11 Days Xinjiang Duku Highway & Yili Grassland Tour

Today, you will take your flight to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport, bring you to downtown Urumqi to check in your hotel. Have a good rest.

Morning your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. you will drive along the famous scenic highway in this part of Xinjiang is Provincial Highway S101. Also known as the TianShan Scenic Corridor,it is a National Defense Highway built in the 1960s to prepare for war and famine and prevent attacks by the Soviet revisionists. The scenery along the S101 consists of the reddish Danxia landform, canyons and snow mountains, meadows with cattle and sheep, etc.

Then we will drive to Dushanzi and pay a visit to the amazing Dushanzi Grand Canyon,which is the hidden attraction in Xinjiang, formed by the snow and rain of Tianshan Mountain in dry years, like a group of bamboo poles rising up. There is a cliff coffee shop [Optional] in the canyon, you can order a cup of coffee and enjoy the amazing views.

After breakfast, we will meet you at the hotel lobby and continue the journey to Sayram Lake, the another highlight of your northern Xinjiang tour, which is known as the last drop of tears of the Atlantic. Sayram Lake is a fairyland with wonderful natural scenery. its water is very clear and pure. you can stroll on the shore, enjoy the blooming wildflowers and the beautiful grassland around the lake. On the way, you will see the famous Guozigou Bridge, the largest and most important bridge in Xinjiang. There are many beautiful S bends and you can enjoy the scenery of Guozigou valley which is the most beautiful valley in southern Xinjiang en route. After the visit, transfer you to the hotel, have a good rest.

City: walk around Kazanqi folk custom village.

Having a delighted breakfast at the hotel, then we will drive to Zhaosu County along the most challenging and beautiful Yizhao Highway. When arrival, we’ll pay a visit to the Horse Cultural Park, where you can see various famous horses such as sweaty horses, Ili horses, Russian horses, British thoroughbred horses, Dutch horses, Turkish horses, and American horses, etc. Next travel to Zhaosu Wetland Park, It is the region with the richest biodiversity in Xinjiang, and it occupies one third of the total wetland area of the state. In the early summer, a large number of Ili horses from the Zhaosu Prairie came to the Tekes river to drink and bathe, This was the most famous and wonderful visual feast.

The journey begin from the ancient Xiata, 70 kilometers west of Zhaosu County, There are breathtaking views of Muzhaerte Glacier and the Xiata River in the spot. Xiata is near to the main part of the Tian Shan and used to be a courier station between Ili and Akesu in ancient times. This is where the Xiata River rushes down from the lofty mountains and cuts through the vast grassland to dive into the Tekes River. The canyon is 120 kilometers long and connects the north and south Xinjiang. You will see Muzart Snow Mountain, Xiata Ranch, Spruce Forest, Local Houses, Xiata River, Frog Spring, etc. on the way.After visiting, drive to Tekes for overnight stay.

Today you will see the Kalajun Prairie which is as beautiful as in a poem or a picture. There are springs densely distributed here. Every year, from May to September. The ideal place for people of the pasture to exchange materials and hold cultural activities. Kalajun, in Kazak, means "a dark wilderness". For generations, people on the grassland have lived a simple nomadic life. The traditional lifestyle exudes a unique charm. Thereafter, we will visit another part - Kuokesu Grand Canyon, it is at the core of the five scenic areas of Kalajun tourist attraction. It features spectacular and graceful scenery of canyon landform, snow-capped peaks, alpine grasslands, primeval forests, cliffs, rivers and lakes. After the visiting, you will spend the night in Gongliu.

Morning meet you at the hotel lobby and then drive to Qiaxi Forest Park. At the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, there is a place like a fairyland - Qiaxi Scenic Area. This is a magnificent masterpiece of nature, a sanctuary for the soul. Walking into Qiaxi feels like stepping into a beautiful landscape painting. The continuous green mountains surround it, like loyal guards protecting this pure land. The lush trees on the mountains sway gently with the breeze, making a rustling sound, as if telling ancient stories.

Next we will travel to Kuerdening, Situated in the southeastern mountainous region of Gongliu county, Kuerdening scenic area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It boasts the largest population of Picea schrenkiana, a unique spruce species found only in the Tianshan Mountains. The area's pristine forests and diverse vegetation make it a quintessential representation of the Tianshan Mountains’ forest ecosystem.

Today, your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning. We’ll head to the famous pasture Nalati Grassland. Upon your arrival, we will enjoy the Nalati Air Prairie. Naraty, one of four famous grassland in the world. you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the Kazakh way of life.

Morning with start with a drive to the famous highway—Duku highway, The Duku Highway is about 561 kilometers long, connecting the northern and southern Xinjiang, spanning lofty mountains, crossing deep mountains and canyons, and connecting many ethnic minority areas. Its connection has shortened the distance between northern and southern Xinjiang by nearly half from the original 1,000 kilometers, which can be regarded as a monument in the history of China's highway construction. One-fifth of the Duku Highway is in the permafrost layer of high mountains, and one-third is a cliff. It spans nearly ten major rivers in the Tianshan Mountains, and climbs four snow-capped mountains that are covered with snow all year round.

The scenery along the way here can only be described as magical. Along the way, you can enjoy the the lush Tianshan Mountains, the vast grasslands and the beautiful nomadic style

This morning we will drive back to Urumqi. Afternoon you will see the stroll around the Red Hill Park, and enjoy your leisure time. Modern entertainment facilities and ethnic performances bring a fresh and lively atmosphere to the park. On the peak of the hill, you will have the whole city of Urumqi before your eyes!

Afterwards, drive to today's highlight the biggest bazaar in the world Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar where you can watch Uygur dance show and taste local delicacies. Bazaar refers to a market or fair in Arabic. There are over 3,000 booths in Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar for selling garments, musical instruments, potteries, jewellery, nuts, fruits, and carpets. Other than shopping, you may attend the Banquet and Performance Theatre, taste snacks at the food square, join the excitement at Merry Square, and get a bird's eye view of the whole bazaar from the No. 1 Sightseeing Tower.

After breakfast, you will be transfer to the airport, and back to your sweet home. Wish you a pleasant journey home.