Welcome to China, albeit one that is a world apart from what you would normally expect. With ethnic minorities comprising almost sixty percent of the total population, Xinjiang is possibly the least “Chinese” province in the whole of China and Urumqi, its provincial capital, is the gateway to this remote region landlocked deeply in the pastoral lands of Eurasia. As a developing Chinese city nonetheless, its appearance at first sight is still that of a modern styling but you don’t have to dig too deep to reach a travel epiphany. The pounding beats of drums radiating from an alleyway, a smattering of Cyrillic signboards in unexpected corners, scents of hot bread freshly charred from stone ovens, skewer-pierced kebabs everywhere you turn, and then there’s the mishmash of exotic faces, Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, Hui and Russian, exchanging rhythmic greetings of “Salaam Alaikum” with one another, by now you should surely realise that this place is not exactly like anywhere else in China. With a customised Urumqi and Xinjiang tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours, get ready to teleport yourself to this fascinating city doused in a gorgeous marinade of Central Asian flavourings and exotic spices.
Nomadic pleasures The people of Xinjiang have a long, proud and ancient nomadic heritage and horses have been their best pals through the age of time. For a fun and pleasant introduction to Xinjiang’s pastoral culture, hopping onto a horse’s back and riding across the rolling greens of Mount Nan Pasture seems like a wise choice if you want to dip your toes in nomadic pleasures. The landscape is spectacular with icy peaks, crystal clear glaciers and vibrant woodlands accentuated breezily with the freshest of air. There’s also plenty to do here besides riding through the valleys on horseback such as wandering into woods picking mushrooms, stumbling into vast blooms of wild vivid flowers and trekking the steep slopes for wonderful panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.
Market day out The Urumqi International Bazaar, also known as the Grand Bazaar, is nestled in the heart of the city and is a vibrant marketplace for locals and travellers alike. It is also an important centre of the city’s Islamic culture and a meeting place where Urumqi locals go to eat, shop, pray and play together. A day out to this bazaar is a must for travellers looking to purchase Xinjiang souvenirs, snack on a large array of tantalising Central Asian food and snacks such as Uyghur pilaf, kebabs and sweet yoghurt, have a feel of Islamic architecture or simply to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere where locals meet to barter goods, exchange updates on life and gossip with old and new acquaintances alike.
Streams of heavenly goodness Heavenly Lake is the perfect antidote of stunning nature and exotic culture that you are looking for to rid those city and urban blues. Surrounded by rugged and forested valleys, and with melting snow as its water source, a day out in this fairyland promises relaxation, rejuvenation and restoration. Besides the stunning scenery in which you can gaze and daze for days and still never get tired of, there’s plenty of culture to dig into for those that are inclined that way too. How about settling down to a traditional ethnic Kazakh lunch, that is rich in protein and dairy, consisting of meat, cheeses, bread, noodles and milk tea in Kazakh yurts (traditional Turkic dwelling of a round tent covered with animal skins or felt), or even better still, choose to stay overnight in one of these yurts? Imagine having the whole of this splendid landscape almost all for yourself after your fellow travellers return to the city in the late afternoon. Ride a horse up the glacier plains, go for a quiet stroll through the valleys and then marvel at the starry sky with the warmth of a campfire and the sounds of nature accompanying you through the night.
For more breathtaking destinations in China, try:
Escape to China’s Wild West for an exotic Central Asian adventure with a customised Urumqi and Xinjiang tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival in Urumqi, check in to your hotel and rest for the night.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, head to Burqin for Wucai Bay. This unique Yardan Landscape is a sight to behold with the mysterious, colourful and unqiue terraine. Next, visit Burqin Night Market that is famous for grilled fish and local specialties. As the place lies in the most northern tip of Xinjiang, fishes live and grow in the extreme cold water, making their meat tender yet firm and sweet.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, proceed to Hemu, China's only European-like ecological site. Upon arrival in Jia Deng Yu, transfer by shuttle bus to Hemu Village, one of the six most beautiful villages in China. Hemu Village is also one of the three villages of the famous Tuwa tribe occupying an area of 3,040 square metres with about 1,800 Tuwa people in the village residing in yurts or log houses roofed with straws.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, visit Kanas Nature Reserve by shuttle bus to enjoy its pristine and picturesque natural scenery. Enroute, pass by Irtysh Lake, the only lake in China that flows directly into the North Pacific Ocean, along with Buerjin River, Kanas River, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Shenxian Bay. Head to Guanyu Pavilion by shuttle bus to enjoy a bird's eye view of the fairytale-like, lush greenery around Kanas Lake. Thereafter, proceed to Tuwa Village. Due to its uneven geographical landscape, this small village is generally obscure with an element of mysticism. Legend has it that the villagers are descendants of Genghis Khan when he crusaded the west. However, the Tuwa elders claimed their ancestors migrated from Siberia to China some 500 years ago. Tuwa people speak Turkish, resembling the language of Kazakh, and live on hunting and graze. Special arrangements have been made for home visit. Thereafter, return to Burqin.
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After breakfast, proceed to Kuytun. Pass by Karamay , an oil producing centre, where you will be awed by the sight of countless oil drilling machinery in the horizon. Next, visit Urho Ghost Town in the desert, also known as Feng Cheng. It is a unique wind-eroded geological area commonly referred to as wind city because of the frequent howling winds. Due to its eeriness, the Kazakhs and Mongolians commonly referred it as the Ghost Town. The beleaguered rocks have been shaped by wind into various forms and shapes, forming rock sculptures that look like Chinese Heavenly Gate, Egyptian pyramid, Cambodia Angkor Wat and extraordinary natural masterpieces.
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This morning, proceed to
Yining, a county city in northwestern Xinjiang reputed as the Garden City, Hometown of fruits and melons and Jiangnan in the wilderness. Along the journey you can see Aobao. ,which means a stone heap in Mongolian language and were previously used as directional signage and markers for territories and borders. Now used as heaps of sacrificial offerings where people use the best corn, meat, fruits and alcohol to pray for good weather, good harvest and good fortune as well as to welcome important visitors, for ceremonial purposes and showcase local customs. Thereafter, proceed to
lli Lavender Base. During the blooming season in June, the lavender fields turn into a purple sea of lavender flowers and air filled with aromatic floral fragrance. Shop for the lavender products at a lavender specialty store. Next, visit to
Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Sayram also means blessing in Kazakh language. Thereafter visit
Guozigou, which is a meandering valley filled with a rich abundance of fruits and herbs.
Note
The blooming of lavender is subject to weather conditions.
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After breakfast, proceed to
Nalati. Upon arrival, visit
Nalati Grassland by shuttle bus, the sub-alpine meadow of the Gongnaisi Grassland and is one of the 4 largest grasslands in the world. Since the ancient times, the grassland has been a famous pasture in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region reflecting the livelihood and customs of the Kazakhs. The scenery is poetic and picturesque. If the vast grassland is a green sea then the white yurts are sails; herds of sheep, cows and horses are waves; undulating mountains are the coast and upright cedars on cliffs are heroic guards. Thereafter, proceed to
Bayanbulak.
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Start the day at
Bayanbulak Grassland, the second largest grassland in China. Upon arrival, proceed to
The Swan Lake of Bayanbulak and
Jiuqushibawan by shuttle bus. Saddle up and experience a horse-riding here. The Swan Lake is a large swamp formed by small interconnected lakes and is China’s first nature reserve for swans. Due to its lush greenery and water, The Swan Lake is a paradise for flocks of swans as well as a popular tourist destination. Next, head to Kaidu River which is an important source of water in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. In the Journey to the West epic, the Kaidu River is referred to as the Flowing Sands River and is the place where the river-ogre Sha Wujing terrorized the surrounding villages and travellers trying to cross the river, before becoming a disciple of Xuanzang. The 516-kilometre long Jiuqushibawan (9 turns and 18 bends) is formed from Tong Tian River and comprises over 1,142 meandering bends. Thereafter, proceed to
Korla, known for its fragrant pears.
Note
As swans develop their own natural habitat, viewing of swans are subject to occurrence.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, return to Urumqi. Upon arrival, visit International Bazaar where most locals shopped. It is a market and trading place with a variety of products from local Xinjiang produce to high-value handicrafts.
Breakfast
After breakfast, spend some time at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your flight home.