6 Day North Xinjiang Group Tour Leisurely Traverse the Yizhao Highway, Visit Cliffside Meadows and Cloud Top Scenic Spots with Detailed Cost Breakdown Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
Star-rated Travel Guide:6-Day In-depth Slow Travel on the Yizhao Highway in Northern Xinjiang: Explore Cliffside Meadows and Cloud-topped Scenic Spots
🌄 [Route Highlights:A Visual Feast in the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang]
The Yizhao Highway (Provincial Road S237), known as the ‘Mini Duku Highway,’ is the ‘face’ of the Ili River Valley in Xinjiang. This 180-kilometer scenic route starts from Yining City in the north and ends in Zhaosu County in the south, connecting four major types of landscapes: river valleys, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and forests. In the summer of 2026, this highway attracts travelers from all ethnic groups with three labels: ‘cliffside meadows,’ ‘cloud-topped scenic spots,’ and ‘off-the-beaten-path hidden gems.’
✨ Core Landscape Analysis:
Baishifeng Viewing Platform:A white granite peak at an altitude of 3,475 meters, it resembles a picturesque scene when shrouded in clouds and mist. Viewing Platform 1 overlooks the deep Wild Wolf Valley, while Viewing Platform 3 offers a distant view of the continuous Tianshan Mountains, making it an excellent spot for capturing panoramic views of the highway.
Angelete Daban Pass:The highest point on the highway, it is covered with wildflowers in summer and thick snow in winter. Here, you can capture the scene of the winding mountain road alongside snow-capped mountains.
Zhaosu Grassland:In June-July, the rape flowers and perilla flower fields intertwine, and in July, there is the spectacular scene of ‘wild horses bathing in the river.’ The cliffside meadow at the edge of the grassland is a hidden gem for hiking enthusiasts.
Qiongbola Forest Park:A mix of virgin forests and streams, it is suitable for light hiking. Occasionally, you can see yurts of people from various ethnic groups in the park, allowing you to experience their traditional lifestyles.
🚗 [Simple Itinerary:6-Day In-depth Slow Travel Plan]
Based on the road conditions and scenic area policies during the peak tourist season in Northern Xinjiang in 2026, the following itinerary framework is designed (reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made upon mutual agreement):
Day 1:Assembly in Yining · Initial Exploration of the River Valley
Morning:Arrive in Yining City. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency arranges airport pickup service and checks you into a selected hotel.
Afternoon:Free time for activities. We recommend the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area. The blue streets are lined with traditional residences of people from various ethnic groups, making it an excellent spot for capturing cultural photos.
Evening:Visit Liuxing Street, taste Ili’s signature ice cream and kvass, and experience the multi-ethnic market atmosphere.
Day 2:Yizhao Highway · Traversing Four Seasons
07:00:Depart from Yining City and head south along the Yizhao Highway.
Star-rated Travel Guide: 6-Day In-depth Slow Travel on the Yizhao Highway in Northern Xinjiang: Explore Cliffside Meadows and Cloud-topped Scenic Spots09:00:Arrive at Baishifeng Viewing Platform and stay for 1 hour to capture the scene of snow-capped mountains alongside grasslands.
11:00:Traverse Angelete Daban Pass and experience the climate changes of ‘four seasons in one day.’
13:00:Arrive in Zhaosu County and have lunch, tasting Zhaosu’s signature ‘wild horse barbecue.’
15:00:Head to the cliffside meadow of Zhaosu Grassland for hiking and exploring off-the-beaten-path scenic spots.
19:00:Check into a hotel in Zhaosu. For dinner, we recommend horse meat naren (a traditional dish).
Day 3:Xiata Ancient Path · Snow-capped Mountain Hidden Gem
08:00:Enter the Xiata Ancient Path scenic area, take a shuttle bus to the hot spring hotel, and transfer to an electric cart to General Bridge.
09:30-12:00:Hike from General Bridge to Frog Spring to Flower Terrace, capturing the scene of snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and streams in one frame.
12:30:Have a simple meal inside the scenic area and experience traditional cuisine of people from various ethnic groups.
14:00:Return to General Bridge and take the electric cart back to the scenic area entrance.
16:00:Head to Tekes Bagua City, check into a characteristic homestay, and climb the observation tower in the city center to overlook the entire city layout.
Day 4:Kalajun Grassland · Human Body Grassland
09:00:Depart from Tekes and head to Kalajun Grassland.
10:30:Arrive at Kuokesu Grand Canyon and take a cruise to enjoy the canyon scenery.
12:00:Have lunch and taste grassland-style hand-grabbed rice.
14:00:Go to the Human Body Grassland photo spot to capture the changing lines and light and shadow of the grassland.
🌄[Route Highlights: A Visual Feast in the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang]17:00:Return to Tekes for free time or to experience the cultures of various ethnic groups.
Day 5:Sayram Lake · Tears of the Atlantic
08:00:Depart from Tekes and head to Sayram Lake.
11:00:Arrive at Sayram Lake and take a tour around the lake, stopping at multiple private viewing platforms to capture the gradient colors of the lake from light blue to deep blue.
14:00:Have lunch and taste the high white trout.
15:30:Traverse the Guozigou Bridge and feel the engineering miracle amidst the spectacular bridge architecture and canyon scenery.
18:00:Check into a hotel in Qingshuihe Town. For dinner, we recommend Huocheng roast whole lamb.
Day 6:Return Trip · Memories of Yining
09:00:Depart from Qingshuihe Town and return to Yining along the Ili River Valley.
11:00:Arrive at Yining Airport/Railway Station. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency arranges airport drop-off service, concluding the 6-day journey.
💰 [Price Description:Transparent Accounting System]
The reference range for the 6-day group fee for the Yizhao Highway in Northern Xinjiang in 2026 is as follows (specifics are subject to actual consultation and signing):
Basic fees include:
Vehicle usage fee:Approximately 1,400-1,600 yuan/day for a 7-seat business vehicle (20% increase during peak season)
Driver service fee:Includes food and accommodation subsidies, calculated based on the number of itinerary days
Fuel, toll, and parking fees:Reimbursed in full based on actual expenses throughout the trip
Scenic area tickets:
The Yizhao Highway (Provincial Road S237) is known as the ‘Mini Duku Highway’ and is the ‘face’ of the Ili River Valley in Xinjiang. This 180-kilometer scenic route starts from Yining City in the north and ends in Zhaosu County in the south, connecting four major types of landscapes: river valleys, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and forests. In the summer of 2026, this highway attracts travelers from all ethnic groups with three labels: ‘cliffside meadows,’ ‘cloud-topped scenic spots,’ and ‘off-the-beaten-path hidden gems.’Xiata Ancient Path:Ticket + shuttle bus + electric cart: Approximately 180 yuan/person
Kalajun Grassland:All-inclusive ticket: Approximately 170 yuan/person
Sayram Lake:Approximately 145 yuan/person
Accommodation fees:
Yining/Zhaosu/Tekes/Qingshuihe Town:Comfortable hotel standard room: Approximately 300-500 yuan/night
Catering fees:
Team meal standard:Approximately 50 yuan/person/meal (includes signature cuisine experience)
Fees not included:
Personal expenses:Such as souvenirs, additional meals, etc.
Self-paid items outside the itinerary:Such as horse riding, aerial photography, etc.
Single room supplement:For single travelers, we will try our best to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
📞 [Registration Method:Customized Itinerary by Professional Team]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Based on your needs, we provide:
Itinerary optimization plan:Avoid peak tourist hours and recommend off-the-beaten-path viewing spots
Real-time road condition and policy updates:Alternative routes when the Yizhao Highway is temporarily closed
Fee and service description:Clear terms with no tricks
✨Core Landscape Analysis:📋 [Fee and Service Description:Details Determine the Experience]
Service content:
Vehicle:7-seat business vehicle, less than 3 years old, regularly maintained, equipped with GPS positioning and dash cam
Driver:Holds dual certificates, has more than 5 years of driving experience in Ili, and is familiar with the ‘excellent viewing spots’ of various scenic areas
Tour guide:Holds a national tour guide certificate, has more than 5 years of experience leading tours in Xinjiang, and provides in-depth explanations and emergency handling
Supplies:Free provision of hiking poles, sunscreen, mineral water, first aid kits, etc.
Guarantee:
Vehicle:Fully insured, equipped with seat belts and emergency equipment
Driving:Drivers strictly adhere to traffic rules and drive no more than 8 hours per day
Scenic area:Proactively identify hidden dangers and provide tour suggestions
Medical:Equipped with first aid kits and established cooperation with hospitals along the route
Contract terms:
Fee details:Vehicle, driver, tickets, accommodation, etc., are listed separately
Cancellation and refund rules:Subject to the contract signed by both parties
Responsibility definition:Clarify the rights and obligations of the travel agency and tourists
🌿 [Pre-trip Tips:Details Enhance Travel Quality]
Baishifeng Viewing Platform: A white granite peak at an altitude of 3,475 meters, it resembles a picturesque scene when shrouded in clouds and mist. Viewing Platform 1 overlooks the deep Wild Wolf Valley, while Viewing Platform 3 offers a distant view of the continuous Tianshan Mountains, making it an excellent spot for capturing panoramic views of the highway.Clothing preparation:
Summer:Short sleeves, thin jacket, sun protection clothing, long pants, non-slip hiking shoes
Temperature difference between morning and evening:Bring a windbreaker or thin down jacket
Outfit for photo-taking:White/red clothing suits the Zhaosu flower fields, while light colors suit the grassland
Item checklist:
Documents:Valid identification (must bring)
Electronics:Mobile phone, camera, power bank (recommended 20,000mAh), charger
Medications:Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, altitude sickness medicine (Xiata Ancient Path is at a high altitude)
Others:Thermos, wet wipes, tissues, a small amount of cash
Consumption tips:
Payment methods:Mobile payment is supported in most areas of Xinjiang. It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash as backup.
Consumption reminders:Be cautious when purchasing high-value items such as jade and herbs, and avoid high-priced meals inside scenic areas.
📌 [Special Instructions]
The Yizhao Highway is open from mid-to-late June to early October each year. The specific time is subject to the announcement by the transportation department. It may be temporarily closed in case of rain or snow, so it is necessary to pay attention to road conditions in advance.
The highway is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and motorcycles and non-motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Hiking on the Xiata Ancient Path requires prior registration of drones, with a height limit of 120 meters.
Scenic area ticket prices may change with policy adjustments and are subject to the announcement on the day.
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a dialogue between snow-capped mountains and grasslands, and a symphony between highways and clouds. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and let our professional team help you avoid risks and focus on enjoying every surprise along the journey.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.

