2027 Northern and Southern Xinjiang, Route Without the Duku Highway — 16 Days

Board the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express, go on a cultural journey along the Silk Road, and enjoy a leisurely and elegant time on the train.

Today’s event: [Welcome Ceremony] [Cultural Salon]

The Urumqi itinerary is set up to choose between two theme lines A and B. Once selected, the itinerary cannot cross the lines.

Line A: [Xinjiang Museum] [Sweat Horse Base]

[Morning] The train arrived in Urumqi.

[Afternoon] Enter the [Xinjiang Museum] and follow famous historians to interpret the Silk Road cultural relics in depth to unlock the thousand-year civilization of the Western Regions; check in to the purebred [Sweat Blood Horse Base] and watch equestrian stunt performances.

and then return to the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express and head to [Altay].

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Note:If the Xinjiang Museum is regularly closed during the itinerary, it will be replaced by [Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar]

Line B: [Heavenly Lake of Tianshan]

[Morning] The train arrived in Urumqi.

[Afternoon] Go to [Heavenly Lake of Tianshan] (about 70 kilometers away, about 1 hour's drive), take the scenic express train to visit the "Human Yaochi" and overlook the majestic snow peaks of Bogda.

and then return to the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express and head to [Altay].

Local car: 2+1 land first class

On the 4th to 6th day, the Altay itinerary has three themed lines A, B, and C. Only one line can be selected for each section of the itinerary. After selection, this section of the itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway. (If you choose Line C in the Altay section of the itinerary, you will need to pay an additional trip fee of ≈ USD 893.50 per person)

Line A: [Ahe Highway] [Hemu]

[Morning] Walking through the [Ahe Highway] in Altay, known as the "Thousand Miles Gallery" (distance 240 kilometers, about 6 hours' drive), the scenery along the way is picturesque.

Special note: If the route is inaccessible due to special weather conditions, policy controls, etc., other routes will be changed to Hemu.

[Afternoon] Head north to [Hemu] and encounter the beautiful ancient Chinese villages known as God’s private land.

After dinner, check into the hotel and rest.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Accommodation: Hemu High-end B&B

Meals: Altay style breakfast; grassland camp meal; Hemu style meal

Line B: [Hemu Village] [Forest Experience Activities]

[Morning] After enjoying the local [Kazakh breakfast] in Altay, take the bus to [Hemu Village].

[Afternoon] Walking into the Hemu Forest Valley, a special [Forest Experience Activity] will take you to explore interesting things about the native mountains and wilds of Altai. There will be tea banquets in the forest, so you can pause during the long journey.

Local car: 2+1 land first class, direct train to scenic spots

Accommodation: Hemu High-end B&B

Meal: Altay style breakfast; Hemu style meal; Hemu style meal

Line C: [Ahe Highway] [Hemu]

[Morning] Walking through the [Ahe Highway] in Altay, known as the "Thousand Miles Gallery" (distance 240 kilometers, about 6 hours' drive), the scenery along the way is picturesque.

Special note: If the route is inaccessible due to special weather conditions, policy controls, etc., other routes will be changed to Hemu.

[Afternoon] Head north to [Hemu] and encounter the beautiful ancient Chinese villages known as God’s private land.

After dinner, check into the hotel and rest.

Local vehicle: off-road vehicle

Accommodation: Hemu Holiday, Hemu Conrad or similar class

Meals: Altay style breakfast; grassland camp meal; Hemu style meal

On the 4th to 6th day, the Altay itinerary has three themed lines A, B, and C. Only one line can be selected for each section of the itinerary. After selection, this section of the itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway. (If you choose Line C in the Altay section of the itinerary, you will need to pay an additional trip fee of ≈ USD 893.50 per person)

Line A: [Hemu Village] [Kanas] [Cruise Activities] [Tuva Private Concert]

[Morning] Stroll through the Tuwa village [Hemu], wander through the clear Hemu River Valley, and enjoy the scenery of alpine grasslands, ancient Hemu Bridges and original Tuwa wooden houses.

[Afternoon] Take a bus to [Kanas] (distance 80 kilometers, about 2 hours’ drive), go boating on Kanas Lake, enjoy the reflection of snow peaks in the clear water, and be immersed in the beautiful lake environment.

[Evening] A [Tuva Private Concert], let us listen to the heartbeat of a nation.

Local car: 2+1 land first class, direct train to scenic spots

Accommodation: Kanas high-end B&B

Meals: hotel breakfast; Hemu special meal; Kanas-style meal

Line B: [Tiejia Highway] [Kanas] [Baihaba]

[Morning] Head to Kanas along the [Tiejia Highway] (distance 200 kilometers, about 6 hours' drive), connecting snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands along the way, avoiding the crowds and enjoying the quiet gallery alone.

Pass through the northwest village [Baihaba] and stop at the [China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon] to unlock the unique and magnificent scenery of the border.

Special note: If the route is inaccessible due to special weather conditions, policy controls, etc., other routes will be changed to Kanas.

Local car: 2+1 land first class, direct train to scenic spots

Accommodation: Kanas high-end B&B

Meals: hotel breakfast; Altay-style meal; Kanas-style meal

Line C: [Tiejia Highway] [Kanas] [Naren Ranch] [Baihaba] [China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon]

[Morning] Rush to [Kanas] along the [Tiejia Highway] (distance 200 kilometers, about 6 hours’ drive), enjoying the magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang intertwined with snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands.

Go deep into the secret place [Naren Ranch], ride through the original plateau basin, enter the quiet Kazakh summer pasture, and immerse yourself in the original ecological scenery of the Altai Mountains.

Seasonal limited sceneries: 5 - 9 In the month, you can encounter the grand scene of herdsmen transitioning, and watch the majestic scenes of horse teams leading the way and cattle and sheep roaming the Linhai Valley; in other seasons, visit the nomadic yurts and admire the secret landscape of the summer grassland with flowers everywhere and long grass waves, and exclusively enjoy the poetry of the Altai Mountains.

[Afternoon] Pass through the northwest village [Bahaba], stop at the [China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon], and unlock the unique and magnificent scenery of the border. Arrive at [Kanas] and check into the B&B.

Special note: Naren Ranch belongs to the border management area, and most of them are pastoral roads. They are often closed or impassable due to weather conditions (especially not in summer). If the road is closed, please take a detour and leave.

Local vehicle: off-road vehicle

Accommodation: Kanas high-end B&B

Meals: hotel breakfast; simple meal for grassland herdsmen; Kanas-style meal

On the 4th to 6th day, the Altay itinerary has three themed lines A, B, and C. Only one line can be selected for each section of the itinerary. After selection, this section of the itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway. (If you choose Line C in the Altay section of the itinerary, you will need to pay an additional trip fee of ≈ USD 893.50 per person)

Line A & Line B: [Kanas Three Bays] [Cold Water Fish Feast]

[Morning] Take the scenic through train to explore the [Three Bays of Kanas] and enjoy the misty clouds of Shenxian Bay, the graceful water of Moon Bay, and the clear water of Wolong Bay.

[Afternoon] Drive to Burqin (160 kilometers away, about 1.5 hours by car) and enjoy the scenery along the way in northern Xinjiang. Taste the intangible cultural heritage [Cold Water Fish Feast] based on the original cold water system of the Irtysh River and thousands of years of fishing and hunting skills.

Afterwards, go to Beitun Station (90 kilometers away, about 1.5 hours’ drive) and take the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express to [Yining].

Local car: 2+1 land first class, direct train to scenic spots

Line C: [Kanas Three Bays] [Cold Water Fish Feast]

[Morning] Take the scenic through train to explore the [Three Bays of Kanas] and enjoy the misty clouds of Shenxian Bay, the graceful water of Moon Bay, and the clear water of Wolong Bay.

[Afternoon] Drive to Burqin (160 kilometers away, about 1.5 hours by car) and enjoy the scenery along the way in northern Xinjiang. Taste the intangible cultural heritage [Cold Water Fish Feast] based on the original cold water system of the Irtysh River and thousands of years of fishing and hunting skills.

Afterwards, go to Beitun Station (90 kilometers away, about 1.5 hours’ drive) and take the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express to [Yining].

Local vehicle: off-road vehicle

On the 7th to 11th day, the Yili + Kuqa itinerary is set up with three theme lines A, B, and C. Each itinerary can only select one line. After selection, this itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A & Line B: [Sayram Lake]

[Morning] Take a bus from Yining to [Sailim Lake] (distance 150 kilometers, about 2 hours’ drive).

[Afternoon] Tour around Sayram Lake. The vast expanse of clear water stretches like sapphire between the sky and the earth. The snow-capped mountains reflect on the lake surface, healing the soul.

After dinner, check into Saihu Hotel and sleep with the scenery.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Sayram Lake or similar class

Meals: train breakfast; Saihu whitefish; Ili-style meal

Line C: [Yizhao Highway] [Yuhu]

[Morning] Set off from Yining and ride the [Yizhao Highway] (distance 180 kilometers, about 4 hours' drive), climb over the magnificent Anglet Daba, go through the nine winding bends on the cliff, and take in the vast scenery of the mountains.

[Afternoon] Visit Zhaosu [Yuhu], encounter the secret of the high gorges and flat lakes in the Tianshan Mountains, watch the snow-capped peaks set off against the clear Tiffany blue, stay overnight at a lakeside B&B, and enjoy the morning and evening scenery of the lakes and mountains.

Special instructions: If the Yizhao Highway is not open to traffic, take the national highway instead; if the cruise ship is not open, visit the Aheyazi Canyon instead.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Zhaosumuzitao Yeshe Resort Hotel

Meals: train breakfast; Zhaosu style meal; hotel dinner

On the 7th to 11th day, the Yili + Kuqa itinerary is set up with three theme lines A, B, and C. Each itinerary can only select one line. After selection, this itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A: [Tianshan Sea of Flowers] [Nalati Grassland]

[Morning] Head to Nalati (distance is about 350 kilometers, driving time is about 6 hours), passing by the [Tianshan Sea of Flowers], wandering around the Ili Herb Garden, and encountering the seasonal limited-edition flower fields.

[Afternoon] Arrive at [Nalati Grassland] and check into the hotel to rest after dinner.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Nalati or similar class

Meals: hotel breakfast; Ili-style meal; grassland-style meal

Line B: [Qiongkush Terrace]

[Morning] Drive deep into the hinterland of the mountains and arrive at the ancient Kazakh village of [Qiongkushtai]. Wandering in the mountains and valleys, you can admire the primitive village scenery and feel the tranquility of the mountains away from the hustle and bustle.

[Afternoon] After dinner, check into the grassland wild luxury camp and wander under the starry sky on the grassland.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Qiongkushtai Zhande Hotel or similar class

Meals: hotel breakfast; Yili style meal; Yili style meal

Line C: [Xiata] [Muzart Glacier] [Kurdenin Grassland]

[Morning] Drive to [Xiata], follow Xuanzang’s westward journey along the thousand-year-old Tang Monk Ancient Road, and stroll through the hidden passes of the Silk Road. Facing the majestic Muzart Glacier, snow peaks, spruce trees, canyons, and meadows are laid out in front of you.

Special note: If the scenic spot is closed due to special weather conditions, the Zhaosu Tianma Bathing River scenic spot will be replaced.

[Afternoon] From Zhaosu to [Kurdening Grassland] (distance about 270 kilometers, drive about 5 hours), stay at Yeshe B&B.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Kuld Ningbo Rui Camp or similar level

Meals: hotel breakfast; Zhaosu style meal; grassland style meal

On the 7th to 11th day, the Yili + Kuqa itinerary is set up with three theme lines A, B, and C. Each itinerary can only select one line. After selection, this itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A: [Nalati Grassland] [Tangbula Grassland] [Baili Gallery]

[Morning] Stroll through the "Wonderland on Earth" [Nalati Grassland], where there are not only rich mountain, forest and meadow scenery, but also mellow nomadic humanities, where you can encounter nature and ethnic customs.

[Afternoon] Go to [Tangbula Grassland] and stroll [Baili Gallery]. Snow mountains, spruce trees, clear streams, and deep valleys complement each other, creating a natural scroll of mountains and fields.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Taoli Monkett's Hermitage Manor

Meals: hotel breakfast; Ili-style meal; grassland-style meal

Line B: [Light Hiking in the Forest] [Wildness Kitchen] [Tex·Bagua City]

[Morning] After breakfast, set off for [Light Hiking in the Forest]. Under the leadership of a local guide, we will visit the beautiful scenery of original wooden houses, wooden bridges over streams, and snow-capped mountains. Experience [Wilderness Kitchen], immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, and experience a unique and comfortable outdoor dining atmosphere.

[Afternoon] Leave Qiongkushtai, go to [Tekes], and visit [Bagua City].

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Tianyue Ecological Hotel/Yiyao Hotel or similar level

Meals: hotel breakfast; grassland-style meal; Ili-style meal

Line C: [Home visit to Kazakh herdsmen] [Six Star Street]

[Morning] [Home visit to Kazakh herdsmen], immersively visit the life of native herdsmen, enjoy authentic Kazakh breakfast, and deeply feel the warmth of nomadic grassland.

[Afternoon] Departure return to Yining and visit [Six Star Street].

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Accommodation: Yining Intercontinental Hotel or similar class

Meals: hotel breakfast; Yili style meal; Yili style meal

On the 7th to 11th day, the Yili + Kuqa itinerary is set up with three theme lines A, B, and C. Each itinerary can only select one line. After selection, this itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A: [Yining] [Liuxing Street]

[Morning] Return to Yining by car (240 kilometers away, about 3.5 hours by car)

[Afternoon] Wander Yining [Liuxing Street] and visit the century-old colorful old street.

After dinner, board the Panda Train Jinxiu Dongfang Express and head to Kuqa.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Meals: hotel breakfast; Yili style meal; Yili style meal

Line B: [Kalajun Grassland]

[Morning] Go to the [Kalajun Grassland] at the east end of the valley in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, and enjoy the unique light and shadow spectacle of the wavy three-dimensional meadow in Kalajun, which combines multiple landforms of grasslands, canyons, and forests; a niche native wild interest, and a rich grassland experience.

[Afternoon] Take the bus back to [Yining]. After dinner, board the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express to [Kuqa].

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Meals: hotel breakfast; grassland-style meal; Ili-style meal

Line C: [Sayram Lake]

[Morning] Take a bus from Yining to [Sailim Lake] (distance 150 kilometers, about 2 hours’ drive).

[Afternoon] Tour around Sayram Lake. The vast expanse of clear water stretches like sapphire between the sky and the earth. The snow-capped mountains reflect on the lake surface, healing the soul.

After dinner in Yining, board the Panda Train Jinxiu Dongfang Express and head to Kuqa.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Meals: hotel breakfast; Saihu whitefish; Ili-style meal

On the 7th to 11th day, the Yili + Kuqa itinerary is set up with three theme lines A, B, and C. Each itinerary can only select one line. After selection, this itinerary is fixed and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A: [Kuqa] [Kiziliya Grand Canyon]

[Afternoon] Go to the [Kiziliya Grand Canyon] to explore the red ground fissure canyon, face the wonders of Danxia in the sky, and enjoy the secret of light and shadow of hundreds of millions of years of red rock.

After dinner, take the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express to [Kashgar].

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Line B: [Kuqa] [Kiziliya Grand Canyon]

[Morning] Go to the [Kiziliya Grand Canyon] to explore the red ground fissure canyon, face the wonder of Danxia in the sky, and enjoy the secret of light and shadow of hundreds of millions of years of red rock.

After dinner, take the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express to [Kashgar].

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

Line C: [Kiziliya Grand Canyon] [Private Tea Break]

[Morning] Take a bus to the [Kiziliya Grand Canyon], shuttle through the secret realm of the red canyon, look up at the majestic red cliffs, and appreciate the wonders of the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. Set up a [Private Tea Break] deep in the canyon, just like the hundreds of millions of years of Danxia, you can slowly savor the time of the Western Regions.

After dinner, board the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express to Kashgar.

Local car: 7-seater commercial vehicle

On the 12th to 14th day, the Kashgar itinerary has three theme lines A, B, and C. Only one line can be selected for each section of the itinerary. After selection, this section of the itinerary will be executed fixedly and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A: [Minle Village] [Baisha Lake] [Pamir Plateau]

[Morning] In Kashgar [Folk Music Village], get up close and personal with century-old intangible cultural heritage crafts, and immerse yourself in the warmth of traditional folk music in the Western Regions.

[Afternoon] Drive to the [Pamir Plateau] and enjoy the scenery of the Kunlun Secret Land. Passing through [Baisha Lake], you can see the continuous silver-white sand mountains surrounded by a blue lake, and finally arrive at [Ta County].

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Line B: [White Sand Lake] [Pamir Plateau] [Toglensha Village]

[Morning] Drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the [Pamir Plateau] and arrive at [White Sand Lake]. The continuous silver-white sand mountains surround the clear blue lake. The sand and snow complement the clear water, which outlines the unique picture of the plateau.

[Afternoon] Explore the Tajik secret land [Toglensha Village] to watch the eagle dance, listen to the eagle flute, and immerse yourself in the Tajik cultural customs.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Line C: [Baisha Lake] [Pamir Plateau]

[Morning] Drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the [Pamir Plateau] and arrive at [White Sand Lake]. The continuous silver-white sand mountains surround the clear blue lake. The sand and snow complement the clear water, which outlines the unique picture of the plateau.

[Afternoon] Arrive at [Ta County] and check into the hotel.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

On the 12th to 14th day, the Kashgar itinerary has three theme lines A, B, and C. Only one line can be selected for each section of the itinerary. After selection, this section of the itinerary will be executed fixedly and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A: [Home visit to Tajik people] [Karakul Lake]

[Morning] [Home visit to the Tajik people], watch the national intangible cultural heritage eagle flute performance and eagle dance performance up close, and immerse yourself in the unique eagle culture of the plateau.

[Afternoon] Go to the Pearl of the Plateau [Karakul Lake]. The lake is as clear as a mirror. The three towering snow-capped mountains of Muztage Peak, Gonger Peak, and Gonger Jiubie Peak are all reflected in the water, depicting the desperate situation of Kunlun.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Line B: [Panlong Ancient Trail] [Karakul Lake]

[Morning] Drive to the [Panlong Ancient Road], which is 75 kilometers long. The best section is densely covered with more than 600 S-shaped bends. The road is like a giant dragon circling the mountains. The altitude rises sharply and the highway is dangerous, forming a spectacular visual spectacle.

[Afternoon] Go to the Pearl of the Plateau [Karakul Lake]. The lake is as clear as a mirror. The three towering snow-capped mountains of Muztage Peak, Gonger Peak, and Gonger Jiubie Peak are all reflected in the water, depicting the desperate situation of Kunlun.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Line C: [Karakul Lake] [Visit the Kirgiz Tribe]

[Morning] Head to the Pearl of the Plateau [Karakul Lake]. The lake is as clear as a mirror. The three towering snow-capped mountains of Muztage Peak, Gonger Peak, and Gonger Jiubie Peak are all reflected in the water, depicting the desperate situation of Kunlun.

[Afternoon] [Visit the Kirgiz Tribe], the mountains and fields are filled with rich and pure ethnic fireworks, immersively watch the authentic Kirgiz traditional wedding, and witness the unique folk rituals and song and dance celebrations.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

On the 12th to 14th day, the Kashgar itinerary has three theme lines A, B, and C. Only one line can be selected for each section of the itinerary. After selection, this section of the itinerary will be executed fixedly and cannot be combined across lines or switched midway.

Line A: [Kashgar Ancient City] [Id Kah Mosque]

[Morning] Roam around [Kashgar Ancient City], stroll through the streets and alleys of the Western Regions for thousands of years, enjoy the authentic afternoon tea with the characteristics of the Western Regions deep in the quaint old city, and slowly enjoy the fireworks of the ancient city.

[Afternoon] Walk into the [Id Kah Mosque], this iconic religious building in the Western Regions, witnessing the blending and symbiosis of diverse civilizations along the Silk Road.

After dinner, take the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express and set off back to Chengdu.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Line B: [Kashgar Ancient City] [Id Kah Mosque]

[Morning] Roam around [Kashgar Ancient City], stroll through the streets and alleys of the Western Regions for thousands of years, enjoy the authentic afternoon tea with the characteristics of the Western Regions deep in the quaint old city, and slowly enjoy the fireworks of the ancient city.

[Afternoon] Walk into the [Id Kah Mosque], this iconic religious building in the Western Regions, witnessing the blending and symbiosis of diverse civilizations along the Silk Road.

After dinner, take the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express and set off back to Chengdu.

Local car: 2+1 land first class

Line C: [Kashgar Ancient City] [Id Kah Mosque]

[Morning] Roam around [Kashgar Ancient City], stroll through the streets and alleys of the Western Regions for thousands of years, enjoy the authentic afternoon tea with the characteristics of the Western Regions deep in the quaint old city, and slowly enjoy the fireworks of the ancient city.

[Afternoon] Walk into the [Id Kah Mosque], this iconic religious building in the Western Regions, witnessing the blending and symbiosis of diverse civilizations along the Silk Road.

After dinner, take the Panda Train·Jinxiu Dongfang Express and set off back to Chengdu.

Local car: 2+1 land first class