2026SummerXinjiangCarpoolingTravelGuide CompleteExplanationofCarpoolingSavingsHalfCostforDukuHighway+Ili+Kanas RecommendedItineraryCostandPrice
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Star Recommendation✨:Complete Guide to Carpooling Tour in Xinjiang during Summer Vacation 2026: Traverse the Duku Highway, Encounter the Flower Sea of Ili, and Explore the Autumn Colors of Kanas
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【Itinerary Highlights:Three Major IPs in Series, Average Daily Driving Time ≤ 4 Hours】
Although Xinjiang is vast, the summer carpooling tour scientifically plans the itinerary to connect the three core landscapes of ‘Duku Highway + Ili Grassland + Kanas Lake’. It adopts the ‘small group carpooling + professional driver’ model, controlling the average daily driving time within 4 hours, balancing depth and comfort.
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations
Duku Highway:The ‘Heroic Road’ that Traverses Four Seasons in a Day
Reopened to traffic on June 1, 2026, this 561-kilometer highway running through the spine of the Tianshan Mountains connects eight major landforms including gobi deserts, canyons, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes. Along the way, you can visit:
Dushanzi Grand Canyon:A 200-meter-deep canyon formed by hundreds of millions of years of erosion, featured in the movie ‘Pegasus’;
Hashilergen Daban:At an altitude of 3,490 meters, snow can still be seen in midsummer, offering an experience of ‘stepping across four seasons in one foot’;
Bayinbuluk Grassland:At sunset along the winding river with nine bends, you can capture the wonder of ‘nine suns’;
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Interwoven with red Danxia landforms and canyon terrain, suitable for walking exploration.
Ili Grassland:Synonymous with China’s Most Beautiful Summer
June to August is the golden period for Ili Grassland, with three core scenic areas each having unique characteristics:
Nalati Grassland:True to its reputation as the ‘air grassland’, wild lilies and golden lotuses dot the green carpet, and you can ride horses through the flower sea;
Star Recommendation✨: Complete Guide to Carpooling Tour in Xinjiang during Summer Vacation 2026: Traverse the Duku Highway, Encounter the Flower Sea of Ili, and Explore the Autumn Colors of KanasKalajun Grassland:A three-dimensional grassland landscape with undulating curves like waves, suitable for hiking and photography;
Kuerdening:The primitive forest of Schrenk’s Spruce covers 98%, and hiking to the foot of the ‘King Spruce’ allows you to feel the ‘natural oxygen bar’.
Kanas Lake:A Palette of Colors
Late September to early October is the prime period for Kanas’ autumn colors, but Kanas in summer is equally charming:
Guanyu Platform:Overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake and search for traces of the ‘lake monster’ legend;
Hiking at Three Bays:Fairy Bay morning mist, Crescent Bay Ω-shaped river bend, and Wolong Bay vegetation reflections, recommended for morning hikes;
Hemu Village:The Tuwa people’s wooden houses contrast beautifully with birch forests, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye at night.
II. Simple Itinerary (10 Days and 9 Nights)
(The itinerary design references routes from agencies such as Xinjiang Western China Travel and Zhonggang International Travel in 2026, optimized based on real-time road conditions)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Afternoon:Free activities, recommended to taste baked stuffed buns and pilaf at the International Bazaar;
Evening:Pre-trip briefing, check equipment, and receive walkie-talkies and emergency supply kits.
Day 2:Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Sayram Lake (approximately 550 kilometers)
Morning:Traverse the Junggar Basin and enjoy the gobi scenery along the way;
(Insert Xinjiang natural scenery emojis at the beginning: 🌄🌲🏔️)Afternoon:Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and experience the高空玻璃栈道 (glass skywalk) (at own expense);
Evening:Arrive at Sayram Lake, drive around the lake, and photograph the sunset of ‘the last tear drop of the Atlantic’.
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (approximately 150 kilometers)
Morning:Photograph the morning mist at Sayram Lake and overlook the lake view from Songshu Tou;
Afternoon:Traverse Guozigou Bridge and visit the ‘No.1 Scenic Spot in Ili’;
Evening:Stroll through the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area in Yining City and taste handmade ice cream.
Day 4:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes (approximately 120 kilometers)
Morning:Hike at Kalajun Grassland and photograph the human-shaped grassland against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains;
Afternoon:Ascend the observation deck in Tekes Bagua City and overlook the Bagua layout;
Evening:Taste Xibe pancakes and kvass drinks at the Tekes night market.
Day 5:Tekes → Nalati Grassland (approximately 250 kilometers)
Morning:Traverse the Qiapuqihai Reservoir and enjoy the transition zone between snow-capped mountains and grasslands along the way;
Afternoon:Ride horses on Nalati Air Grassland and photograph the grassland sunset in the evening;
Evening:Stay in Nalati Town and experience folk performances by various ethnic groups.
【Itinerary Highlights: Three Major IPs in Series, Average Daily Driving Time ≤ 4 Hours】Day 6:Nalati → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Bayinbuluk (approximately 180 kilometers)
All day:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway and pay tribute to road-building heroes at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery along the way;
Evening:Photograph the sunset at the winding river with nine bends in Bayinbuluk and wait for the wonder of ‘nine suns’.
Day 7:Bayinbuluk → Middle Section of Duku Highway → Kuitun (approximately 350 kilometers)
Morning:Drive along the middle section of the Duku Highway and stop at Hashilergen Daban to play in the snow;
Afternoon:Arrive in Kuitun, rest and resupply, and engage in free activities.
Day 8:Kuitun → Burqin (approximately 500 kilometers)
Morning:Traverse the Gurbantunggut Desert and observe naturally growing flora and fauna;
Afternoon:Arrive in Burqin, visit the Colorful Beach, and photograph the scene of ‘one river, two shores, ice and fire’;
Evening:Taste a cold-water fish feast at the Burqin River Embankment Night Market.
Day 9:Burqin → Kanas → Hemu Village (approximately 180 kilometers)
Morning:Take the scenic area shuttle bus to visit the three bays in Kanas and ascend Guanyu Platform;
Afternoon:Head to Hemu Village and stay in Tuwa people’s wooden houses;
Evening:Photograph the starry sky by the Hemu River and experience milk tea making by various ethnic groups.
Although Xinjiang is vast, the summer carpooling tour scientifically plans the itinerary to connect the three core landscapes of ‘Duku Highway + Ili Grassland + Kanas Lake’. It adopts the ‘small group carpooling + professional driver’ model, controlling the average daily driving time within 4 hours, balancing depth and comfort.Day 10:Hemu Village → Urumqi (approximately 600 kilometers)
Morning:Photograph the morning mist in Hemu and hike through the birch forest;
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi, share itinerary photos along the way, and conclude the journey.
III. Price Description (Reference to 2026 Market Conditions)
Carpooling Fee Range:6,800-8,500 yuan/person (10 days and 9 nights)
Fees Include:
Transportation:Carpooling fees for a 7-seat commercial vehicle (including fuel, tolls, and parking fees);
Accommodation:9 nights in comfortable hotels/characteristic homestays (including breakfast);
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to scenic areas such as Sayram Lake, Kalajun, Nalati, Kanas, and Hemu;
Insurance:Travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan/person);
Services:Professional driver兼向导 (also serving as a guide) services, walkie-talkies, and emergency supply kits.
Fees Exclude:
Main Meals:All main meals are at own expense (the driver recommends local characteristic restaurants, with an AA system of approximately 40-60 yuan/meal);
Self-paid Items:Horse riding, glass skywalk, scenic area shuttle buses, etc. (subject to scenic area announcements);
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations:Single occupants need to supplement the room difference (approximately 1,500 yuan for the entire journey).
Special Note:Prices may fluctuate with the departure date and are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and remaining seat information.
V. Fee Description and Service Description
The items included in the fees are subject to the contract. If changes to the itinerary are required due to uncontrollable factors such as weather or road conditions during the journey, reasonable changes can be made to the itinerary after mutual agreement;
The carpooling group consists of 2-6 people in a small group, striving for comfort and flexibility;
All drivers are licensed and familiar with Xinjiang’s road conditions and cultural customs of various ethnic groups;
Vehicles are disinfected daily and equipped with emergency supplies such as first aid kits and oxygen cylinders;
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
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【Practical Tips】
Clothing Guide:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. In summer, it is recommended to bring windbreakers, thin down jackets, and sun protection items (SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats);
Photography Equipment:Duku Highway, Kanas, and Hemu Village are popular photography destinations. It is recommended to bring wide-angle lenses and tripods;
Respect Customs:Avoid mentioning sensitive topics in ethnic minority settlements and obtain consent before photographing people;
Environmentally Friendly Travel:Do not litter. Multiple garbage recycling points are set up along the Duku Highway. Please classify and dispose of garbage properly.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

