Xinjiang Photography Tour from North to South

Xinjiang Private Photo Tour: from North to South

Travel through Xinjiang from north to south, capturing stunning landscapes that include grasslands, grand canyons, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and winding mountain roads—while also experiencing the rich culture of the Uyghur people.

The tour starts in Urumqi and finishes in Kashgar.

Tour Highlights

Capture winding roads, snow-covered peaks, blue ice, and a red-and-white lighthouse beneath starry skies.
Photograph breathtaking grasslands set against dramatic canyons and snow-capped mountains.
Enjoy the stunning reflections and serene beauty of Baisha Lake.
Witness the famous Karakul Lake and Muztag Ata, along with the spectacular Pamir highland landscapes in southernmost Xinjiang.

Cities Covered: Urumqi - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Kashgar - Taxkorgan

Tour Type - Private

It will just be you, your guide and driver in the group.

Best Season - May to October

10 days / 9 nights

Fitness level - Medium

No steps climbing. Walk up to two kilometers per day at the altitude of around 1000 meters.

Drone friendly - Yes

You are free to fly in all photography spots listed in the itinerary.

What's included

English-speaking photo guide
Private transport
9-night accommodation (4-star or boutique)
Inclusive entrance fees
Train Station/Airport pick-up & transfer
Flight from Yining to Kashgar

Not included

Arrival and departure flight/train
Meals (lunch & dinner)
Gratuity for local guide and driver

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: Urumqi Arrival

Upon arrival in Urumqi, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.

In the evening, visit the Grand Bazaar to enjoy a variety of local dishes and immerse yourself in authentic Uyghur culture.

DAY 2: S101 Highway, Grand Canyon

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the picturesque S101 highway, renowned for its striking Danxia formations and dramatic canyons.

In the afternoon, explore Anjihai Grand Canyon, capturing its sweeping vistas, vibrant riverbanks, and distinctive wind-carved terrain—perfect for wide-angle landscape shots.

Overnight in Kuitun City.

DAY 3: Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge

In the morning, drive to Sayram Lake to photograph its crystal-clear waters, wildflowers blanketing the hillsides, and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Hike to a nearby mountaintop for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Guozigou Bridge—an ideal spot to capture this impressive feat of engineering.

Continue the journey to Yining, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way to photograph sweeping grasslands, dense pine forests, and striking mountain vistas.

Overnight in Yining.

DAY 4: Yining - Zhaosu

Drive to Zhaosu Wetland via the scenic Yizhao Highway, winding through mountains, canyons, and expansive grasslands. Stop at several viewpoints en route to capture the dramatic landscapes.

Photograph the stunning scene of “Sky Horse Bathing in the River,” where herds of horses thunder through the water—an unforgettable moment for dynamic action shots.

Overnight in a cozy, modern wooden lodge tucked into the heart of the grassland, offering a peaceful and restful evening surrounded by nature.

DAY 5: Zhaosu - Xiata Grassland

In the morning, drive to Xiata Grassland, a striking landscape framed by towering snow-capped mountains.

Photograph the dramatic peaks with sweeping grasslands, winding rivers, and dense pine forests in the foreground. Hike or ride horseback through the scenic valley to reach various photography locations.

Return for an overnight stay in Tekes County, famous for its unique city layout shaped like a Tai Chi symbol when seen from above.

DAY 6: Kalajun Grassland

Spend the day exploring Kalajun Grassland, the largest in western Xinjiang. Focus on two key areas to capture vast open meadows backed by snow-capped mountains, along with scenic valleys lined with pine forests. Keep an eye out for riders on horseback crossing the distant hills—an iconic scene of local life.

In the late afternoon, continue to Kuokesu Grand Canyon to photograph the dramatic "running horses on the human body grassland"—a truly breathtaking sight.

Overnight in Tekes.

DAY 7: Yining-Kashgar

After breakfast, transfer to Yining Airport and fly to Kashgar.

In the afternoon, explore the Kashgar Ancient City for street photography and an immersive local life experience. Discover traditional family workshops such as copper teapot making and Uyghur instrument crafting. Enjoy tea and local snacks in a historic teahouse with live music, and wander through ancient courtyards and well-preserved homes.

Overnight in Kashgar.

DAY 8: Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake & Muztag Ata

Today is a highlight of southern Xinjiang as you photograph two iconic lakes on the Pamir Plateau—Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake.

Start with Baisha (White Sand) Lake, capturing its stunning reflections and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

In the afternoon, photograph Karakul Lake with the majestic Muztagh Ata as a backdrop. Along the way to Taxkorgan County, stop at several viewpoints to shoot the dramatic Pamir highland scenery.

End the day with a sunset session over a river grassland framed by snow-covered mountains.

Overnight in Taxkorgan County.

DAY 9: Panlong Ancient Road, Bandir Blue Lake

Visit a local Tajik family to experience their daily life and capture textured portraits.

After breakfast, drive two hours along the Panlong Ancient Road, famous for its countless hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery—perfect for drone photography.

On the way back to Kashgar, enjoy a quick stop at Bandir Blue Lake, another great spot for aerial shots.

You'll return to Kashgar via the same route as the previous day, giving you another opportunity to photograph Karakul Lake and Baisha Lake if you missed the perfect shot.

Overnight in Kashgar.