11 Days in Depth Xinjiang Tour

Our driver and guide will wait for you at the airport terminal exit by holding a welcome sign with your name on it. Then you will be driven to the hotel and have a good rest. The rest of the day is free at your disposal. Accommodation: Mirage Hotel

After hotel breakfast, check out hotel in Urumqi and head to Yining County. On the way to Yining, we will stop by the Sayram Lake, a alpine lake lies in Tianshan Mountain which looks just like a blue Diamond. Even in summer the lake water keeps chilly cold due to its natural cold water source. Appreciating the natural beauty of Sayram Lake for a while and continue our way to Yining. Arriving in Yining County and check in local hotel. Accommodation: Yili Hotel

In the morning we will firstly visit the Yili Rivr Bridge, the largest highway bridge in Xinjiang. Each evening in summer, people will gather on the bridge to see the beautiful sunset and the bridge is also loved by shutterbugs and is regarded as romantic dating spot by local lovers. After short stop at Yili River Bridge we will head for Narat Grassland to appreciate the beauty of mountain meadow. Narat Grassland is the important summer pasture for local people. If you travel in summer you will see horse herds wondering around the pasture. Not faraway from the horse herds are dotted Kazak huts and Kazak people. After the whole days tour, stay overnight at the local guest house of typical local taste. Accommodation: The Local Guest House

The excursion today will take you to Bayanbulak Grassland where the Swan Lake lies. Bayabbulak Grassland is the second largest grassland following Ordos Grassland in Inner Mongolia. The grassland covers an area of 23838 km2 with an altitude of 2500 meters. Embraced by sown mountains the grassland is regarded as Shangri-La by local people. The ideal natural environment, luxuriant plant and water breed large quantities of swans. The Swan Lake here is the largest swan habitat in China. in the evening drive to White Swan Guest House for rest and stay overnight there. Accommodation: White Swan Guest House

After Chinese style breakfast in guest house we will start for Kuqa. In Kuqa we will visit Dragon Lake first. The lake is featured on the local agricultural culture, local conditions and customs, human landscape, and patriotism education. Then we will had for the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon. The canyon is formed by millions of years’ effect of wind and rain erosion. It presents all typical natural landscapes in Xinjiang except for dessert and is regarded as the natural museum of nomad culture. Finishing walking in the grand canyon we will check in hotel in Kuqa. Accommodation: Kuqa International Hotel

After Chinese style breakfast we will head for the featured Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, the oldest Buddhist art treasure trove in China, started building around the 3rd century, even one century earlier than the renowned Mogao Grottoes. The Buddhist caves will also tell us some facts of ancient Subashi Kingdom and the Buddhist culture in ancient time. After that pay a visit to local Bazaar to learn about daily life facts of ordinary people. Back to hotel. Accommodation: Kuqa International Hotel

Check out hotel after breakfast we will drive through Taklamkan Dessert and travel to Korla. You will witness the grand beauty of the largest dessert in China. Arriving in Korla we will visit the Tiemen Pass which used to be the crucial military forth in ancient time. The pass was also the important spot on ancient Silk Road in the Han and the Tang Dynasty. In the evening check in local hotel.Accommodation: Loulan Hotel

In the morning transfer from Korla to Turpan, checking in local hotel and enjoy easy ans free day. Accommodation: Tuha Petroleum Hotel

Today’s sightseeing covering Jiaohe Ruins in the morning. Jiaohe Ruins was once the biggest and oldest city built on rammed earth, dating back to 2nd century BC. Then, continue the tour to the Karez Well– an amazing underground irrigation system which made Turpan a rich oasis. The last stop will be Sugong Pagoda, the largest existed ancient Islamic pagoda in Xinjiang. Then back to hotel. Back to hotel. Accommodation: Tuha Petroleum Hotel

In the morning we will visit Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Cave, a series of caves with thousands of Buddhism murals. The vivid murals show many Buddhism figures, stories, and the social life about 1,000 years ago. Next continue to visit Gaochang Ruins, a fascinating site determined to be dating back to 1st century BC. The murals there tells live facts of ancient Gaochang Kingdom royal life. Then driving by Flaming Hill we will head for Urumqi. Arriving in Urumqi check in hotel. Accommodation: Mirage Hotel

According to the flight time, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to airport for your homeward flight. Hope the 11 days in depth Xinjiang tour leaves you an impressive and pleasant memory.