Xinjiang Photo Workshop 2026
Discover the hidden beauty of northern Xinjiang in this photography workshop. Escape the tourist crowds as you capture natural wonders like diverse terrains, serene lakes, lush canyons, green grasslands, and vast deserts.
The trip will focus on the western part of Xinjiang, we are going to the known tourist destinations such as Kanas lake and Hemu ancient villages.
Workshop Highlights
- Sayram Lake – Photograph the iconic S-curve road framed by snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters.
- Kalajun Grasslands – Explore one of the largest alpine meadows, surrounded by dramatic snowy mountains and deep canyons.
- Nalati Grassland – Capture misty golden sunrises over the famed “Sky Grassland” and photograph herds galloping through lush green valleys.
- Culture & People – Immerse yourself in Uyghur daily life in Tekes and Yining, and savor their unique local cuisine.
- Drone Photography – Take breathtaking aerial shots and enhance your drone photography skills with guidance from an expert photographer guide.
Cities Covered: Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Yining - Zhaosu/Xiata - Tekes - Narat
Date - May 16-24, 2026 | May 25-June 2, 2026
9 days / 8 nights
Price - US $3,900
Deposit of $1,000 upon booking. Price includes single occupancy room. Discount of $800 for couples or friend sharing subject to availability.
Available - Available
Maximum of 4 participants
Fitness level - Easy
Walk up to 3 kilometers per day at the altitude of 1000 meters.
Drone friendly - Yes
Our guide will provide the latest drone restrictions in each location.
What's included
- Photography guide + local professional
- Private van transportation
- 8-night accommodation with single occupancy
- Inclusive entrance fees to photography locations
- Personalized processing instructions
- Urumqi airport pick-up & drop-off
Not included
- Arrival and departure flight/train
- Travel insurance
- Meals (lunch & dinner)
- Gratuity for local guide and driver
Day by Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Urumqi Arrival
Upon arrival in Urumqi, the guide and driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Later, visit the Grand Bazaar to enjoy the lively nightlife, experience local Uyghur culture, and have a delightful dinner in the area.
DAY 2: S101 Highway, Anjihai Grand Canyon
- Undeveloped and most colorful Danxia
- Anjihai Grand Canyon
Take a scenic drive along the picturesque S101 highway, known for its breathtaking views, including striking Danxia landforms and dramatic canyons.
Capture the spectacular Anjihai Grand Canyon, with its colorful layers and reflective river — a fantastic location for drone photography.
Overnight in Kuitun City.
DAY 3: Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge
- Sayram Lake landscape
- Guozigou Grand Bridge
Travel for about 4 hours to Sayram Lake. Capture the pristine lake with snow-capped mountains in the background, blooming wildflowers along the hillsides, and the iconic S-curved roads hugging the shoreline.
Continue to several elevated viewpoints to photograph a panoramic scene featuring the grand bridge, set against a backdrop of grasslands, pine forests, and snow-covered peaks.
DAY 4: Yining - Zhaosu
- Yizhao highway scenery
- Horses running in the river at sunset
Spend the day capturing the breathtaking landscapes along the Yizhao Highway, including alpine grasslands, deep canyons, snow-capped mountains, and roaming herds.
Arrive at Zhaosu Wetland Park to photograph the iconic scene of tens of horses running through the river at sunset — a truly dramatic moment for both drone and ground shots.
Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel nestled in the heart of the grasslands.
DAY 5: Xiata Scenic Area
- Xiata Grassland & Snow Mountains
- Hiking and horse riding
- Night drone photography of Tekes
Drive about 2 hours to the Xiata Scenic Area. Hike along the trail or ride a horse to reach the closest viewpoints, where you can capture stunning views of snow-capped mountains rising behind expansive grasslands.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel and take the opportunity to photograph the enchanting night scenes of the town by drone in Tekes County.
DAY 6: Kalajun Grassland
- Kalajun Grassland
- Human body grassland and horses running
Spend most of the day exploring Kalajun, the largest grassland in the Ili region. Capture sweeping views of vast grasslands, herds of horses, snow-capped mountains, wildflowers scattered along the hillsides, and pine forests lining the edges of grand canyons.
As the sun sets, photograph the breathtaking “body grassland” landscape and horses galloping through golden light.
DAY 7: Tangbula
- Tangbula Grasslands
- Sunset session on Tangbula Grassland
Drive about 4 hours to Tangbula Scenic Area and spend most of the day photographing its diverse landscapes, including grasslands, snow-capped peaks, lakes, and rivers.
End the day by capturing the sunset over Tangbula Grassland around 10:00 PM.
DAY 8: Narat
- Grassland of the Sky in Narat
Begin your day with a 2.5-hour drive to Narat Grassland.
Spend a few hours exploring the scenic area known as the “Grassland of the Sky.” Capture the breathtaking views with snow-capped mountains in the background, and photograph the stunning sunset over the vast grassland.
DAY 9: Narat departure
In the morning, transfer to Narat Xinyuan Airport, where you can fly to Urumqi and connect to other major cities.
Take home your fantastic photos and unforgettable memories.
Camera gears for this trip
- Two cameras: one for wide angle lens and one for zoom lens
- Wide angle 24-70; zoom lens 70-200
- Tripod and head light
- Polarizer filter (optional)
Top Gao has been working as an English-speaking tour guide for almost a decade, and since 2016, he has been specializing in photography tours.
Over the past few years, Top has led over 100 photographers from various parts of the world, and has supported dozens of workshops for photo tour organizations and clubs from the United States and Europe.
With his in-depth knowledge of camera equipment and a unique perspective on composition, Top can help you capture stunning portfolio shots in Xinjiang.
