

Xinjiang 8-Day Yili Loop: Grasslands, Lakes & Alpine Valleys
Journey through the heart of Xinjiang on an epic eight-day private adventure along the iconic Yili Loop. Circle sapphire lakes, explore bagua-designed towns, ride across alpine grasslands, wander spruce valleys, and cross high-mountain highway tunnels.
Regarding this journey
Journey through the heart of Xinjiang on an epic eight-day private adventure along the iconic Yili Loop. Circle sapphire lakes, explore bagua-designed towns, ride across alpine grasslands, wander spruce valleys, and cross high-mountain highway tunnels.

Trip Overview
The following is a suggested TravelToQin itinerary. We are happy to customize it based on your interests.
Flight to Xinjiang Tianshan Airport. Pick up and drive to Urumqi city hotel. Drop off to hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant. Evening self-exploration: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar and Jingquan Market.

Morning
Breakfast and check out. 2.5-hour drive toward Kuitun. Optional: Duzishan Canyon detour (50 min drive) — a dramatic red-rock canyon with layered geological formations.
Afternoon
Lunch and rest. 2-hour drive to Jinghe City, near Sailimu Lake.

Night
Drop off to Jinghe hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Breakfast and check out. 1.5-hour drive to Sayram Lake — one of the highest and largest alpine lakes in Xinjiang, fed by glacial meltwater and ringed by snow-capped peaks.
Afternoon
Sayram Lake loop (4–6 hours): Qinshui Beach → Dianjiang Platform → West Sea Grassland → Keleyongzhu → S-curve Road → Pine Head viewpoint.



Night
2-hour drive to Yining city. Drop off to Tekesi hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Breakfast and check out. 2-hour drive to Tekesi. Tekesi Eight-Diagram City (Bagua Cheng) — the world's only city laid out in the pattern of a Taoist eight-diagram, with circular streets radiating from a central Tai Chi Altar. Kaicheng Dance ceremony at 10:18 AM.

Afternoon
Check in to Tekesi hotel. 1-hour drive to Kalajun Grassland — an endless rolling alpine meadow surrounded by Tianshan peaks, renowned for its wildflower blooms.


Night
1-hour drive back to Tekesi city. Eight-Diagram Night Show at 8:00 PM (April–October). Drop off to Tekesi hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Breakfast and check out. 2.5-hour drive to Kurdenin Scenic Area.
Afternoon
Kurdenin Scenic Area full loop: Ten-Mile Gallery (forested canyon road) → Fengxiang Station → Kafeng Camp → Qimengde Viewing Platform → Ayusai River valley → Cloud Grassland → Exit.

Night
Drop off to Nalati hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Breakfast. 15-minute drive to Nalati Grassland.
Afternoon
Nalati Grassland (Sky Grassland): Sky Grassland plateau → River Valley Grassland → Panlong Valley Road → Snow Lotus Valley. Optional: grass skiing, horse riding.

Night
Drop off to Nalati hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Breakfast and check out. 7-hour drive back to Urumqi via the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel — the world's longest expressway tunnel, cutting through the heart of the Tianshan mountain range.

Night
Drop off to Urumqi hotel.
Morning
Breakfast and check out.
Afternoon
Drop off to airport.
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Recommended hotels
TravelToQin suggested stays along this itinerary (alternatives available on request).

Hilton Garden Inn Urumqi Railway Station
A modern international hotel conveniently located near Urumqi Railway Station, ideal for exploring Xinjiang's capital and surrounding attractions.

Fairfield by Marriott Yining Hotel (Railway Station & Airport)
A contemporary Marriott property conveniently located near Yining's transportation hub.

Tekes Hanbai International Grand Hotel
A comfortable hotel near Tekes County and the famous Eight-Trigram City attractions.
Travel photos from this journey
A glimpse of the places and moments you will experience on this TravelToQin journey.
Travel Notice
Content included
- 7 nights at listed hotel with breakfasts;
- All entrance fees;
- Private transportation with a dedicated vehicle and driver;
- Services of an English-speaking guide (6 days);
- 7/24 online butler service;
- Travel insurance.
- Small Notice
- · Culture & Religion: No pork or alcohol in Muslim areas. Dress modestly — long pants/skirts, no sleeveless tops — when visiting mosques. Ask permission before photographing local people.
- · Prohibited Photos: Military sites, checkpoints, government buildings, restricted border areas.
- · Climate & Health: Wide daily temperature range; bring sun protection, a jacket and comfortable shoes.
Excluded content
- Optional activities (extra fee);
- Flight tickets;
- Lunches and dinners (restaurants will be recommended);
- Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, snacks, optional activities);
- Gratuities for the driver and guide.
Travel expenses
From ¥14000 p/p
Based on a private tour including 4-star hotels for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel.
Why Choose TravelToQin
We Are With You
- A Travel Consultant Rooted In China
- Immediate Response, No Need To Wait!
- Direct Contact, Highest Value
Maximize Your Flexibility
- Your Own Private Tour Guide And Journey.
- Explore At Your Own Pace.
- Unparalleled Flexibility, Group Travel Is Impossible To Achieve.
Ensure Your Satisfaction
- Carefully selected local guides matched to your itinerary.
- Seamless services throughout the trip.
- 24/7 Emergency Support.
Live Your China Story
- Authentic Local Culture And Lifestyles.
- Understand The Culture By Living It.
- Uncover Fascinating Histories And Witness New China.
Inquire About This China Journey
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and any changes you need to this itinerary. TravelToQin will confirm availability, refine the route with you, and share a private quote—no obligation to book.
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