[Light Luxury Edition] Double Lake Snow Play 8 Days: Urumqi + Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake

[Premium Edition: Two Lakes & Snow Play 8 Days] Urumqi + Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake. A slow-paced Northern Xinjiang itinerary focused on relaxation, connecting Kanas, Hemu, Duku Highway's Devil City, and Sayram Lake. Ideal for travelers seeking to unwind and enjoy the snow. Covers Urumqi, Burqin, Kanas, Hemu, and Wuerhe over 8 days and 7 nights.

Highlights

• Desert Highway: Traverse Desert Highway S21, with distant views of Ulungur Lake and the海上 Devil City (Yadan landforms), experiencing the vastness where desert meets snowfields.
• Slow Travel in HemuSpend a day in Hemu without a set agenda: zone out in your cabin, sip milk tea, watch the snow, and savor the slow pace of life.
• Xuecun AccommodationStay in a standard room within Hemu Scenic Area for morning views of wooden cottages with rising smoke and the sunrise over the snow village, minimizing travel time.
• Kanas Winter SceneryTour Kanas Lake, Immortal Bay, Sleeping Dragon Bay, and Crescent Bay. Enjoy snow mushrooms, rime ice, and the blue river bend.
• Devil's City: Visit Wuhai Ghost City. Take the shuttle bus to admire the wind-eroded yardan landforms, where winter snow adds a vast, desolate beauty to the mounds.
• Cerulean Ice of Sayram LakeLake Sayram loop tour: view ice bubbles, blue ice, and snow-capped mountain reflections. Winter sightings often include swans and small foxes.
• Light Snow Hiking: Embark on a light snow trek to visit a forest hermit's cabin, traverse the snowy plains and taiga forests, and immerse yourself in the serene winter landscape.
• Snowy Travel PhotographyComplimentary Hemu Light Travel Photography Package: Includes 6 professionally retouched photos and all original images included. Makeup, styling, and wardrobe are not included.
• Small Group TravelSmall group tour for 2 to 6 people in a 7-seat, 1+1 first-class vehicle with space for 28-inch suitcases. Relaxed itinerary pace.

Trip Overview

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Gather in Urumqi

Accommodation: Urumqi Ctrip 4-Star

Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be transferred by our staff to a downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free and independent; private vehicle service is not included.

You may visit the Regional Museum, International Grand Bazaar, or Hetian No. 2 Night Market at your own expense.

Daily ReminderXinjiang is about two hours behind the rest of China in time; Beijing Time is observed. Urumqi Airport is approximately 30 km from the city center, with a driving time of around 40 minutes. Museum visits require advance reservation; closed on Mondays.

Day 2 · Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Tour of Wulungu Lake – Burqin

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Bojina Ctrip 4-Star

08:00-14:00 Proceed toward Burqin along Highway S21, enjoying views of the desert and snow-capped mountains, with distant vistas of Ulungur Lake.

Passing through the Yardang landform area known as the "Sea Devil's City." In winter, snow-covered mounds are visible only from a distance through the car windows.

14:00-17:00 After lunch, continue along S21 Desert Highway to Burqin County.

17:00-19:30 Arrive in Burqin. You may visit the famous Burqin Bridge and admire the Russian-style architecture at night.

Daily Reminder: Approximately 590 km, about 8.5 hours of driving. Please bring your own snacks. No stops at Tuo Guan scenic spots; the driver has no obligation to provide information. In winter, roads may be covered with ice and snow; please take care to avoid slipping when getting off the vehicle.

Day 3 · Burqin → Kanas → Hemu Bonfire Party (Open to Arrangement) → Hemu

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

AccommodationHemu Scenic Area: Standard Room with Private Bathroom

08:00-09:00 Enjoy a free breakfast at the hotel in Burqin, check your luggage, and depart for Kanas.

09:00-15:30 Head to Kanas Scenic Area, tour Kanas Lake, and visit Shenshan Bay, Wolong Bay, and Yueliang Bay.

15:30-20:00 Ride to Hemu Scenic Area, enjoying the snow-covered Altai Mountains along the way.

20:00-21:30 Check-in at the homestay; dinner is on your own. In the evening, you may attend the Hemu bonfire party, subject to availability.

Daily ReminderSnow depth is high and roads are slippery; do not cross the forest or ice areas on your own. Strong snow glare: sunglasses recommended. Facilities in park cabins are limited; avoid bathing to prevent catching a cold.

Day 4 · Hemu → Jikeqin Ski Resort (ski pass not included) → Hemu Light Photo Shoot → Burqin

DiningBreakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included.

Accommodation: Bojina Ctrip 4-Star

07:00-10:00 Optional early morning hike to the viewpoint for sunrise, or a leisurely walk in the birch grove by the river.

You may choose to visit Jikepulinq Ski Resort at your own expense for lift tickets and equipment. Please prioritize safety while skiing.

Complimentary Hemu Light Travel Photography Package: Includes 6 professionally retouched photos with all raw images included. Makeup, styling, and costumes not included. Capture natural moments in the snowy village.

10:00-16:00 Optional snow and ice activities within Hemu Village are available at your own expense. Please choose according to your preferences and stay warm.

16:00-20:00 Drive to Burqin, check in upon arrival, and have dinner on your own.

Daily ReminderThe distance from Hemu to Burqin is approximately 180 km; travel on winding, icy roads may be slow. Please purchase insurance in advance for skiing and proceed within your limits. Outdoor temperatures are low; please keep electronic devices warm.

Day 5: Bojinxu — Wuerhe Ghost City — Kuitun

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

AccommodationKuitun Ctrip 4-Diamond

08:00-09:00 Breakfast at hotel, depart for Wuhai Ghost City at 09:30.

13:00-14:00 Enjoy a self-guided lunch near the scenic area, take a short break, and then continue your tour.

14:30-17:00 After purchasing tickets, take the transfer bus to explore the Devil's City Yadan landform and view formations such as "Eagle Spreading Wings" and "Heavenly Dog Gazing at the Moon."

17:00-21:00 Drive to Kuitun, with a distant view of the 100-mile Karamay Oilfield along the way.

21:30-22:00 Arrive in Kuqun, check into the hotel, settle your luggage, and rest to prepare for the next day's itinerary.

Daily Reminder: During peak hours, the shuttle bus queue may take approximately 1 to 2 hours. ; The left side of the shuttle offers a wider scenic view. ; The Hundred-Mile Oilfield is a drive-through tour with no stops.

Day 6: Kuitun to Sayram Lake

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

AccommodationSayram Lake Apartments - Standard Room with Private Bathroom

08:00-08:30 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Sayram Lake from 08:30.

13:30-19:00 Visit Sayram Lake to admire blue ice, ice bubbles, and snow-capped mountains. Keep an eye out for swans and foxes by the lake.

19:30-20:00 Check into accommodation near Sayram Lake Scenic Area and enjoy dinner at your own discretion.

Daily ReminderWindy by the lake—bring gloves, a scarf, and a down jacket. Do not skate on the lake until it is fully frozen. Ice bubbles and ice pushes are weather-dependent and cannot be guaranteed.

Day 7: Sayram Lake – Urumqi

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: 5-star hotel near Urumqi Grand Bazaar

09:00-09:30 Sleep in, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack your bags, and check out.

09:30-11:00 Binhai Sayram Lake: Stroll along the lake to Moon Bay, without circumnavigating.

11:00-19:00 Drive back to Urumqi, enjoy the scenery along the way, and have a light meal on your own during the trip.

19:00-19:30 Check into Urumqi hotel, free time, dinner at own expense, then rest.

Daily ReminderApprox. 580 km, 8 hours driving. Please bring your own snacks. Morning temperatures by the lake are low; dress warmly for sunrise viewing.

Day 8: Urumqi to Various Destinations (Airport Drop-off)

We'll arrange your airport transfer based on the flight schedule. The happy time has passed quickly, concluding this Xinjiang journey.

Please check out before 14:00. Additional charges for late checkout are your responsibility. Please inspect your belongings before departure.

Daily ReminderCheck your luggage and documents before checkout to avoid leaving anything behind.

Included Fees

• Transportation: 7 seats in 1 + 1 first-class vehicles. One seat per person guaranteed. Driver acts as guide; driver's meals and accommodation included.
• Accommodation: 1 nights in a standard room at Hemu Scenic Area, 4 nights at a 4-Diamond Ctrip hotel, 1 nights in a standard room near the East Gate of Sayram Lake, and 1 nights at a 5-star hotel close to Grand Bazaar.
• Tickets: Hemu ticket and shuttle bus, Kanas ticket and shuttle bus, Sayram Lake self-drive pass, Wuerhe Ghost City ticket and shuttle bus.
• Driver: Full-service driver included with meals and accommodation; basic commentary available.
• Meals: Breakfast included in the hotel; breakfast not included in Hemu accommodation. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
• Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance.
• Children: Child rate covers transportation only. Tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, and breakfast are not included.

Not included in the price

• No meals included throughout the tour.
• Cost of entertainment activities within the scenic area.
• Additional costs due to force majeure events such as traffic delays, weather conditions, or flight cancellations.
• In-room laundry, telephone charges, beverages, tobacco, and alcohol.

Gift Items

• Hemu Light Travel Photoshoot: 15 raw images included, 6 professionally retouched. Makeup and wardrobe not included.

Booking Terms

• Each passenger is limited to one 28-inch suitcase and 1 backpack(s) per person due to limited trunk space.
• Actual vehicle model is subject to daily schedule. For carpooling, seats are rotated daily among passengers.
• Group from 2 to 6 people. Minimum 2 to depart, maximum 6. No screening of group members' information.
• Solo travelers are prioritized for room sharing. No single supplement charged if a roommate cannot be found; solo accommodation requires payment of the single supplement.
• This tour is self-guided. The driver handles pickup coordination, safe driving, and provides basic commentary.
• Pregnant women, infants under 3, and seniors aged 75 and above are not accepted for group tours. Participants aged 70 to 74 must provide a health certificate and be accompanied by a relative under 60.
• Leaving the tour midway forfeits your remaining itinerary. Refunds are limited to unused fees; transportation costs are non-refundable.
• We recommend not booking return flights or train tickets for the day of your group departure.
• No refunds for complimentary items missed due to weather or personal reasons.
• If the road from Burqin to Jia dengyu is closed due to rain or snow, the itinerary will be adjusted to Altay or surrounding scenic areas in Burqin. No refund for transportation fees.
• Winter snowfall may lead to mountain closures or traffic restrictions. Travel agencies may adjust the itinerary sequence or activate alternative plans.

The itinerary is subject to change; the final confirmation sent before departure will prevail. For adjustments to duration, group size, or pace, please contact your consultant to customize a tailored plan.