A north Xinjiang tour covers lakes, grasslands and the Tianshan range in one continuous arc, linking Urumqi's bazaars with Altay's alpine villages. Because distances are long and roads cross deserts and mountains, a private vehicle and a driver who knows the seasonal routes matter more here than in most of China.
Starting in Urumqi
The trip begins in the regional capital, where Hongshan Park sits in the city centre. The crimson-red hill carries the Hongshan Tower, and the climb to the top gives a clear view over the skyline. Below, the International Grand Bazaar runs through the old town with handwoven carpets, silk, dried fruit and spices, and Islamic-style arcades. Xinjiang Ethnic Street is the place to watch Uyghur, Kazakh and other groups at work in handicraft workshops and folk performances. For meals, head to Hetian Second Street, where vendors bake samsa and pilaf and grill spicy chicken from early morning onward. Two nights in Urumqi gives you time to acclimatise before the long drives north.
Crossing the Gurbantünggüt Desert
North of the capital, the S21 Desert Highway stretches 300 kilometres straight through the Gurbantünggüt Desert. The road cuts across golden dunes and open gravel plains, and camels occasionally appear along the shoulder. This is a driving day with few stops, so expect six to eight hours behind the wheel depending on traffic. The scenery changes quickly at the far end, where the land flattens toward Ulungur Lake.
Ulungur Lake and Beitun
Ulungur Lake is called the "Desert Pearl" of northern Xinjiang: a wide sheet of water meeting a low horizon, with reed beds along the shore in summer. Birdwatchers come for migratory flocks in spring and autumn; in winter, local ice-fishing is the main activity. The lakeside walking is flat and easy, with no significant altitude gain. Beitun, a short drive away, sits on the Irtysh River and serves as the practical gateway toward Kanas, blending reclamation-era history with Kazakh culture. One night in Beitun keeps the schedule comfortable.
Altay City and the Ahe Highway
Altay City is the northernmost hub on this route and the base for the final leg. From here the Ahe Highway runs 208 kilometres to Hemu Village, climbing through forests, grasslands and wetlands. Locals call it Xinjiang's most beautiful road, and each season changes the colour: wildflowers in summer, birch and larch turning gold in autumn, snow on the ridges in winter. The drive takes a full day with photo stops, and the higher sections can feel cool even in July.
Kanas and Hemu Village
Jiadengyu marks the entrance to the Kanas scenic area, with alpine meadows, clear streams and livestock grazing at moderate altitude. From there, Kanas Lake appears with turquoise water, snow-capped peaks and birch forest along the shore. Tuvan villages sit close to the lake, and trails around the water range from short lakeside walks to longer routes into the surrounding hills. Hemu Village, a Tuvan settlement of log cabins, is quieter still; autumn brings golden forest, while winter covers the cabins in snow. Two nights here allow for a relaxed morning walk and time to adjust to the altitude.
Devil's City, Huyanghe and the return
On the way back, Devil's City displays one of China's largest Yardang landforms, wind-carved into shapes that resemble ruins; during storms the rocks produce an eerie sound. Huyanghe City, at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, is known for its golden poplar forests in autumn and for its reclamation history. Kuitun functions as a transport hub where the route rejoins the main road south. The Tianshan range stays in view for much of this stretch, framing the return to Urumqi.
Practical notes
- Seven to ten nights suits this itinerary; fewer than seven means long driving days and short stays in Kanas.
- Summer brings the most accessible roads and warm days, but nights near Kanas and Hemu stay cool — pack layers regardless of season.
- Walking is mostly flat around lakes and grasslands; the Hemu and Kanas trails gain elevation gradually and can be muddy after rain.
- Cash is useful in smaller towns and bazaars, and passport documents are checked at entry points to the Kanas scenic area.
Planning a private tour
A private north Xinjiang tour lets you set the pace at each stop and adjust for weather, road conditions and the season you travel. Our itineraries cover the full arc from Urumqi's bazaars through the desert highway, Ulungur Lake, Altay and the Kanas highlands. Contact us to discuss the route and the number of nights that work for your group.
Plan your trip
Design a private itinerary: WhatsApp +852 8401 4526