10-Day Tour of Kanas Lake and the Five Colored Hills in Xinjiang: A Breathtaking Itinerary

Here's a 10-day itinerary for exploring Kanas Lake and the Five Colored Hills in Xinjiang. Get ready to discover stunning scenery! -- Suggested Route: Day 1: Arrive in Ürümqi and begin your Xinjiang adventure. Experience the romance and freedom of this central Asian metropolis. Day 2–3: Travel from Ürümqi to Burqin via the S21 Desert Highway and visit the Five Colored Hills. Then, head to Hemu Village to explore the paradise of Kanas Lake. Day 4: Depart from Hemu Village and explore the area, known as God's backyard, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Day 5: Depart from Karamay and embark on a self-drive tour of the Devil's City and the Baiyang River Grand Canyon for a unique scenic experience. Day 6–7: Travel to Yining and visit Sayram Lake, enjoy sailing, and explore the Kazakh neighborhood of Kazanqi. Afterward, head to Xinyuan and visit the historical and cultural village of Zhonggu. Day 8: Travel from Xinyuan to Nalati, enjoy a day trip to the Nalati Grassland, and have afternoon tea at the auto campground. Day 9: Return to Ürümqi, admiring the magnificent scenery of the Duku Highway along the way, from desert to mountains. Day 10: Conclude your Xinjiang journey and depart from Ürümqi, cherishing your travel memories and looking forward to your next adventure. -- Must-Visit Attractions: Hemu Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Hemu Village, Hemu Kanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: October 16, 2024–April 30, 2025, 10:00 am–6:00 pm - Duration: 1–2 days - Simple wooden houses dot the mountain valleys, offering a rare sense of tranquility and rustic charm. Devil's City ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: No. 200 Longji Road, Urho District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: November 1, 2024–October 28, 2025, 10:00 am–6:00 pm - Duration: 2–3 hrs - Here, you can admire the ever-changing Yadan landforms, with stone pillars of various shapes, majestic and spectacular. Five Colored Hills ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Provincial Road 227, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: All day - Duration: 2–4 hrs - At dusk, the riverbank shimmers with colorful hues under the setting sun, as if you've stepped into a fantasy world. -- Travel Tips: 🍽️ Food: Xinjiang barbecue, yogurt, and milk tea are must-try delicacies. ❄️ February Climate: Around -10°C (14°F), so remember to bring warm clothes! 🎁 Souvenir Prices: Xinjiang has a wide variety of souvenirs at affordable prices, so don't forget to bring some home! 📸 Photo Spots: The vibrant colors of the Five Colored Hills and the magnificent scenery of Kanas Lake are ideal photography locations! -- 🎉Kanas Lake and the Five Colored Hills in Xinjiang await you to create beautiful travel memories!