Altay Arrival Arrive at Altay Xuedu International Airport, our professional driver will pick you up and transfer you to the 4-star hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, you can freely visit Altay City, walk along the Irtysh River, and experience the unique winter atmosphere of the northern border. In the evening, taste classic Altay local cuisines: roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed mutton, milk tea, naan bread, etc.

After breakfast, go to Jiangjun Mountain International Ski Resort (the only urban ski resort in China, known as "China's No.1 Ski Resort in the West"). Spend the whole day learning skiing with a professional coach: master basic skills such as wearing equipment, standing, sliding, turning, and stopping. You can practice on the primary slopes suitable for beginners. In the evening, you can experience the famous night skiing of Jiangjun Mountain, with brilliant lights and a unique atmosphere.

After breakfast, go to Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort again for a full day of free skiing. You can consolidate the skills learned yesterday, try intermediate slopes if you are proficient, or experience the magic carpet and cable car to enjoy the panoramic view of the snow mountain. The resort has complete facilities, including ski equipment rental, rest areas, and catering services. Return to the hotel in the evening to rest.

Depart after breakfast, drive to Hemu Village - one of the six most beautiful ancient villages in China, a primitive Tuva people settlement surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests in winter. Take the scenic shuttle bus into the village, visit the crystal clear Hemu River covered with thin ice, the silver birch forest wrapped in snow, and stroll through the wooden Tuva houses covered with thick snow. In the evening, climb the Hemu Viewing Platform to overlook the whole village: smoke curls from wooden houses, and the snow-covered village is quiet and beautiful under the sunset.

Rise early to witness Hemu's famous morning mist and smoke curling above the snow-covered wooden houses from the Viewing Platform. Then drive to Kanas Scenic Area, known as "God's Backyard". Take the shuttle bus to visit Kanas Lake, a famous alpine lake whose water color changes with light and season. Hike the Three Bays: Shenxian Bay with misty water, Moon Bay shaped like a crescent moon (the most iconic spot in Kanas), Wolong Bay with a rock like a lying dragon.

In the morning, you can freely walk around Kanas Lake to experience the quiet beauty of the winter lake. Then drive to Burqin, visit Colorful Beach at sunset. It is a typical Yardang landform with colorful red, yellow, orange, and purple rocks. One side is the colorful Gobi covered with thin snow, the other side is the green Irtysh River, forming a stunning contrast under the sunset. In the evening, taste Burqin's special grilled fish at the local food street.

Depart after breakfast, drive south along the G217 National Highway, crossing the northern part of the Junggar Basin. Enjoy the boundless Gobi desert, windbreak forests, and oasis scenery along the way, and occasionally see wild animals such as wild donkeys and antelopes. Arrive in Kuitun in the afternoon, check into the hotel, and rest to prepare for the next day's trip to Sayram Lake.

Drive to Sayram Lake, known as "the Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", the highest and largest alpine cold lake in Xinjiang. Visit the most scenic viewpoints around Sayram Lake: visit Guozigou Bridge (the first bridge in Xinjiang, a magnificent mountain bridge spanning the canyon), Songshutou, and Keleyongzhu. In winter, Sayram Lake is covered with thick ice, forming a natural ice rink, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are spectacular. Enjoy the spectacular sunset by the lake. Then drive to Yining and check into the hotel.

Depart after breakfast, drive to Kurdening Scenic Area - a world natural heritage site, known as "the hometown of spruce forests". In winter, the snow-covered spruce forests are tall and straight, and the valley is quiet and beautiful. Walk along the plank road to enjoy the primitive forest scenery and the distant snow-capped mountains. Depending on road conditions, continue to Nalati for an overnight stay, as it is one of the four most famous alpine grasslands in the world. The winter grassland is covered with snow, showing a vast and pure beauty. Check into the hotel in Nalati in the evening.

In the morning, visit Nalati Sky Grassland. Take the scenic shuttle bus up the mountain to overlook the snow-covered alpine grassland and the surrounding Tianshan Mountains. Then drive back to Yining (260km, 3.5 hours driving). Take the high-speed train from Yining Station to Urumqi (about 5.5 hours). Arrive in Urumqi in the evening, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the 4-star hotel for check-in.

In the morning, visit Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, the largest comprehensive museum in Xinjiang. Learn about the history and culture of Xinjiang, and see the national treasure cultural relics such as the "Loulan Beauty" mummy, brocade armguard with the inscription "Five stars rise in the east, benefiting China", and ancient musical instruments. In the afternoon, visit the International Grand Bazaar, the largest Islamic-style bazaar in the world. It integrates Uyghur architecture, ethnic handicrafts, musical instruments, carpets, and local snacks, fully showing the unique ethnic customs of Xinjiang.

After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Your unforgettable winter journey through Northern Xinjiang comes to an end today, filled with memories of snowy villages, frozen lakes, vast grasslands, and warm local hospitality. We sincerely hope this beautiful adventure has left you with lasting impressions, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Xinjiang for another incredible journey in the future.