Arrival in Urumqi
Depart from Urumqi and head north along the S21 Desert Highway, taking in the winter scenery of the Ulungur Lake area along the way.
Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – View the frozen splendor of Lake Ulungur – Burqin/Beitun/Altay
Upon arriving in Altay, head to Hemu, where mountain villages and birch forests are the highlights of this leg of the journey.
Altay → Hemu → Jikepulin Skiing → Bonfire Party
View the morning mist and snowy scenery in Hemu, then visit the Three Bends of Kanas and Kanas Lake.
Morning Mist at Hemu → Three Bends of Kanas → Kanas Lake
Depart from Hemu and travel through the Shenxian Bay, Yueyang Bay, and Wolong Bay areas to enjoy the mountains, forests, and lakes.
Travel from Baihabah toward Karamay along G219, enjoying the views of the valleys and the highway along the way.
Baihabah – Self-drive through the China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon – G219 Border Defense Highway – Karamay
Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Sayram, allowing time to visit the Commanders’ Platform, the West Sea Grasslands, and the lakeside mountain views.
Karamay → Lake Sayram Loop
In the early morning, you can enjoy another view of the lake before heading back to Urumqi via the Tianshan Mountains.
Lake Sayram – Return to Lake Sayram to Watch the Sunrise (Hike/Sunrise Shuttle to Dianjiangtai) – Scenic Drive Through the Tianshan Mountains – Urumqi
Return to Urumqi
Transportation and Vehicle Reference
Accommodation Guide
