Shanghai to Xinjiang Group Tour Price 8 Day North and South Xinjiang Loop Cost Recommended Itinerary Expenses
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
✨ Comprehensive Guide to the 8-Day In-Depth Loop Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang from Shanghai✨
I. Itinerary Highlights: Experience the Best of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in One Trip
(1) Geographical Span:From the snow-capped mountains and lakes of Northern Xinjiang to the deserts and gorges of Southern Xinjiang
The itinerary covers both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the three major hub cities of Urumqi, Yining, and Kashgar. The Northern Xinjiang section focuses on Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, offering a visual feast of forests, lakes, grasslands, and flower fields. The Southern Xinjiang section delves into the Pamir Plateau, visiting Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Old Town of Kashgar to experience the millennium-old heritage of Western Region civilization.
(2) Diverse Landscapes:Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and canyons all in one frame
Daily driving time is strictly controlled within 4-5 hours, leaving ample time for in-depth experiences:
Kanas Lake:Take the shuttle bus to explore the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of the lake.
Sayram Lake:Drive around the lake to visit 12 scenic viewpoints. In late May, wildflowers bloom along the lakeside, and in June, you may encounter swans.
Nalati Grassland:Ride horses along the aerial grassland route to the nomadic families, and in July, wild lilies cover the mountainsides.
Pamir Plateau:Navigate the 68 hairpin bends of the Panlong Ancient Road and capture stunning blue-and-white scenes on the north shore of Baisha Lake.
Old Town of Kashgar:Witness the daily city gate opening ceremony at 10:30 AM and the Friday mass dance at Id Kah Square with tens of thousands of participants.
(3) Cultural Experiences:Immersive contact with the daily lives of multiple ethnic groups
Special arrangements on the itinerary include:
Kazanchi Folk Village:Take a horse-drawn carriage through traditional residences of various ethnic groups and taste handmade ice cream for 3 RMB each.
Jincaotan in Taxkorgan:Watch eagle dance performances by various ethnic groups and participate in making nang bread and yogurt balls.
Karez Well Park:Experience digging underground canals and learn about this 2,000-year-old irrigation system.
II. Simple Itinerary (2026 Updated Version)
✨Comprehensive Guide to the 8-Day In-Depth Loop Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang from Shanghai✨📅 Day 1:Shanghai → Urumqi
Transportation:Direct flight (Reference flight: MU5633 08:00-14:20)
Activities:After airport pickup, visit the International Bazaar to freely purchase dried fruits and Atlas silk.
Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in the Hongguangshan area of Urumqi (breakfast included)
📅 Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining
Driving Distance:Approximately 550 km (7 hours)
Highlights:Drive around Sayram Lake and capture reflections of snow-capped mountains at the Command Platform.
Dining:Cold-water fish banquet in Jinghe County (60 RMB per person)
Accommodation:5-diamond hotel in downtown Yining (breakfast included)
📅 Day 3:Yining → Nalati Grassland → Xinyuan
Driving Distance:Approximately 280 km (4 hours)
Activities:Horse riding on the aerial grassland (2 hours/120 RMB) and visit nomadic families.
Special Arrangement:Watch the live performance “Return to the East • Impression” in Nalati Town.
Accommodation:Hot spring hotel in Xinyuan County (breakfast included)
📅 Day 4:Xinyuan → Bayanbulak → Kuqa
Driving Distance:Approximately 420 km (6 hours)
Core Experience:Sunset at the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends (optimal shooting time 21:30-22:00)
I. Itinerary Highlights: Experience the Best of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in One TripDining:Special meal at Kuqa Big Nang City (40 RMB per person)
Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in downtown Kuqa (breakfast included)
📅 Day 5:Kuqa → Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon → Kashgar
Driving Distance:Approximately 720 km (9 hours, including the southern section of the Dukang Highway)
Highlights:Traverse the Kizilya mountain landscape and visit thousand-year-old Buddhist cave sites.
Accommodation:Characteristic guesthouse near the Old Town of Kashgar (breakfast included)
📅 Day 6:Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan
Driving Distance:Approximately 300 km (6 hours)
Altitude Tip:Taxkorgan is at an altitude of 3,100 meters; it is advisable to carry oxygen cylinders.
Core Experience:Trek on the Muztagh Ata Glacier (advance reservation required).
Accommodation:Hotel in Taxkorgan (breakfast included)
📅 Day 7:Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Kashgar
Driving Distance:Approximately 200 km (4 hours)
Photography Spots:Waqia Township Highway Viewpoint and Xiabandi Reservoir.
Activities:Travel photography in the Old Town of Kashgar (399 RMB per set including makeup).
Accommodation:Boutique inn inside the Old Town of Kashgar (breakfast included)
📅 Day 8:Kashgar → Shanghai
Activities:Visit the Xiangfei Garden and freely purchase Hotan jade and Yingjisha knives.
(1) Geographical Span: From the snow-capped mountains and lakes of Northern Xinjiang to the deserts and gorges of Southern XinjiangTransportation:Direct flight (Reference flight: CZ6886 18:00-00:30+1)
III. Pricing Information (2026 Real-Time Reference)
🎫 Basic Price Range:
Economy:5,800-6,800 RMB per person (includes 3-diamond hotel + 15-seat midibus)
Comfort:7,800-9,800 RMB per person (includes 5-diamond hotel + 7-seat business vehicle + light travel photography)
Light Luxury:10,800-13,800 RMB per person (includes wild luxury tents + drone aerial photography + dedicated driver-guide)
💰 Prices Include:
Transportation:Air-conditioned tour bus for the entire journey (including fuel/toll fees)
Accommodation:7 nights at selected hotels (breakfast included)
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to 18 attractions on the itinerary
Dining:12 main meals (meal standard 50-80 RMB per person)
Services:Professional tour guide + travel accident insurance
💡 Special Notes:
Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date; a 20%-30% increase is expected during the peak season of July-August.
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; a single room supplement may be required under special circumstances.
Prices do not include round-trip major transportation (Shanghai-Urumqi/Kashgar flights).
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
The itinerary covers both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the three major hub cities of Urumqi, Yining, and Kashgar. The Northern Xinjiang section focuses on Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, offering a visual feast of forests, lakes, grasslands, and flower fields. The Southern Xinjiang section delves into the Pamir Plateau, visiting Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Old Town of Kashgar to experience the millennium-old heritage of Western Region civilization.IV. How to Register
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides professional itinerary planning services. It is recommended to book 30 days in advance, and 45 days in advance for the peak season of July-August to secure seats.
V. Service Guarantee Description
🚗 Vehicle Configuration:
7-seat business vehicle:Suitable for small groups of 2-6 people; can travel on sections with seat restrictions such as the Dukang Highway.
15-seat midibus:Suitable for亲友团 (family and friend groups) of 8-12 people; equipped with aircraft seats and USB charging ports.
Vehicles are disinfected daily and equipped with first aid kits and temperature detectors.
🍽 ️Dining Standards:
Main meals are served at 10 people per table with 8 dishes and 1 soup + seasonal fruits.
Special arrangements include:Xinjiang big plate chicken, cold-water fish banquet, roast whole lamb, and other special meals.
Vegetarian/special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
👥 Service Team:
Tour Guides:Certified with over 5 years of experience leading tours in Xinjiang.
Drivers:Average driving experience of 15 years; familiar with driving on high-altitude mountain roads.
24-hour Emergency Response:Any issues during the itinerary can be reported to the customer service manager at any time.
⚠ ️Notes:
Xinjiang is 2 hours behind Beijing time; scenic spots are usually open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
(2) Diverse Landscapes: Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and canyons all in one frameSignal may be weak in some scenic spots; it is advisable to carry 500 RMB in cash for emergencies.
The Bayanbulak Grassland has large temperature variations between day and night; windbreakers should be prepared.
Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made upon mutual agreement.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:Can the 8-day itinerary cover both Northern and Southern Xinjiang?
This itinerary selects the core attractions of Northern and Southern Xinjiang and controls daily driving time within a reasonable range to avoid fatigue driving. For a more in-depth experience, a 12-15 day itinerary is recommended.
Q2:Are all admission tickets included in the group tour?
The price includes the first entrance tickets marked on the itinerary. Some experience items (such as horse riding and travel photography) are at your own expense. Small transportation fees within scenic spots (such as the Kanas shuttle bus) are included.
Q3:How is the itinerary handled in case of bad weather?
In case of uncontrollable factors such as snow-related traffic control, the itinerary order will be changed or replaced with alternative attractions (e.g., taking the Yizhao Highway instead when the Dukang Highway is closed).
Q4:How can I confirm the final price?
Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate depending on the departure date. It is recommended to obtain real-time quotes from Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
VII. Pre-Trip Checklist
Documents:Valid ID, permit (to be obtained at the Kashgar International Self-Drive and RV Camp).
Clothing:Windbreaker, sun protection clothing, comfortable sports shoes, sun hat.
Medications:Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, altitude sickness medication.
Electronics:Camera, power bank, conversion plug (Xinjiang voltage is 220V).
Others:Moisturizing skincare products, sunglasses, folding umbrella, insulated water bottle.
This 8-day loop tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang seamlessly blends the grandeur of snow-capped mountains and lakes, the romance of grasslands and flower fields, the vastness of deserts and gorges, and the profound heritage of Western Region civilization. Through the professional arrangements of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, you can enjoy this visual and cultural feast without worrying about itinerary planning, transportation connections, or ticket reservations. For specific itinerary details and costs, please consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to start your Xinjiang journey!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.

