Uncover a world where the emperor was always far away, closer to Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia than Beijing. A world of snow-capped peaks and beautiful lakes, of nomadic minority groups and the ghost cities they ride through. Discover a rare side of Xinjiang travel that stuns with both nature and culture.
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On this journey, you'll discover a new side of Xinjiang. Travel as far northwest as northwest goes and stumble upon Kanas Lake, its vibrant teal waters glittering under the alpine sun. You'll visit Wucai Cheng its technicolor rock formations set against a forest green backdrop and spend a day hiking just a stone's throw away from Kazakhstan. Continuing your Xinjiang travel, you'll savor diverse local cuisine and introduce yourself to a Tuvan minority family, so far from the bustling streets of Karamay or the deserted ones of the province's ghost cities.
Arrive in Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital and meet your local WildChina guide and driver • Ramble the maze of Urumqi's International Bazaar, seeking out juicy Xinjiang raisins and fragrant teas • Admire the beauty of Loulan, a 3800-year-old mummy, at Urumqi's museum • Drive to Karamay, the wealthiest city in China • Visit the outlandish Big Oil Bubble, a monument dedicated to the city's oil industry
Listen to the howling winds which sweep across the plains of Ghost City where time and erosion have recreated castles and temples in the sand • Wander the rainbow colored rocks of Wucai Tan which line the Ertix River • Dine on the local specialty of freshwater fish
Journey to the alpine ringed shores of Kanas Lake, the pearl of northern Xinjiang • Travel on a boat over the glassy waters of Kanas, one of China's deepest bodies of water • Hike the 1086 steps to Guanyu 'Fish Watching' Pavilion • Try to spot the legendary monster of Kanas Lake from the top of the hill • Wander the lake's shores, weaving in and out of the dense forest by which it is encircled
Spend a day hiking to the secluded waters of Black Lake, hidden by mountains and a stone's throw away from Kazakhstan • Break up the journey with a picnic lunch in the midst of gorges and grasslands • Stumble across a local nomadic Tuvan family and learn about their way of life
Fly back to the urban bustle of Urumqi • Drive to Turpan and experience surprising vibrancy in China's 'Death Valley' • Examine the ancient Uyghur irrigation system built to sustain the oasis city • Visit the ruins of Jiaohe, an ancient capital destroyed by Genghis Khan's troupes in the 13th century
Examine the exquisite geometric patterns on the Emin Minaret, a monument to a local 18th century ruler • Journey to the lush and secluded valley of Tuyoq, where a traditional Uyghur village thrives • Visit the valley's Muslim holy site, seven trips to which is said to be the equivalent of a pilgrimage to Mecca, right in the heart of Xinjiang • Travel to the Flaming Mountains which look like a blaze of red fire dancing in the sands
Conveniently located in the center of Urumqi's business district, this luxurious hotel offers easy access to all the nearby attractions.
In the heart of Karamay, this hotel was rewarded one of the best business hotels in China by Forbes in 2006.
A charming hotel with a wide range of amenities including Chinese-style dining and a fully-equipped fitness center.
A peaceful and secluded villa on the edge of the beautiful Kanas Lake.
Far from the hustle and bustle, Huozhou Hotel provides its guests with amenities such as an outdoor pool and buffet.
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A.T., May 2019WildChina did an outstanding job of navigating, what is now a difficult to travel in area of China. Once you accept the intense and obvious police scrutiny particularly in Xinjiang Province. The area has much natural beauty and many interesting historical sites.
My twin brother and I went for our 75th birthday and spent approximately 3+ weeks (March 2019) traveling bookending the trip with Beijing and Shanghai. We had both been to China several times, but not to Gansu Province or Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Wild China arranged our guides, drivers, accommodations and permits.
We made dumplings in Beijing; noodles in Lanzhou,and had great barbecue in Hoten. We rode camels In Dunhuang (Minsha Sand Dunes) and in the Taklamakan Desert, and horses near the Matisi Grottoes (Sunan) Zhangye , and had a goatskin raft ride on the Yellow River in Lanzhou. We visited many buddhist caves and grottoes, Including Matisi Grottoes (Zhangye: Mogao Grottoes (Dunhuang); Kizil 1,000 Buddha Caves (Kuqa). Saw extraordinary natural beauty. Kudos to WildChina.
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P.F., Jun 2017We were absolutely delighted at every aspect of our China trip. Each of our guides, even those who unexpectedly had to substitute for another, was outstanding in his or her own way. We have seen a number of samples of warriors at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the NYC metropolitan museum, but those exhibits cannot compare to seeing the soldiers in their natural sites! I should also add that the hotel accommodations were outstanding -- especially the Waldorf, the Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel and the Peninsula. In conclusion, it was an outstanding trip -- perfect in almost every way thanks to WildChina.
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