Fairyland Kanas Lake Discovery

After breakfast, be ready for a 7-hour-long road trip, traversing from Xinjiang’s capital city to Fuyun County in northern Xinjiang. On the way, we’ll pass by China’s second-largest basin, Junngar Basin. Driving along the straight highway stretching endlessly, with distant snow-capped mountains looming in the distance, you can enjoy the extraordinary desert landscapes sculpted by the wind and sand in a gallery of time, whose shapes and colors may change with the sunlight. It is also available to encounter cotton fields, colorful grasses, solitary trees, and giant solar panels stretching for kilometers. 

As the nature-packed journey comes to the second half, the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, with plenty of wildlife, unfolds before your eyes. The animal paradise is home to hundreds of ungulate species, such as the Mongolian wild asses, goitered gazelles, red deer, argalis, and wild goats. What’s more, dozens of 8-meter-span (26-foot) crossing bridges have been built above the desert highway, providing passage for those animals to migrate or cross the road to drink water. It offers a higher chance of spotting them, especially from late September to mid-November, when the wildlife migrates from north to south. After arrival at Fuyun, check in at the hotel and get a good night’s sleep.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Shangshi Hotel Fuyun (3 stars)

This morning, we’ll drive for about 1 hour to Keketuohai Geopark, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017. On the way, pass by the beautiful Kekesuli Wetland, also known as the Wild Duck Lake, thanks to the breeding and inhabitation of a large number of birds. Overlooking the wetland, you’ll glimpse more than 20 "floating islands of reed" where migratory birds frolic. It’s like stumbling upon a Monet painting, where the mirror-like lake reflects the snow-capped mountains, with a vibrant sea of flowers blooming, and herons gracefully skimming across the water's surface. Later, we’ll arrive at Keketuohai Geopark, whose name literally means "green jungle" in Kazakh and "blue river bend" in Mongolian. This geopark does offer stunning snow-capped mountains, meandering rivers, steep gorges, and lush birch forests. Follow your guide to board the scenic area’s shuttle bus to start the scenic exploration, and remember to secure a left window seat for beautiful views. You’ll drop by the birch forests, stroll through them, and glimpse the famous ‘couple trees’, a spruce and a graceful birch, towering side by side on the vast grassland. In autumn, the birch dons a dazzling golden robe, while the spruce remains evergreen and upright. Locals believe they are a couple, remaining devoted to each other through wind and rain. The bus finally stops at the Bell Mountain, a 365-meter (1,198-foot) high solitary granite peak shaped like an inverted giant bell, hence the name. Circle around it and capture the mountain’s full view and watch the sparkling Irtysh River bathed in the sunshine. 

After the visit, we’ll continue to drive for about 5 hours to Buerjin, a must-stop for travelers to the Altay region, especially to the Kanas Lake. Known as the "Fairytale Border Town", Buerjin borders Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia to the north and northeast respectively, which contributes up its diverse cultures. Kazakhs comprise 58% of the total population, and the streets are lined with colorful Russian-style architecture. After arrival, check in at a comfortable hotel, and then you can rest or stroll around on your own. It’s a good idea to go sightseeing at the local River Embankment Night Market, where you can not only browse the fresh produce and handicrafts, but also taste some savory local specialties, like the dogfish, the unique grilled cold-water fish, at your own expense.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Shangshi International Hotel (4 stars)

This morning, your guide and the driver will wait for you at the hotel and be ready to convoy you to Jiadengyu, about a 2-hour drive away. As a main gateway for Kanas Lake, Jiadengyu is located in a fault basin at the confluence of the Kanas River and the Hemu River, and its name is in honor of a mysterious hunter named Jiadeng, who always shared his prey with poor herders. Then your guide will accompany you to hop on the shuttle bus to Kanas Lake, dubbed China’s deepest glacial moraine dam lake, whose deepest part reaches about 188.5 meters (618 ft.). Catch a left seat and you can soak up the stunning vistas of the “Three Bays” of the lake: Moon Bay, Crouching Dragon Bay, and Immortal Bay, meandering like a green ribbon through the rolling mountains and forests. If you rise early, it is also possible to capture the mist-shrouded peaks and rivers.

★ Ride a Ferry to Take in Azure Kanas Lake’s Soul-stirring Beauty!

Upon arrival, go to the pier directly, and we’ve especially arranged a 40-minute ferry ride for you, exploring the mysterious sapphire lake at close distance. If it is sunny, the smooth, turquoise lake surface will shimmer with fine ripples under the sunshine, and occasionally a small boat glides by, drawing a snow-white tail of water. When it sails to the central lake, you can get out of the cabin and go to the deck for unbelievable photos. The glinting lake water displays different colors such as blue, green, and white, depending on the season, weather, and viewing angle.

Finish the cruise, and we’ll step on the 1,068 steps to climb up the Fish Viewing Pavilion, taking about 40 minutes, where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the emerald green waters, the surrounding mountains and dense forests. At the end of the day, enjoy the traditional Tuwa Tribe music and dance show in the village. Inhibited in the Kanas Lake area for generations, the tribe is said to be the Mongolian descendants of Genghis Khan. As the total population is less than 5,000, they do not constitute a "Tuwa ethnic group" but are simply called "Tuwa people." Though they don’t have their own language or intermarry with other ethnic groups, they are proud of their own culture and warmly welcome outsiders. Tonight, stay overnight in Jiadengyu.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: White Birch Forest Resort Hotel (4 stars)

This morning, the guide will accompany you to explore one of the most beautiful villages in China, Hemu Village. Located only 30 km (19 mi) east of the Kanas Lake, the secluded village is known as the “Private Land of God,” featuring pristine village scenery with rustic wooden houses scattered throughout, snow-crowned peaks, and unique Tuwa ethnic culture; this is one of the largest existing Tuwa villages in China. Follow the guide to stroll through the unique timber houses with pointed roofs. However, inside the house, the roof is flat, and the space between the flat and pointed roofs is used for storing food and fodder. You can also climb up to Hadeng Platform for an impressive panorama: wisps of smoke rise slowly from the wooden houses, mingling with the morning mist in the mountains, creating a tranquil and dreamlike atmosphere, like something out of a fairytale; in the distance, Hemu River flows through the plain surrounded by mountains, the snow-capped peaks are tinged with a warm orange hue by the rising sun, while the confluence of the Hemu and Kanas Rivers lies the Hemu Grassland, inhabited by animals such as red deer, marmots, and snowcocks. Finish the visit, and we’ll embark on a 4-hour road trip back to Buerjin for hotel check-in.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Shangshi International Hotel (4 stars)

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will meet you at the hotel lobby, and then escort you to Kuitun, which takes about 5.5 hours on the way. Drive through the vast Gobi desert, and you may witness a few small shrubs surviving on the endless stretches of saline-alkali land, barren yet possessing a tenacious vitality. There are also gray-black hills, resembling the moon's surface, and a magnificent array of windmills. En route, we’ll stop by the Ghost Town of the World, boasting the unique Yardang landform, which is formed under the long-term wind erosion and intermittent water erosion in the desert, creating mostly multi-tiered and undulating terrains, topped by isolated peaks of various shapes, as well as overlapping elongated, streamlined ridges of varying heights. The howling wind sounds like the whispers of ghosts, hence the name "Ghost Town". Explore inside, and you’ll find some bizarre rock formations like palaces, terraces, pavilions, fortresses, and animals or monsters. What’s more, you’ll experience China’s oilfield industry up close, learn about the mining culture, and take photos with a large group of oil well pumps!

► Warm Tips: Please note that there is nearly no shade in the scenic area, so be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid sunburn under the scorching sunlight. Also, remember to wear hard-soled shoes to avoid twisting your ankles on rustic unpaved tracks. 

Afterward, we’ll continue to head to Kuitun, a famous crossroad city in Xinjiang, a classic stop-off point for those sightseeing the Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop, offering a wide selection of delicious food with affordable prices, and clean streets. After hotel check-in, you can taste the local signature dish for dinner at your own expense, for example, the savory spicy Big Plate Chicken featuring tender stewed chicken cubes with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. A medium portion costs about CNY 70 (USD 10), enough for two people.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Haofeng International Grand Hotel (4 stars)

This morning, the guide will accompany you on an excursion to the Dushanzi Grand Canyon. Standing on the edge of the cliff, marvel at the deep ravines carved by rivers over millions of years. The multi-layered terraces and black and grey cliffs are like gigantic, ferocious scars spreading wildly across the earth. Soak up the desolate, majestic, and wild landscapes that strike straight to the soul. Walk along the wooden plank road to lower to the bottom of the canyon, where you can get a close-up view. There is also a cliffside cafe in the scenic area. If interested, sip a cup of coffee at your own expense while overlooking the dramatic folds.  

Then, we’ll continue a 4-hour journey to Urumqi. When the setting sun streams onto the Islamic-style architecture with earthen-yellow exterior, we’ll arrive at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar - the largest bazaar in China, located in the heart of Urumqi. The lively market recreates the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road, bringing together traditional handicrafts, ethnic costumes, fresh and dried fruits, local snacks, and ethnic song and dance performances. Follow your guide to take an elevator up to the striking Silk Road Sightseeing Tower, which stands at 88 meters (289 ft.) high. You can enjoy not only a sweeping view of the bustling market, but also look out at the snow-capped Heavenly Mountains in the distance. Later, walk down from the top slowly, and take in the exquisite murals and exhibitions showcasing the cultures of the 36 countries along the ancient Silk Road, including musical instruments, Kazakh houses, and sand paintings. Today’s itinerary just ends here and your guide will escort you to your hotel.

If you are still energetic enough, consider seeking out treasures at the vibrant market on your own and going back by taxi. As night falls, the enticing aroma of delicious food fills the air, and you can gorge on some excellent food, such as lamb skewers, grilled fish, yogurt-filled rice dumplings, pilaf, and milk tea. It is wise to bargain if you want to purchase some handicrafts and the nearby Jinquan Mall sells the same products at a fairer price.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Excemon Xinjiang Yilite Hotel

This day marks the tail end of your 8 days private Xinjiang tour. After breakfast, your guide and the driver will wait for you at the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport. Wish you a pleasant homeward journey! If you’d like to extend your trip to dive deep into the rich history of the ancient Silk Road in Kashgar of southern Xinjiang, or drive along the 561-kilometer-long stretch of China’s most scenic highway, Duku Highway, please let us know, and we can tailor an ideal trip for you!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast