Northern Xinjiang 4 Day Group Tour to Tianshan Large and Small Dragon Pool with Canyon Water Scenery and Serene Atmosphere Compare Travel Expenses for Best Choice Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Tianshan Mystique: A 4-Day In-Depth Canyon and Water Landscape Tour in Northern XinjiangExplore the Serene World of the Grand and Minor Dragon Pools
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Symphony of Canyons, Lakes, and Grasslands
【Natural Wonder】The Grand and Minor Dragon Pools of Tianshan, located deep within the Tianshan Mountains north of Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, are core attractions along the Duoku Highway. The Grand Dragon Pool covers approximately 2 square kilometers at an elevation of 2,390 meters. Fed by melted snow from the Tianshan Mountains, its waters shimmer in blue-green hues, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and reflected spruce and cypress trees, resembling an emerald nestled among the mountains. Though smaller, the Minor Dragon Pool is renowned for its unique landscape of swaying dark green aquatic plants. The two pools, approximately 4 kilometers apart, form a fascinating contrast: ‘one pool of clear water reflects the snowy mountains, while the other hides dragons amidst its green hue.’
【Geological Secrets】As the core area of the Kuqa Grand Canyon National Geological Park, this region’s landscape is a ‘geological museum.’ From the crimson red of the Yardang canyons to the dark green spruce forests and the gray-white snowy mountains, traveling along the Duoku Highway for just one hour allows you to traverse three major geological zones. The newly opened Dragon Pool Geological Trail in 2026 offers a close-up view of the growth environment of snow lotuses above the snowline, allowing you to experience the vertical climate zones where ‘one mountain encompasses four seasons, and every ten li bring a different sky.’
【Cultural Heritage】The Grand Dragon Pool, documented by Xuanzang in the ‘Great Tang Records on the Western Regions’ during the Tang Dynasty, carries a millennium of Silk Road memories. The local legend of the ‘Summer Palace of the Queen Mother of the West’ adds a mystical aura to this land. The newly built Dragon Pool Cultural Exhibition Hall in 2026 uses holographic projection technology to recreate ancient Kucha’s water collection scenes, providing a new window for visitors to understand the history of the Western Regions.
II. 2026 4-Day Itinerary Reference (Current Departure Dates: June 15th/22nd/29th)
【Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi · Initial Exploration of Tianshan】
08:00 Tourists from various regions arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and are transferred by private car to a four-diamond hotel in the city center for check-in.
12:00 Recommended Free Activities:Taste specialty dishes such as baked buns and pilaf at the International Bazaar.
15:00 Visit the Xinjiang Museum to view artifacts unearthed from the ‘Niya Site’ (closed on Mondays; alternative visit to Hongshan Park).
19:00 Team briefing to distribute Duoku Highway travel guides and emergency supply kits.
Tianshan Mystique: A 4-Day In-Depth Canyon and Water Landscape Tour in Northern Xinjiang: Explore the Serene World of the Grand and Minor Dragon Pools【Day 2:Southern Section of Duoku Highway · Traversing Geological Time】
07:00 Depart by car southward along the Duoku Highway, with a distant view from the ‘Tianshan Mystique Grand Canyon’ observation deck (no stop).
10:30 Arrive at the Grand and Minor Dragon Pools scenic area, visiting the Grand Dragon Pool observation deck and geological trail (approximately 2 hours).
13:00 Specialty Lunch:Enjoy Kuqa’s large naan bread with grilled meat and taste locally grown sea buckthorn juice.
14:30 Explore the Minor Dragon Pool and photograph the ‘Dragon Emerging from Water’ spectacle (long focal length lens recommended).
16:00 Ascend the Tielimaiti Pass (elevation 3,220 meters) and experience the dramatic climate changes of ‘four seasons in one day.’
19:00 Check into a characteristic homestay in Bayinbuluk Town and taste dried meat from the Nalati Grassland.
【Day 3:Grassland Ballad · Wetland Mystique】
08:00 Travel to Bayinbuluk Grassland and take a shuttle bus to explore the meandering river with eighteen bends (approximately 3 hours).
12:00 Grassland Picnic:Experience the traditional diet of various ethnic groups, ‘Naren’ (horse meat noodles).
14:00 Visit the Swan Lake Nature Reserve to observe whooper swans, gray geese, and other migratory birds.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Symphony of Canyons, Lakes, and Grasslands16:30 Return to the homestay to participate in agricultural activities such as making naan bread and milking cows.
19:30 Enjoy the grassland sunset and photograph the starry sky (tripod recommended).
【Day 4:Return to Urumqi · Cultural Conclusion】
08:00 Travel northward along the Duoku Highway, stopping at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to the road construction heroes.
13:00 Specialty Lunch in Dabancheng:Dried meat noodles with kvass beverage.
16:00 Arrive in Urumqi and freely purchase specialties such as Hotan jade and Aidelesi silk.
19:00 Transfer to the airport according to flight schedules, concluding the itinerary.
III. 2026 Cost Reference (Subject to Contract Confirmation)
【Basic Fees】
Adults:Starting from 2,380 RMB per person
Children (ages 6-12):1,580 RMB per person (excluding bed and breakfast)
：600 RMB per person (single travelers will be matched for shared accommodation whenever possible)
【Natural Wonder】The Grand and Minor Dragon Pools of Tianshan, located deep within the Tianshan Mountains north of Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, are core attractions along the Duoku Highway. The Grand Dragon Pool covers approximately 2 square kilometers at an elevation of 2,390 meters. Fed by melted snow from the Tianshan Mountains, its waters shimmer in blue-green hues, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and reflected spruce and cypress trees, resembling an emerald nestled among the mountains. Though smaller, the Minor Dragon Pool is renowned for its unique landscape of swaying dark green aquatic plants. The two pools, approximately 4 kilometers apart, form a fascinating contrast: ‘one pool of clear water reflects the snowy mountains, while the other hides dragons amidst its green hue.’【Fees Included】
Transportation:Round-trip air-conditioned tour bus from Urumqi (including Duoku Highway section)
Accommodation:3 nights of accommodation (1 night at a four-diamond hotel + 1 night at a grassland homestay + 1 night at a characteristic homestay)
Meals:6 dinners and 3 breakfasts (including grassland picnic and ethnic specialty meals)
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to the Grand and Minor Dragon Pools, Bayinbuluk Grassland, etc.
Services:Professional guide讲解 (interpretation), travel insurance, and emergency medical kit
【Fees Not Included】
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi
Self-funded items within the scenic area (such as boat rides, horseback riding, etc.)
Personal expenses and additional costs due to force majeure factors
【Price Explanation】
【Geological Secrets】As the core area of the Kuqa Grand Canyon National Geological Park, this region’s landscape is a ‘geological museum.’ From the crimson red of the Yardang canyons to the dark green spruce forests and the gray-white snowy mountains, traveling along the Duoku Highway for just one hour allows you to traverse three major geological zones. The newly opened Dragon Pool Geological Trail in 2026 offers a close-up view of the growth environment of snow lotuses above the snowline, allowing you to experience the vertical climate zones where ‘one mountain encompasses four seasons, and every ten li bring a different sky.’ June is the off-peak travel season, with prices 20%-30% lower than the peak season in July-August.
Teams of 15 or more will be accompanied by a photographer, with 10 professionally retouched travel photos gifted.
Early bird discount available for bookings made 30 days in advance, subject to customer service confirmation.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details on departure availability, room upgrades, etc. The agency has 15 years of experience operating Xinjiang-specific tours and introduces a ‘hassle-free cancellation and modification’ policy for 2026: cancellations made 7 days before departure for valid reasons will be refunded according to the contract (excluding holiday departures).
V. Service Guarantees and Precautions
【Itinerary Changes】In case of temporary closure of the Duoku Highway, it will be replaced with the Yizhao Highway + S101 National Defense Highway plan, and a supplementary agreement will be signed after mutual consent.
【Equipment Recommendations】
Clothing:Onion-style layering (quick-dry shirt + fleece + windproof jacket)
Medications:Altitude sickness medication, motion sickness patches, gastrointestinal medication
Others:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, power bank, offline maps
【Cultural Heritage】The Grand Dragon Pool, documented by Xuanzang in the ‘Great Tang Records on the Western Regions’ during the Tang Dynasty, carries a millennium of Silk Road memories. The local legend of the ‘Summer Palace of the Queen Mother of the West’ adds a mystical aura to this land. The newly built Dragon Pool Cultural Exhibition Hall in 2026 uses holographic projection technology to recreate ancient Kucha’s water collection scenes, providing a new window for visitors to understand the history of the Western Regions.【Special Reminders】
Drones are prohibited in the Grand and Minor Dragon Pools scenic area; violators may face fines.
Nighttime temperatures are low on Bayinbuluk Grassland; bring warm clothing.
The Duoku Highway has daily traffic restrictions; be sure to gather and depart at the agreed-upon time.
【Cultural Respect】
Maintain silence when visiting the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery.
Obtain prior consent before photographing local ethnic groups.
Avoid food waste during grassland meals and practice the ‘Clear Your Plate’ campaign.
VI. Real-Time Information Inquiry
【Scenic Area Opening】The Grand and Minor Dragon Pools are open year-round, with the best visiting period for Bayinbuluk Grassland from May to September. New policies for June 2026:Xinjiang residents enjoy an 20% discount on admission tickets with valid identification.
【Transportation Information】There are 3 direct flights daily from Urumqi to Kuqa (1.5-hour flight), or you can choose the overnight Y971 tourist train.
【Availability Reminder】8 seats remaining for the June 15th departure, 15 seats remaining for the June 22nd departure; it is recommended to secure your spot 10 days in advance.
This land, bearing geological wonders and Silk Road civilization, welcomes visitors from all directions with improved tourism facilities. From snowy lakes to grassland pastures, from canyon Danxia landscapes to starry skies, this four-day itinerary will unlock countless possibilities in Northern Xinjiang. For specific itinerary details and contract terms, please refer to the written documents provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
