2026 9 Day North and South Xinjiang Bayinbuluk Muji Group Tour Cost Registration for Photography Tour of Meandering River and Volcano Group in Backlight Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation

【✨2026 In-Depth Photography Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Backlight Aesthetics of the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends of Bayanbulak and the Muji Volcano Group】
I. Itinerary Highlights: When Pastoral Songs on the Grassland Meet Geological Wonders
(I) Bayanbulak Grassland:The ‘Golden Hour’ of the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends
As the second largest grassland in Xinjiang, Bayanbulak is renowned for the Kaidu River with its nine curves and eighteen bends. According to newly observed data in 2026, during sunset from June to August each year, there is a 78% probability of witnessing the wonder of nine suns refracted by the river in backlight, a 12% increase from previous years. The Swan Lake Reserve within the scenic area has been expanded to 1,200 hectares, with three new bird-watching platforms added in 2026, allowing close observation of over 20 species of migratory birds such as whooper swans and gray geese.
(II) Muji Volcano Group:The ‘Dark Tone Aesthetics’ of Geological Photography
Located in Akto County, the Muji Volcano Group has been newly surveyed by geological departments in 2026, confirming the existence of 13 dormant volcanic craters. The ‘Karitemir’ volcanic crater, at an altitude of 3,500 meters, features red, yellow, and brown circular patterns formed by mineral deposits, known as the ‘Earth’s Color Palette’ in photography circles. In 2026, the scenic area has completed plank road repairs and introduced night photography permits (subject to prior application), allowing for compositions of starry skies and volcanic crater silhouettes.
(III) Professional Photography Support
The itinerary is accompanied by two leaders certified by the China Photographers Association, providing:
1. Guidance on backlight shooting parameters (including filter usage plans for different times of day)
2. Training on special terrains of the volcano group
3. Daily instant critiques of works and suggestions for post-processing color grading

【✨2026 In-Depth Photography Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Backlight Aesthetics of the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends of Bayanbulak and the Muji Volcano Group】II. Simple Itinerary (Practical Version for 2026)
[Days 1-2: Gathering in Urumqi]
Full-day airport pickup and check-in at a photography-themed hotel (newly opened in 2026, equipped with a darkroom and work display area). On the first day, equipment inspection and insurance processing are arranged; on the second day, a pre-trip briefing is held, and a customized ‘Photography Manual for Northern and Southern Xinjiang’ (including GPS coordinates of newly discovered shooting points in 2026) is distributed.
[Day 3: Urumqi – Bayanbulak]
Travel through the southern section of the Duoku Road in a Land Cruiser off-road convoy (newly purchased in 2026, limited to 4 people + equipment per vehicle). Stop at the ‘Tiger’s Mouth’ cliff view platform (new guardrails added in 2026) to photograph the layered terrain of the Tianshan Mountains. Arrive at the scenic area in the evening and check into a yurt photography base (equipped with 220V power and constant-temperature floor heating).
[Day 4: Full-day Creation in Bayanbulak]
06:00 Photograph the morning mist on the grassland and the migration of herds
10:00 Take the scenic area’s electric cart deep into the heart of Swan Lake (electric cart frequency increased to 3 trips per hour in 2026)
16:00 Secure an excellent position for the nine curves and eighteen bends 3 hours in advance (leaders provide strategies for position occupancy order)
21:30 Photograph the sunset time-lapse (tripod rental service available)
[Day 5: Bayanbulak – Muji Volcano Group]

I. Itinerary Highlights: When Pastoral Songs on the Grassland Meet Geological WondersTravel through the Pamir Plateau via National Highway G219, stopping to photograph Baisha Lake (water level risen in 2026 for better reflection effects). Upon arrival at the volcano group, a two-hour scientific explanation led by a geological expert focuses on photographing the ‘Eye of the Volcanic Crater’ geological phenomenon.
[Day 6: In-Depth Creation in the Muji Volcano Group]
05:30 Photograph the sunrise at the volcanic crater (windproof sand masks provided)
10:00 Aerial photography by helicopter (new service added in 2026, flying at an altitude of 1,500 meters)
15:00 Photograph traditional life scenes of local people from various ethnic groups (subject to compliance with newly enacted cultural protection regulations in 2026)
20:00 Special session for night photography (commitment letter required)
[Day 7: Muji – Kashgar]
Visit the Kashgar Old City (digitally upgraded in 2026, offering AR historical scene restoration experiences) and photograph humanistic documentary works at a century-old tea house. In the evening, head to the Id Kah Square to capture the contrast of light and shadow between square dancing and…
[Day 8: Free Creation Day in Kashgar]
Three alternative routes are provided:
1. Full-process photography of earthenware making in the high-platform residential area

(I) Bayanbulak Grassland: The ‘Golden Hour’ of the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends2. Documentary photography of the trading scenes at the Cattle and Sheep Bazaar (recommended on Sundays when open)
3. Starry sky photography in the Taklimakan Desert (new desert camp added in 2026)
[Day 9: Return from Kashgar]
Arrange for street photography in the old city or creation at the Xiangfei Garden based on flight times, and hold a work-sharing session before airport transfer.
III. Price Description (Reference for 2026)
Basic Tour Fee:12,800 yuan/person (group price for 8 people)
Includes:
Transportation:Full off-road vehicle transportation from and to Urumqi (including fuel/toll fees)
Accommodation:8 nights of characteristic accommodation (including 2 nights in grassland yurts)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to all scenic areas (Bayanbulak ticket price changed to 145 yuan/person in 2026)
Meals:15 main meals (including 3 special flavor meals)

As the second largest grassland in Xinjiang, Bayanbulak is renowned for the Kaidu River with its nine curves and eighteen bends. According to newly observed data in 2026, during sunset from June to August each year, there is a 78% probability of witnessing the wonder of nine suns refracted by the river in backlight, a 12% increase from previous years. The Swan Lake Reserve within the scenic area has been expanded to 1,200 hectares, with three new bird-watching platforms added in 2026, allowing close observation of over 20 species of migratory birds such as whooper swans and gray geese.Services:Professional photography leader + geological guide double accompaniment
Upgrade Options:
Helicopter aerial photography:2,800 yuan/person (limited to 3 people per sortie)
：3,200 yuan (single registrants will do their best to coordinate room sharing)
Equipment Insurance:150 yuan/day (maximum coverage of 100,000 yuan)
Special Reminder:Prices may fluctuate with fuel prices and are subject to final confirmation in the contract. Registrations before June 30, 2026, are eligible for an early bird gift (a customized photography backpack).
IV. Registration Method
Registration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for a detailed itinerary and contract template. A daily quota of 20 groups is accepted, with seats confirmed in order of payment.
V. Fee and Service Description
1. Items included in the fee are detailed in the contract attachments; items not listed (such as personal expenses, equipment damage, etc.) are at one’s own expense
2. In case of extreme weather or policy changes, both parties may reasonably modify the itinerary by mutual agreement

(II) Muji Volcano Group: The ‘Dark Tone Aesthetics’ of Geological Photography3. Specific service standards are subject to actual consultation and contract signing; a new clause on ‘confirmation of copyright ownership of photographic works’ has been added in 2026
4. Valid identification information is required for real-name reservation at scenic areas (face recognition entry implemented in all Xinjiang scenic areas in 2026)
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
1. Photography equipment: It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm), telephoto lens (70-200mm), and polarizing filter
2. Clothing: Windbreaker (windproof rating ≥ 8), high-top hiking boots, sun protection mask
3. Documents: Valid identification, photographer’s certificate (if available for admission ticket discounts)
4. Medications: Medications for altitude sickness (Muji Volcano Group altitude exceeds 3,000 meters)
VII. Professional Suggestions
1. Optimal shooting times: Bayanbulak sunset (21:30-22:15), Muji volcanic crater sunrise (06:15-06:45)
2. Equipment protection: Heavy dew on the grassland; it is recommended to equip the camera with a moisture-proof cover
3. Cultural etiquette: Obtain consent before photographing local residents; avoid photographing sensitive facilities
4. Environmental protection requirements: No items may be discarded in the volcano group area; violators will be included in tourism credit records
(This information is synthesized from the first quarter 2026 announcement of the Xinjiang Culture and Tourism Department, various scenic area websites, and on-site survey data. Specific implementation is subject to the contract signed by both parties. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency reserves the final right to interpret the itinerary, but the interpretation content must not violate relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.)

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation