Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop: 8-Day Tianshan to Altai Mountains
China's most spectacular autumn destination — Kanas Lake, Ghost Cities, and vast grasslands from Tianshan to the Altai Range
Route Overview
Urumqi → Lujiao Bay → Kazakh Nomads → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Ghost City → Kanas Lake → Baihaba Village → Fuhai → Urumqi
This grand loop takes you from the Tianshan foothills through vast grasslands and yardang landforms to the legendary Kanas Lake region, home to the Tuvan people and some of China's most pristine alpine scenery.
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Northern Xinjiang Loop
Arrive Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, China's westernmost major city. Explore the Grand Bazaar and try Xinjiang-style BBQ (kawap) and big-plate chicken (dapanji).
Lujiao Bay & Kazakh Nomads
Visit Lujiao Bay (Deer Horn Bay) and meet Kazakh nomad families. Experience traditional hospitality in a yurt — drink kumiss (fermented mare's milk) and learn about nomadic life.
Dushanzi Grand Canyon & Ghost City
Hike the dramatic Dushanzi Grand Canyon with its red-layered cliff walls. Visit the World Ghost City (Dunhuang Yardang) — wind-eroded rock formations that whistle eerily at night.
Kanas Lake & Fish-Viewing Platform
Drive deep into the Altai Mountains to reach Kanas Lake — China's deepest freshwater lake, famous for its legendary 'lake monster'. Climb to the Fish-Viewing Platform for aerial views.
Three Bays & Baihaba Village
Visit the famous Three Bays of Kanas — Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay — each with distinctly colored, curved river bends. Continue to Baihaba, China's most northwestern village, near the Kazakhstan border.
Baihaba — Grassland Trekking
Full day trekking through pristine alpine grasslands with wildflowers, crossing glacial streams and birch forests. This is frontier-area hiking at its most rewarding.
Sea Ghost City & Fuhai
Visit the Sea Ghost City (Haishan Moguicheng) on the shores of Wulungu Lake — a lesser-known yardang formation. Overnight in Fuhai County.
Fuhai → Urumqi (Departure)
Return drive to Urumqi via the Junggar Basin. Departure.
Scenic Highlights Along the Route
Practical Tips
- Best season: September 15–October 10 for peak autumn colors. June–August for green grasslands.
- Baihaba permit: A border pass is required — organized tours handle this.
- Kanas tip: Stay overnight inside the Kanas scenic area (not just day trip) to see the magical morning mist.
- Budget: ~5,000-7,000 CNY per person.
