Xinjiang Winter Wonderland Hemu Kanas Snow Adventure (7D6N)

Welcome to one of BDATrip's most unique and captivating journeys: The Xinjiang Winter Tour – Lost in a Snow-White Fairyland. Designed specifically for adventurous souls eager to explore majestic natural beauty in the magical winter season, this 7-day, 6-night trip will take you to picturesque destinations where snow blankets every corner, creating an unforgettable, enchanting landscape. Crucially, this tour is designed with a “No Shopping” policy and for “Small Groups (under 10 guests),” ensuring a private, comfortable, and complete experience, focused entirely on discovery and enjoyment.

Xinjiang, a region in northwestern China, is renowned for its diverse culture and spectacular natural scenery. In winter, this land transforms into a fairytale world, where ancient villages are buried in snow, jade-green lakes freeze over, and majestic mountain ranges are draped in white cloaks. This is not just a sightseeing trip; it's a journey to embrace tranquility, rediscover pristine beauty, and create cherished memories.

Journey Highlights:

• Hemu Village: Known as “The First Village Under Heaven,” offering a fairytale winter scene, where you can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy forests and experience the magical “hot water into air” phenomenon.
• Kanas Nature Reserve: The legendary Kanas Lake with its mystical jade-green waters, surrounded by mesmerizing bays like Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay, and the Guan Yu Tai (Fish-Watching Pavilion) with breathtaking panoramic views.
• S21 Desert Highway: A unique route through the snow-covered Gurbantunggut Desert, offering unparalleled scenic drives.
• Ulungu Lake: The largest inland lake north of the Tianshan Mountains, frozen and thickly covered in snow during winter, creating a wild and grand landscape.
• Skiing Experience: At Hemujikpurin Ski Resort, Asia's largest natural ski resort.

Join BDATrip to explore Xinjiang – a land of winter wonders, where every moment becomes a lasting memory!

Urumqi The Gateway to Xinjiang's Mystical North

Our journey begins in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and a vital cultural and economic hub for the region. Urumqi, with its long history and strategic location on the ancient Silk Road, is a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicities. Upon arriving in Urumqi, you'll feel the vibrancy of a modern city that still retains strong traditional influences. It's the perfect starting point to prepare for an exciting adventure deep into the heart of Xinjiang.

After your flight from Hanoi, the group will land at Diwopu T3 International Airport. BDATrip's vehicle and tour guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and rest, allowing you to energize for the upcoming days of exploration.

The S21 Desert Highway & Frozen Ulungu Lake: A Snowy Traverse

The second day promises to be exhilarating with a journey from Urumqi to Burqin (approximately 520km, a 6-hour drive). A highlight along this route is the S21 Desert Highway, Xinjiang's first desert expressway. This offers a unique experience as you gaze upon the entire Gurbantunggut Desert, blanketed in pristine white snow, creating a magnificent and rare natural spectacle.

En route, the group will stop to visit Ulungu Lake. This is the largest inland lake north of the Tianshan Mountains, a freshwater lake nestled deep within the Gobi Desert. In winter, the entire lake surface freezes over and is thickly covered in snow, offering a wild, serene, yet captivating beauty. The majestic scenery of the frozen lake amidst the desert is sure to leave a profound impression on every traveler.

Towards the end of the day, we will arrive in Burqin, a charming town with distinct Russian-influenced architecture. Here, you can freely stroll along the pedestrian street, shop for essential warm clothing, and savor the region's famous specialty fish dishes. Burqin will be the ideal overnight stop before continuing our exploration the next morning.

Hemu Village - "The First Village Under Heaven" in a Fairytale Setting

From Burqin, we will embark on our journey to Hemu Village (approximately a 4-hour drive). Hemu is hailed as “The First Village Under Heaven” and is one of China’s most beautiful villages, especially in winter. Nestled amidst the majestic Altay Mountains of Northern Xinjiang, Hemu is a concentrated settlement of the Tuva people, an ethnic minority with a unique culture. The village is completely secluded from the bustling outside world, offering a peaceful and poetic atmosphere.

In winter, Hemu transforms into a true fairytale land, with traditional wooden houses covered in white snow, soft snow-laden paths, and crisp, pure air. You will have the opportunity to experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest, an unmissable activity to fully appreciate Hemu's romantic beauty. A particularly fascinating experience is throwing hot water into the cold air and watching it instantly turn into ice crystals, a spectacle that captivates all visitors.

The group will enjoy lunch and dinner in Hemu Village, savoring warm local cuisine. In the evening, you are free to explore the village. If the sky is clear, you will have the chance to witness a sky full of twinkling stars, a breathtaking sight rarely found in big cities.

Embrace the Snow Skiing at Hemujikpurin Ski Resort

The fourth day in Hemu Village will be filled with sports and relaxation amidst the snowy natural landscape. After breakfast, the group will head to Hemujikpurin Ski Resort, known as Asia's largest natural ski resort. With diverse terrain and abundant snowfall, it's an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced skiers. You will have approximately 4 hours to enjoy skiing, experiencing the thrill of gliding down smooth, white slopes.

In the afternoon, after hours of exhilarating activity, you can relax in the cozy ambiance of a traditional wooden cabin. Enjoy a hot cup of afternoon tea, gazing out at the snow covered scenery through the window, feeling the tranquility and serenity of Hemu these will be unforgettable moments that help you forget the stresses of daily life.

The group will spend a second night in Hemu Village, continuing to immerse themselves in its fairytale atmosphere and enjoying the peace of this remarkable region.

Kanas Nature Reserve A Jade Jewel in the Altay Mountains

On the fifth day, after breakfast, we will depart Hemu Village for one of Xinjiang's crown jewels: Kanas Nature Reserve. Located in the majestic Altay Mountains of Northern Xinjiang, Kanas is renowned for its stunning natural ecosystem, formed by rivers, lakes, vast forests, and expansive grasslands. The most prominent highlight is Kanas Lake itself.

Kanas Lake, originating from the eponymous glacier in the Altay Mountains, is a mystical and wondrous body of water. With its shimmering jade-green color, Kanas Lake creates an ethereal, pristine landscape straight out of a painting, enchanting hearts at first sight. The crystal clear blue water, with gentle ripples dancing on the surface, creates a soft natural melody. The high mountains surrounding the lake, with their silken white peaks, form a perfect backdrop for this exquisite natural canvas.

Beyond Kanas Lake, you will also visit three other distinctive spots within the reserve: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay each possessing its own unique, poetic, and romantic beauty. At noon, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will continue to explore the Fish-Watching Pavilion (Guan Yu Tai), perched atop Camel Peak on the western shore of Kanas Lake, at an elevation of 2030 meters. From here, after ascending 1068 steps, you can behold panoramic views of Kanas Lake, the snow-capped mountains, green forests, and the lake's jade-green waters. This spot is also linked to the legend of the “lake monster.”

Surrounding the Kanas Nature Reserve are poplar forests. While vibrant with golden hues in autumn, in winter, these bare trees possess a magnificent and poetic beauty. You are free to stroll beneath these picturesque trees before transferring back to Burqin for dinner and free time to explore the Russian-style pedestrian street and the evening pedestrian bridge in Burqin. The group will stay overnight at a 4-star hotel in Burqin.

Cultural Immersion at the Five Nations Bazaar

On the sixth day, after breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart to return to Urumqi. En route, we will visit the Five Nations Bazaar. This famous market is where you can shop for unique local products, from handicrafts and spices to dried fruits and traditional costumes of the various ethnic groups living in Xinjiang. This is an excellent opportunity to find meaningful souvenirs for friends and family, and to experience the vibrant shopping atmosphere and cultural diversity of this region.

The group will have lunch and dinner in Urumqi, savoring the city's rich cuisine. In the evening, you will stay overnight in Urumqi, preparing for the final day of the journey.

Concluding an Unforgettable Journey in Xinjiang

On the last day, after breakfast, you will have free time for leisure or light sightseeing in Urumqi, depending on your flight schedule. The group will have lunch at a local restaurant before the vehicle and guide transfer you to Diwopu International Airport for your flight back to Hanoi.

The flight will conclude at 23:15 at Noi Bai Airport. The vehicle and tour guide will pick up the group and transfer you back to the initial meeting point, bringing an end to an impressive and unforgettable winter journey through Xinjiang. BDATrip hopes you had wonderful experiences and looks forward to welcoming you on future trips!

Why Choose BDATrip for Your Xinjiang Winter Tour?

With a “No Shopping” policy, “Small Group ” and a “Custom designed Tour,” BDATrip is committed to providing a high-quality travel experience, focusing on customer comfort and satisfaction. We understand that you are not just looking for a trip, but a journey to experience, explore, and create valuable memories. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Xinjiang in winter with BDATrip!