by neverdance, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Head to Keketuohai, a geological wonderland, before visiting the colorful Five-Colored Beach in Burqin.

Burqin to Jiadengyu and Kanas Lake, Day 4 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Burqin to Jiadengyu and Kanas Lake, Day 4 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake. Photo by Nyx Ning, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Explore the dramatic Kanas Scenic Area. Visit the Three Bays and Guanyu Pavilion.

Hemu Village and Return to Burqin, Day 5 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Hemu Village and Return to Burqin, Day 5 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake. Photo by Leeinm, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Visit Hemu Village, known for its rustic wooden houses and dramatic natural beauty. Return to Burqin for the evening.

Burqin to Kuitun via Urho Ghost Town, Day 6 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Burqin to Kuitun via Urho Ghost Town, Day 6 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake. Photo by 罗布泊, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Venture to the Ghost City of the World, a unique geological formation with eerie, wind-carved landscapes.

Kuitun to Yining via Sayram Lake, Day 7 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Kuitun to Yining via Sayram Lake, Day 7 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake. Photo by Tomskyhaha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Drive to Yining, with scenic views of Sayram Lake along the way.

Yining to Urumqi by High-Speed Train, Day 8 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake
Yining to Urumqi by High-Speed Train, Day 8 of 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Kanas Lakes, Hemu Villages & Sayram Lake. Photo by lwtt93 from Shanghai, China, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Conclude your journey with a scenic train ride back to Urumqi.

What's Included & Excluded

What is included in this tour

Private or group transport

Air-conditioned vehicle and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.

English-speaking service

Professional English-speaking guide service as specified in the quotation.

Accommodation

Selected hotels with breakfast when included in the confirmed proposal.

Sightseeing

Entrance tickets and activities specifically marked as included.
What is Not Included in this tour

International transport

International flights and transport to the tour starting point unless stated otherwise.

Personal expenses

Laundry, minibar, optional activities and other personal purchases.

Insurance and visas

Travel insurance, China visa fees and permit costs unless explicitly included.

Unlisted meals

Meals, drinks and gratuities not shown in the confirmed inclusion list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The format shown in the tour title applies. Private departures can be adjusted, while small-group departures follow the confirmed group schedule.

Private tours can usually be adjusted for pace, hotel level and special interests. Transport and attraction availability are reconfirmed before booking.

Bring a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing. We will advise on any permits or weather-specific equipment.

Final hotel and meal inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation. Your written proposal will list every included service before payment.

Expect a mix of walking, steps and vehicle access at the places included in this route. The exact level depends on the day-by-day sequence, so share any concerns about mobility, children, older travellers or rest breaks before the itinerary is confirmed.

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