5-6
Spring · Sea of Flowers
Yili Lavender Estate and Prairie Flower Season
Xinjiang China International Travel Service · Northern Xinjiang Special RouteDiscover the Beauty of Xinjiang
Discover the Beauty of Xinjiang
Customize Your Journey
From the shores of Kanas Lake to the grasslands of Ili, from morning mist in Hemu to the Duku Highway. Xinjiang China International Travel Agency helps you experience all four seasons of Northern Xinjiang with a well-planned, relaxed itinerary.
Business hours: 09:00 - 18:00. Responses are provided in order of submission. Consultation on solutions is free of charge.
Spring: Flower Fields · Summer: Grasslands · Autumn: Golden Birch Forests · Winter: Snowy PlainsView RoutePre-trip Guide
- Northern Xinjiang
- Kanas, Hemu, Ili, and Altay
- Small Group Tours
- Small groups and custom options available for greater flexibility.
- Dedicated Account Manager
- Confirm itinerary and travel pace item by item
- Formal Agreement
- Clear breakdown of contract terms and fees
Four Seasons of Northern Xinjiang
When to visit Northern Xinjiang and what scenery to see
The North covers different highlights each season. Choose the right time to see it at its best.
6-8
Summer · Grasslands
Nalati and Kalajun are in full green bloom.
9-10
Autumn · Golden Birch
Altay and Hemu's forests ablaze with autumn colors
12-2
Winter · Snowfield
Kanas Snow Village and Hemu Morning Mist
Best Sellers
All RoutesPremium Northern Xinjiang Itineraries & Attractions
Explore classic routes and scenic spots in Kanas, Ili, Altay, and more. Browse by category to choose freely.
Luxury EditionWinter 5 days, 4 nightsDepart from Altay
Altay Winter Film 5 Day
Altay · Kanas · Hemu
7 First Class seats 1+1View itinerary
Luxury EditionWinter 6 days, 5 nightsDepart from Altay
Altai Winter Realm 6 Days
Altay · Baihaba · Kanas · Hemu
7 First Class seats 1+1View itinerary
Luxury EditionWinter 6 days, 5 nightsDepart from Yining
Winter Romance for 6 Days
Yining · Sayram Lake · Kurdeng · Nalati
7 First Class seats 1+1View itinerary
Light Luxury EditionWinter 7 days, 6 nightsDeparting from Urumqi
Double Lakes Winter Charm 7 Days
Urumqi · Altay · Kanas · Hemu · Sayram Lake
7 First Class seats 1+1View itinerary
Luxury EditionWinter 7 days, 6 nightsDeparting from Urumqi
Altay Joyland 7 Days
Urumqi · Altay · Baihaba · Kanas · Hemu
7 First Class seats 1+1View itinerary
Light Luxury EditionWinter 8 days, 7 nightsDeparting from Urumqi
Snow-Reflecting Twin Lakes 8 Days
Urumqi · Altay · Baihaba · Kanas · Hemu
7 First Class seats 1+1View itinerary
Can't decide which line to choose?
Share your travel dates, group size, and preferences with a consultant to customize a perfectly paced itinerary including routes, accommodations, and transportation.
Why Choose Us
Leave your Northern Xinjiang journey to the pros.
From route design to execution, we monitor every detail for you.
Full coverage of Northern Xinjiang routes
Classic destinations like Kanas, Ili, and Altay with flexible trip durations and customizable themes.
Local expert team
Led by experienced guides and drivers familiar with Northern Xinjiang's roads and seasonal conditions for a more relaxed itinerary.
Official certification guarantee
Contracted rides, clear pricing—transparent trips and costs.
Deep Experience Design
Balances iconic landmarks with hidden gems—no rush-and-run sightseeing.
Must-Read Before You Go
All GuidesNorthern Xinjiang Travel Guide
Research seasons, routes, local cuisine, and key tips before you travel.
Trending TopicsFirst Trip to Xinjiang: 12 Common Questions
Answering the 12 most common questions for first-time travelers to Xinjiang: seasons, duration, arrival city, documents, clothing, pace, budget, and safety.
2026.11.09Book1minutesRead full article
Attraction OverviewHow to confirm the opening hours of attractions in Xinjiang
Park hours vary by season, weather, and maintenance. Learn how to check opening times before departure, what details to verify, and how to adjust your itinerary if a park closes unexpectedly—all explained in one guide.
2026.11.08Book1minutesRead full article
Travel GuideLoop vs. Round Trip: How to Choose Your Xinjiang Route
Choose between a loop that minimizes backtracking but requires daily hotel changes, or an out-and-back route with steady pacing but repeated travel segments. Base your decision on accommodation frequency, luggage handling, and weather contingency plans.
2026.11.08Book1minutesRead full article
Pre-travel PreparationHow to budget for Xinjiang ticket and shuttle bus fees
Break out ticket, shuttle bus, sightseeing car, and guide fees separately. Estimate 2–3 paid stops per day to avoid running short on budget upon arrival at the scenic area.
2026.11.08Book1minutesRead full article
Transportation & TravelHow to combine Xinjiang city entry and exit: Four landing cities
How to combine Urumqi, Yining, Kashgar, and Altay for arrival and departure? Which itineraries suit round-trip within the same city versus one-way travel between different cities?
2026.11.08Book1minutesRead full article
Attraction OverviewHow to Choose Xinjiang Attractions: Based on Stamina and Shuttle Bus Availability
How to pick attractions for the same trip: Group them by walking distance, number of shuttle transfers, and shortest stay time. This helps create comfortable itineraries tailored to different fitness levels.
2026.11.08Book1minutesRead full article
After reading the guide, you still need help with the order.
Send us your desired attractions and travel duration. Our consultants will provide actionable itinerary suggestions based on the season, road conditions, and accommodation availability.
Featured Destinations
All AttractionsPopular Attractions in Xinjiang
From Kashgar Old City to the Pamir Mountains, Tianchi Grand Canyon, and desert poplars—circle your must-visit spots first.
Kashgar Old City
5A-rated national scenic area preserving rich Uyghur traditional architecture and cultural ambiance.
KashgarView attractions
Karez
Karez, an underground irrigation system unique to Turpan, is one of the three great ancient Chinese engineering projects alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal.
Northern XinjiangView attractions
Lop Nur Village
Located in Yuli County, showcasing the unique desert lifestyle and folk culture of the Lop people.
Southern XinjiangView attractions
Golden Grass Beach
Tashkurgan River Valley Wetland, lush with grass and water, is an ideal spot for viewing the scenery of the Pamir Plateau.
KashgarView attractions
Shache Royal Tombs
Yarkant Khan's Mausoleum: A testament to the rich history and brilliant culture of southern Xinjiang.
KashgarView attractions
Wensu Grand Canyon
A red sandstone canyon in the Tianshan Mountains, known for its unique and spectacular landforms, is called a "living museum of geological evolution."
Southern XinjiangView attractions
Trust & Endorsement
Leave your itinerary to those who know the land.
From contracts and insurance to execution, every step has a dedicated owner and is fully transparent.
Contracted Ride
Sign the travel contract after confirming the itinerary. The itinerary and cost breakdown will be itemized in detail.
Qualifications & Insurance
Operated by a licensed travel agency with liability and accident insurance configured per itinerary.
Transparent pricing
All fees are clearly stated upfront; no hidden charges during the trip.
Local Team
Our lead guides and drivers are based in Northern Xinjiang, with deep knowledge of local roads, seasonal conditions, and supply points along the route.
Traveled through Northern Xinjiang with your parents for 8 days. Our consultant kept daily driving times within a comfortable range, so the trip wasn't rushed for the seniors. We also pre-confirmed all accommodations along the route.
We received many specific answers to questions about border permits, weather, and road conditions before departure, along with backup plans. Last-minute itinerary adjustments were also handled smoothly.
A few people chartered a car to explore Yili. The driver knows off-the-beaten-path photography spots, reroutes proactively when roadwork occurs, and coordinates the daily schedule in advance for a hassle-free experience.
The above summarizes guest feedback. Actual itineraries and experiences may vary based on travel dates, group size, and route selected.
Pre-travel Q&A
Common Travel Questions
Seasons, duration, fees, and required documents: let's address the most common questions first.
When is the best time to visit Northern Xinjiang? What can you see in each season?
5-6: Ili grasslands turn green and lavender blooms; 6-8: Grasslands and lakes are at their most scenic—ideal for Kanas, Hemu, and Nalati; 9-10: Altai forests display vibrant autumn colors; 12 to next 2: Snowscapes in Kanas and Hemu. Road conditions and site availability vary by season, so confirm your itinerary based on travel month.
How many days are recommended for Kanas and Hemu?
Starting from Urumqi, allocate 4-5 days for a relaxed trip to Kanas and Hemu, including transit via Burqin or Jiadengyu. If combining with Yili or other Altay destinations, plan 7-10 days total to minimize long-distance backtracking.
Group tour, private car, or customized? How to choose?
Small group tours suit travelers seeking convenience and a synchronized schedule. Private car charters are ideal for families or friends who want flexibility to adjust their stay duration. Custom itineraries are tailored specifically to your group size, budget, and interests. Our consultants will provide recommendations based on your trip duration and travel companions.
What items are typically included in the fees?
The standard package includes transportation, accommodation, admission fees to listed attractions, and services from the tour leader or driver during the itinerary. Specific details are subject to the itinerary and contract. Round-trip travel, some meals, personal expenses, and unlisted items are generally excluded. All exclusions will be clearly explained before signing.
Do I need a border pass to visit Baihaba and Tashkurgan?
A Border Management Permit is required for border areas such as Baihaba and Tashkurgan. You can obtain this permit in advance at your place of household registration or upon arrival, or we can assist with guidance on required documents and timelines once your itinerary is confirmed. Please note that specific requirements are subject to local regulations at the time of travel.
Will I experience altitude sickness in Northern Xinjiang? Can elderly people and children participate?
Most itineraries in northern Xinjiang have low elevations, though some sections of the Kanas and Pamir Plateau routes are at higher altitudes. We recommend taking it easy and resting upon arrival. Elderly travelers and children are welcome, but please inform us of their ages and health conditions in advance so we can adjust driving times, accommodations, and activity intensity accordingly.
How does the booking process work?
Contact us via online chat or phone to share your travel dates, group size, and preferences. Our consultant will provide a tailored itinerary and quote. Once confirmed, sign the travel contract and pay the deposit to secure your spot. Pay the remaining balance before departure and receive your travel instructions.
Can I cancel or modify my booking if something urgent comes up?
Cancellations and changes are handled according to the tourism contract and actual losses incurred for flights, accommodation, vehicles, etc. We recommend communicating early; your consultant will assist in minimizing avoidable costs. During peak seasons, resources are limited, and cancellation/change policies are governed by the terms confirmed at signing.
Online Support
Tell us your travel plans
Enter your travel dates, number of travelers, and preferences. Our consultant will curate suitable itineraries based on the season and road conditions. Alternatively, reach out via phone or WeChat Work.
Fast response during business hours
Mon-Sun 09:00 - 18:00 Leave a message; we'll reply in order of submission.
One-on-one consultation with an advisor
Get advice from a Xinjiang expert who tailors recommendations based on the season and road conditions.
Information is for communication purposes only.
Contact information will be used solely to respond to this inquiry and for no other purpose.
What does the plan include?
Itinerary pace recommendations, accommodation and transportation guidance, ticket booking reminders, and cost breakdown.
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