About This Trip

Winding through the diverse landscapes of northern Xinjiang, this week-long adventure unveils the region's natural wonders. The journey begins in Urumqi before exploring Anjihai Grand Canyon's sandstone cliffs and the oil town of Karamay. Black Oil Mountain then reveals panoramic views from its heights, with mysteries to unfold in the nearby "Ghost City." Multi-hued Rainbow Beach and the grasslands and lakes near Hemu village home to the Tuvan people come next. The scenic drive from Burqin County to Urumqi presents rugged canyons, blooming forests, and ever-changing desert capes dotted with Silk Road remnants to discover along the way.

Itinerary Summary

DAY	PLACE	HIGHLIGHTS
1	Urumqi	Arrival
2	Karamay	Anjihai Grand Canyon
3	Burqin County	the Ghost City, Black Oil Mountain
4 - 5	Hemu Village	Kanas Lake, Rainbow Beach, Hemu Grasslands
6	Burqin County - Urumqi	Scenic Drive
7	Urumqi	Departure

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Urumqi, Arrival

Upon reaching the vibrant city of Urumqi, a chauffeur whisks you to your lodging for respite.

Revived, you may like to wander the International Grand Bazaar, intrigued by the myriad silken wares and foodstuffs laid out, absorbing the lively ambiance as traders ply their goods amidst crowds.

Urumqi

Day 2: Urumqi - Karamay, The Anjihai Grand Canyon

This morning, you depart Urumqi and drive east, taking in expansive desert vistas on the road to Anjihai Grand Canyon. The gorge lives up to its fame - towering sandstone cliffs form dramatic layers wrapping the reverberating river below. Pinyon pines cling improbably to precipices while eagles soar on thermal air currents, overseeing nature's grand spectacle.

After that, continue the drive to Karamay City which is a large oil-producing city in Xinjiang.

Karamay

Day 3: Black Oil Mountain, the Ghost City

Leaving the oil town, you wind upwards gaining views of Black Oil Mountain's bizarre rocks eroded into pinnacles and plugs. Hiking its heights rewards with panoramas of oil pipelines threading the desert below. Next, you traverse the Ghost City in the Urho district, shaped by sand and wind into alien-like forms under stark blue skies, an eerie contrast to the sand seas stretching all around.

Continue the journey and drive to Burqin County where you will spend the night.

Burqin County

Day 4: Burqin County - Hemu Village, Rainbow Beach

Leaving Burqin County today, a scenic journey awaits as you wind your way to Hemu village. Along the route, a highlight awaits with a stop at the beautiful Rainbow Beach. Here multi-hued sandstone outcrops line the Irtysh Shore, their hues shifting from red to orange to green as you wander wooden walkways between. A lush poplar forest provides a green backdrop across the water.

Hemu Village

Day 5: Hemu Grasslands, Kanas Lake

Today takes you to explore the natural wonders surrounding Hemu Village. A short drive into the namesake grasslands presents vast swaths of rolling green punctuated by small Tuvan communities. Continuing to Kanas Lake, its glittering waters bordered by reeds stretch as snow-capped mountains rise majestically in the distance. Wandering amongst the wooden dwellings scattered across Hemu's plains, the natural beauty and traditional culture of its Tuvan people come to the fore.

Hemu Village

Day 6: Burqin County - Urumqi

Today's journey will be a long 8-hour drive from Burqin County to Urumqi. However, don't fret - the stunning vistas including emerald oases nestled between looming dunes and rugged canyons carved by meandering rivers will provide plenty of opportunities to pull over for photo ops along the way. Upon arriving in Urumqi, check into your hotel to recharge.

Urumqi

Day 7: Urumqi, Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Urumqi before your guide escorts you to the airport. Fond memories of Xinjiang's breathtaking scenery will await your next visit.

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What Our Clients Say

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Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.

Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.

domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.

Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.