Northern Xinjiang: Grasslands, Snow Mountains, Canyons and Lakes

Join us on a Xinjiang photography tour—capture the turquoise waters of Sayram Lake, the cultural charm of Yining, the rolling hills of Kalajun and Narat Grasslands, and the powerful beauty of Zhaosu’s galloping horses. Perfect for landscape, culture, and action shots in one unforgettable journey.

The tour starts in Urumqi and finishes in Narat.

Tour Highlights

Capture winding roads, snow peaks, blue ice, and a red-white lighthouse under starry skies.
Fly over the curves of "Human Body Prairie," explore wildflowers and canyons in June, and nomadic life under the Milky Way.
Photograph golden sunrises at "Sky Pasture," galloping herds, winding mountain roads, and relax in scenic prairie lodges.
Each month brings its own beauty—ice in May, flowers in June, golden grass in September.
Use wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for details, drones for unique views. Shoot at golden hours and look for fresh angles.

Cities Covered: Urumqi - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Narat

Tour Type - Private

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

Best Season - May to October

8 days / 7 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
7-night accommodation (4-star or boutique)
Inclusive entrance fees to photography locations
Train Station/Airport pick-up & transfer

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, enjoy a warm welcome dinner with your guide.

In the evening, explore the Grand Bazaar—sample a variety of local dishes and experience authentic Uyghur culture.

DAY 2: S101 Highway, Grand Canyon

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive along the picturesque S101 highway, known for its stunning Danxia formations and dramatic canyons.

In the afternoon, visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon to photograph its vast landscapes, colorful riverbanks, and unique wind-carved terrain.

Overnight in Kuitun City.

DAY 3: Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge

Drive to Sayram Lake in the morning and photograph the lake, wildflowers on the hillsides, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Hike to a nearby mountaintop for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Guozigou Bridge—one of the best spots to capture this engineering marvel.

Continue the drive to Yining, stopping at several scenic viewpoints to photograph grasslands, pine forests, and mountain landscapes.

Overnight in Yining.

DAY 4: Yining - Zhaosu

Drive to Zhaosu Wetland via the scenic Yizhao Highway, passing through mountains, canyons, and grasslands. Stop at several viewpoints along the way for landscape photography.

Capture the breathtaking scene of “Sky Horse Bathing in the River,” where dozens of horses charge through the water—an incredible opportunity for dynamic action shots.

Overnight in a cozy, modern wooden lodge nestled in the heart of the grassland—perfect for a peaceful and relaxing evening.

DAY 5: Zhaosu - Xiata Grassland

Drive to Xiata Grassland in the morning, a unique landscape framed by stunning snow-capped mountains.

Photograph the majestic peaks with grasslands, rivers, and pine forests in the foreground. You’ll hike or ride horses through the valley to reach various photography spots.

Overnight in Tekes County, known for its distinctive city layout that resembles a Tai Chi symbol when viewed from above.

DAY 6: Kalajun Grassland

You’ll spend most of the day at Kalajun Grassland, the largest grassland in western Xinjiang. Focus on two key areas to capture sweeping grasslands with snow-capped mountains in the background, as well as valleys dotted with pine forests. Don’t miss the beautiful scenes of people riding horses in the distance.

In the late afternoon, head to Kuokesu Grand Canyon to photograph the breathtaking “running horses on the human body grassland” scene.

Overnight in Tekes.

DAY 7: Narat Grassland

Start early to capture Meili Snow Mountain from a new vantage point—an even closer view of its majestic peaks.

After breakfast, drive to Shangri-La to photograph the vibrant Songzanlin Monastery and its surroundings. Climb a nearby hill for a panoramic shot of the monastery—it’s one of the most photogenic I’ve ever seen.

In the late afternoon or evening, visit Dukezong Ancient City in Shangri-La for beautiful cityscape photography.

Overnight in Shangri-La.