How to Arrange a Xinjiang Group Tour During National Day Off Peak Avoiding Crowds and Cost Guide Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Glowing Xinjiang: An Off-Peak National Day Journey to Secret Realms:Unlock the Western Region’s Scenic画卷 (Scroll) with Fewer Crowds
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Wise Choice to Avoid the Crowds
During the National Day Golden Week, Xinjiang welcomes a tourism peak, but with scientific planning, you can still discover “secret realms” with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. According to the National Day travel data released by the Xinjiang Cultural and Tourism Department in 2026, the average daily attendance at core attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake decreased by about 40% compared to the summer season, while less crowded destinations in southern Xinjiang, such as Kashgar Old Town, the Pamir Plateau, and the Kezhou Glacier Park, are recommended to have a tourist density of just one-third of that in northern Xinjiang. This itinerary focuses on “natural wonders in northern Xinjiang + cultural secrets in southern Xinjiang” and employs three strategies—off-peak travel, reverse touring, and less crowded alternative attractions—to ensure a comfortable experience where you can “take photos without fighting for a spot, dine without waiting in line, and secure accommodation without a rush.”
II. Simple Itinerary: A 9-Day, 8-Night In-Depth Loop
[Days 1-2:Assemble in Urumqi · Adjust to the Western Region’s Time Difference]
After arriving at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, check into a four-star hotel in the city center and adjust to the 2-hour time difference. Recommended free-time activities in the afternoon:
Must-Visit:International Bazaar (free admission; experience the architectural art and handicrafts of various ethnic groups)
Food Experience:“Ailijiang Nang Pit Barbecue” on Lingguan Lane (60 RMB per person; recommended dishes include roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice)
Cultural Experience:Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum (advance reservation required; free admission to the “Special Folk Customs” mummy exhibit)
[Days 3-4:Autumn Colors of Northern Xinjiang · Kanas + Hemu]
Transportation:Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway (4 hours) → Burqin (2 hours) → Kanas (1.5 hours)
Kanas Activities:
Early Morning:Take the shuttle bus to Guanyu Tai (Fish-Viewing Pavilion) for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake
Morning:Hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay morning mist, Crescent Moon Bay S-shaped river curve, and Wolong Bay taiga forest)
Accommodation:Wooden cabin in Kanas New Village (includes floor heating; reference price: 800 RMB/night)
Hemu Activities:
Glowing Xinjiang: An Off-Peak National Day Journey to Secret Realms: Unlock the Western Region’s Scenic画卷 (Scroll) with Fewer CrowdsEvening:Climb the Haden Platform for sunset views and stargazing
Early Morning:Ride a horse through the birch forest to Meili Peak (2 hours; reference price: 200 RMB/person)
[Days 5-6:The Devil City + Sayram Lake · A Clash of Yardang and Blue Ice]
The Devil City:
Photography Tips:Enter after 18:00 and use side backlighting to capture the three-dimensionality of the Yardang landforms
Sayram Lake:
Circum-Lake Route:Drive counterclockwise, with key stops including:
S-Curve Road (excellent for aerial photography)
Dianjiang Tai (Command Platform; overlooks the lake and snow-capped mountains)
Kele Yongzhu (Swan Habitat)
Accommodation:Guozigou Cliff Hotel (reference price: 1,200 RMB/night, includes breakfast for two)
[Days 7-8:Southern Xinjiang Culture · Kashgar Old Town + Pamir Plateau]
Transportation:Sayram Lake → Yining (4 hours) → Kashgar (1.5-hour flight)
Kashgar Old Town:
In-Depth Experience:Attend the Old Town opening ceremony (10:00) and learn pottery-making from craftsmen of various ethnic groups
Gaotai Folk Residences:Explore century-old homes (45 RMB admission; advance reservation required)
Pamir Plateau:
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Wise Choice to Avoid the CrowdsMust-Visit Attractions:Baisha Lake, Muztagata Peak, Karakul Lake
Notes:A permit must be obtained at the Kashgar International Self-Drive and RV Camp (free of charge)
[Day 9:Return Trip · Purchase Local Specialties]
Recommended Purchases:
Dried Fruits:Hotan Dates (50 RMB/kg), Almonds (80 RMB/kg)
Medicinal Herbs:Snow Chrysanthemum (120 RMB/500g), Cistanche (quality varies; caution advised)
Shopping Locations:Kashgar Central and Western Asia International Trade Market (open until 20:00)
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Consumption, No Hidden Tricks
This itinerary adopts a “base tour fee + optional activities” model, with reference price ranges as follows (subject to actual consultation and contract signing):
Base Tour Fee (9 days, 8 nights):
Economy:4,980 RMB/person (includes four-star hotel, first admission tickets to attractions, and tourist bus)
Comfort:6,980 RMB/person (upgrades to five-star hotel,特色木屋 (characteristic wooden cabin), and off-road vehicle)
Optional Activities:
Sayram Lake Circum-Lake Cycling:150 RMB/person (includes bicycle and helmet)
Kashgar Pottery-Making Experience:80 RMB/person (includes materials and take-home finished product)
Pamir Plateau Starry Sky Photography:300 RMB/person (includes professional guide and equipment)
During the National Day Golden Week, Xinjiang welcomes a tourism peak, but with scientific planning, you can still discover “secret realms” with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. According to the National Day travel data released by the Xinjiang Cultural and Tourism Department in 2026, the average daily attendance at core attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake decreased by about 40% compared to the summer season, while less crowded destinations in southern Xinjiang, such as Kashgar Old Town, the Pamir Plateau, and the Kezhou Glacier Park, are recommended to have a tourist density of just one-third of that in northern Xinjiang. This itinerary focuses on “natural wonders in northern Xinjiang + cultural secrets in southern Xinjiang” and employs three strategies—off-peak travel, reverse touring, and less crowded alternative attractions—to ensure a comfortable experience where you can “take photos without fighting for a spot, dine without waiting in line, and secure accommodation without a rush.”Fees Included:
Transportation:Fully air-conditioned tourist bus from Urumqi and back
Accommodation:8 nights’ accommodation (includes breakfast)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, etc.
Tour Guide:Certified guide providing full-行程 (itinerary) explanations
Fees Not Included:
Round-trip transportation (airfare/train tickets)
Main meals (team meal standard: 60 RMB/person/meal)
Personal expenses and optional activities
IV. Registration Method: Professional Service Guarantees
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Contract Guarantee:Sign a standard tourism contract issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, clearly outlining the itinerary, fees, and liability terms
Payment:Supports corporate account transfers and issues official invoices
Emergency Response:24-hour customer service manager Zhang Jing is available online to handle emergencies
V. Service Descriptions: Details Determine the Experience
Vehicle Configuration:
Economy Tour Group:15-seat commercial van (includes luggage compartment)
II. Simple Itinerary: A 9-Day, 8-Night In-Depth LoopComfort Tour Group:7-seat Toyota Prado (includes in-car refrigerator)
Accommodation Standards:
Kanas/Hemu:Priority安排 (priority is given to arranging) wooden cabins inside the scenic area (includes floor heating and private bath)
Kashgar:Four-star hotel near the Old Town (10-minute walk to the scenic area)
Dining Arrangements:
Team Meals:Selected social restaurants strive to use fresh ingredients (10 dishes and 1 soup per table, including 2 specialty dishes)
Free Time:Provides a “Xinjiang Food Map” marking popular recommended restaurants and average per-person costs
Special Needs:
Single Travelers:Every effort will be made to arrange room-sharing; if not possible, a supplement is required (reference price: 1,200 RMB for the entire trip)
Dietary Restrictions:Notify in advance to arrange special or vegetarian meals
VI. Pre-Trip Tips: A Worry-Free Travel Guide
Document Preparation:
Valid Identification:Carry it with you at all times; it will be checked at scenic areas, hotels, and for verification purposes
Permit:Required for travel to the Pamir Plateau (free; bring valid identification)
Clothing and Gear:
Core Scenic Areas (Kanas, Sayram Lake):Windbreaker + fleece jacket + thermal pants
[Days 1-2: Assemble in Urumqi · Adjust to the Western Region’s Time Difference]Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar, Pamir):Light down jacket + windproof jacket
Footwear:Waterproof hiking shoes (for morning mist, rain, and snow)
Medication List:
Gastrointestinal Medicine:For consuming beef and mutton (recommended: “Montmorillonite Powder”)
Motion Sickness Medicine:Recommended for winding mountain roads (recommended: “Dimenhydrinate”)
Altitude Sickness Medicine:The Pamir Plateau is at an altitude of 3,000-4,500 meters (recommended: “Rhodiola”)
VII. Policies and Operating Status (Updated for 2026)
Scenic Area Opening:
Kanas/Hemu:Open year-round (reduced shuttle bus frequency in winter; advance reservation required)
Sayram Lake:Open year-round (blue ice and ice bubble landscapes can be experienced in winter)
Pamir Plateau:Open from May to October (closed from November to April due to snow accumulation)
Transportation Policies:
National Day Period:Xinjiang expressways offer free tolls for passenger vehicles with fewer than 7 seats
Verification Requirements:Valid identification + facial recognition required for entry to scenic areas
Weather Tips:
Northern Xinjiang:Average October temperature: 0-15°C, with large day-night temperature variations
Southern Xinjiang:Average October temperature: 5-20°C, warm during the day and cool at night
This itinerary has been designed and optimized by the professional team at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency based on on-site inspections and data such as traffic, weather, and scenic area capacity for the 2026 National Day holiday, striving for a reasonable itinerary and comfortable experience. The specific itinerary may be adjusted through consultation due to weather, road conditions, or other factors, and the final version shall be subject to the contract signed by both parties.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
