Seven Years in China Revisited, Now a Romantic Stroll Through the Western Territories
Fulfilling a Northern Xinjiang Dream: The Tanaka Couple's Immersive
8-Day Ili Journey
Daily Highlights
Urumqi Arrival: A First Taste of Xinjiang
Highway S101’s Stunning Views and the Wonders of Danxia Geology
Immersing in the Beauty of Sailimu Lake
Immersing in the Beauty of Sailimu Lake
Kuerdening’s Wild Nature and a Relaxing Afternoon Tea
The Breathtaking Panorama of Narati Sky Grassland
The Awe-Inspiring Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Back to Urumqi
The itinerary
- Crafted for the Tanaka family
- July 21, 2024 to July 28, 2024
The Journey
Hello everyone, we are the Tanaka couple from Yokohama, Japan. As it happens, my wife and I have a rather special connection with China. Many years ago, due to my company’s work, our family lived in Shenzhen for a full seven years. During those seven years, although we were in China, I was extremely busy with work and barely had any time to properly explore this beautiful country. So, after retiring, my wife and I have always been planning for the opportunity to really see the magnificent landscapes of China, and Xinjiang has long been a place we’ve yearned to visit. This time, thanks to our son finding Oligotrip for us, they arranged this in-depth eight-day, seven-night Ili tour, and even provided a local young man, Hai, who studied in Osaka, as our guide. This trip has truly left us completely satisfied!
Day 1: First Impressions of Urumqi, Tasting Local Delicacies, Hai's Detailed Itinerary Briefing.
Upon arriving in Urumqi, Hai was already there to greet us warmly at the airport. He welcomed us in fluent Japanese, which immediately put us at ease. After checking into the hotel, we savored our первый (first) taste of Xinjiang cuisine – the flavors were very очень (very) special. In the evening, Hai thoroughly explained the itinerary and important notes for the next few days.
Day 2: Cruising the S101 Highway, Marveling at the Colors of the Danxia Landforms.
Today, we left Urumqi early in the morning, heading west along the famous S101 highway. The scenery outside the window was very magnificent, especially when we saw the colorful Danxia landforms – the incredible artistry of nature was truly breathtaking. Hai shared information about the passing landscapes and history throughout the journey. We spent the night in Kuytun.
Days 3-4: Circling the Sacred Sailimu Lake, Arriving in Beautiful Yining.
We specifically allocated two full days to completely immerse ourselves in the beauty of Sailimu Lake. The lake water was crystal clear and azure blue, the surrounding grasslands were vast and boundless, and the distant snow-capped mountains seemed as if) guarding this tranquility. Hai guided us on a tour around the lake, allowing us to appreciate Sailimu Lake’s beauty from different angles. Afterward, we traveled to the city of Yining, and the scenery along the way was also very beautiful.
Day 5: Kuerdening's Natural Wilderness and a Pleasant Afternoon Tea.
Today, we arrived at the Kuerdening scenic area, which has preserved a very pristine natural landscape, and the air was exceptionally fresh. Hai thoughtfully arranged an afternoon tea for us amidst this natural beauty, where we enjoyed local pastries and tea, feeling the serenity of nature – it was very pleasant. We spent the night in Xinyuan.
Day 6: The Grandeur of Narati Sky Grassland, Special VIP Access Views.
Today, we visited the Narati Sky Grassland. Hai took us through the VIP channel, allowing us to overlook this vast and boundless grassland from a higher vantage point, making the scenery even more spectacular. Hai also used his drone to take many very memorable photos for us.
As the summer breeze brushes past the Tianshan Mountains, it turns the meadows of Nalati into rolling waves of green. Kazakh yurts, scattered like clouds, nestle in the hills where cattle and sheep wander through dappled light. In the distance, snow-capped peaks gleam like silver crowns.
Here on the highland prairie, wildflowers bloom freely and dandelion seeds drift on the wind, dancing with the murmuring waters of the Gongnaisi River.
At dusk, the golden glow of sunset wraps the grassland in silk. Herds of returning horses step through shards of light, their hooves echoing stories of a thousand years of nomadic life.
Every scene here is nature’s gift. Every breath carries the taste of freedom.
Nalati is not a distant dream—it’s the grassland paradise your heart has been longing for.
This passage is from my journal, describing the Nalati Grassland — my favorite place from this trip.
Days 7-8: Exploring the Impressive Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Returning to Urumqi and Farewell.
For the last two days, we first went to the magnificent Dushanzi Grand Canyon. The power of nature was fully displayed here, making us feel our own insignificance. Afterward, we returned to Urumqi. Hai treated us to a final taste of Xinjiang cuisine and very carefully saw us off at the airport or train station, concluding this wonderful Northern Xinjiang trip.
Trip crafted by
Hai ｜ In-destination Navigator in Urumqi
Tips for other travelers
Xinjiang is a very vast region, and the distances between attractions can be quite long. Opting for a private car for in-depth tours is a wise choice for elderly travelers. Having a guide like Hai, who is familiar with the local conditions, will save you a lot of unnecessary trouble.
The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is significant, so even in summer, be sure to bring warm clothing, especially in mountainous areas and during the early mornings and evenings.
Respect the local cultural traditions and customs. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to ask Navigator. Xinjiang’s local cuisine is very distinctive, so be sure to try a variety of dishes.