WINTER IN NORTHERN XINJIANG · 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

Northern Xinjiang Winter 9-Day 8-Night Private Small Group Tour (Flights Included)

Departing from Hong Kong, travel from Urumqi to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Sayram Lake, Yining and Zhaosu. Two visits to Sayram Lake let you take in the winter layers of snowy mountains, lakeshore and blue ice at a relaxed pace; intercity trains cover the longer stretches, so the trip balances scenery with an easy travel rhythm.

From HK$13,880 per person · Price per adult, twin share · Minimum 4 travellers

Enquire about departure dates

9 days and 8 nightsIn-depth Northern Xinjiang winter itinerary
Minimum 4 travellersPrice per adult, twin share
From HK$13,880Indicative price per person
2026.11—2027.03Indicative departure months

Itinerary snapshot

This Xinjiang winter private tour starts and ends in Urumqi, linking Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Jinghe, Sayram Lake, Yining, Kurdening and Zhaosu. It suits travellers who want to see Northern Xinjiang's ice and snow for themselves, with a clear route and accommodation plan for every day.

Outbound flight | CZ604

HKG Hong Kong 16:55 → URC Urumqi 22:25

China Southern Airlines; indicative departure and arrival times are all local times.

Return flight | CZ603

URC Urumqi 10:20 → HKG Hong Kong 15:40

China Southern Airlines; actual flights and times are subject to the airline's ticketing confirmation.

Trip highlights

Two entries to Sayram Lake

Enjoy the lakeshore and the scenery around the lake over two days. The ice patterns and colours that are the biggest draw of a Sayram Lake blue ice tour depend on temperature, freezing conditions and weather, and may not be visible on every trip.

Snowy forests and wetlands

Visit Kurdening's snow-covered spruce forest, Swan Spring Wetland and Zhaosu Wetland for a winter landscape quite different from the lake area.

Trains for the longer stretches

Second-class intercity train seats are arranged from Urumqi to Jinghe and from Yining back to Urumqi; actual train services are subject to ticketing and the confirmed itinerary.

9-day sample itinerary

DAY 1

Hong Kong → Urumqi

Fly to Urumqi on the reference flight, China Southern Airlines CZ604 (departs Hong Kong 16:55, arrives Urumqi 22:25). On arrival, transfer to the hotel to rest and get ready for your Northern Xinjiang winter journey.

Accommodation: Hotel in Urumqi or similar.

DAY 2

Urumqi → Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) → Urumqi

Head to the Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) scenic area and take the scenic-area shuttle to enjoy the snowy mountains and lake views. Winter road access and the open parts of the scenic area depend on the arrangements on the day.

Meals:Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Urumqi or similar.

DAY 3

Urumqi → Jinghe → Sayram Lake

Take an intercity train to Jinghe, then transfer to Sayram Lake. On arrival, enjoy the winter lakeshore scenery; the sample itinerary includes a fireside tea-brewing experience.

Meals:Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel near Sayram Lake or similar.

DAY 4

Sayram Lake loop → Liuxing Street, Yining

Enter Sayram Lake a second time and, depending on the weather and which sections are open, enjoy the lake and snow from different angles; then head to Yining for a stroll along Liuxing Street.

Meals:Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Yining or similar.

DAY 5

Yining → Swan Spring → Kurdening

Head to Swan Spring Wetland for its winter natural scenery, then on to Kurdening's snow-covered spruce forest. Whether rime frost and wildlife appear depends on natural conditions.

Meals:Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel near Kurdening or similar.

DAY 6

Kurdening → Zhaosu Jade Lake → Zhaosu

Travel to the Zhaosu area to see the winter scenery around Jade Lake, watching the snowfields of the Tianshan foothills change along the way.

Meals:Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Zhaosu or similar.

DAY 7

Zhaosu Wetland・Tianma (Heavenly Horse) Culture Park → Yining

Visit Zhaosu Wetland and the Tianma (Heavenly Horse) Culture Park. The horse show on snow, part of Zhaosu's “heavenly horses galloping on snow” experience, is a seasonal activity subject to weather, venue and operating arrangements, and is not guaranteed. Afterwards, return to Yining.

Meals:Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Yining or similar.

DAY 8

Yining → Urumqi・Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar

Take an intercity train back to Urumqi and, time permitting, visit the Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar to soak up the atmosphere of the city and its Silk Road culture.

Meals:Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Urumqi or similar.

DAY 9

Urumqi → Hong Kong

After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to your flight time and fly back to Hong Kong on the reference flight, China Southern Airlines CZ603 (departs Urumqi 10:20, arrives Hong Kong 15:40), ending your 9-day, 8-night Northern Xinjiang winter journey.

Meals:Breakfast.

What the tour fee includes and excludes

Included

  • Return economy class air tickets between Hong Kong and Urumqi
  • 8 nights of indicative accommodation, two adults per room; daily hotel breakfast
  • Second-class intercity train seats from Urumqi to Jinghe and from Yining to Urumqi
  • Transfers, attraction admission tickets and scenic-area transport as listed in the itinerary
  • Local driver and guide services, and their tips
  • Travel Industry Compensation Fund Levy (TIA Levy)

Excludes

  • Lunches, dinners and personal expenses
  • Airport taxes, security charges and airline fuel/insurance surcharges
  • Peak-season or specific departure date surcharges (if applicable)
  • Travel agency service fee (if applicable), travel insurance and any items not listed
  • Single room supplement; please enquire separately if you need a single room

The above is compiled from the supplier's sample itinerary; the final inclusions, flights, hotels, departure dates and total amount payable are all subject to Travel Mama's formal confirmation. The tour fee starts from HK$13,880 per adult on a twin-share basis, with a minimum of four travellers.

Good to know before you go

  • Winter temperatures are low; we recommend bringing warm layers, non-slip shoes and camera equipment suitable for use in the cold.
  • Blue ice, rime frost, swans and the heavenly horse show are all affected by season, weather and operations, and are not guaranteed. Please do not walk onto any ice on your own that has not been confirmed safe.
  • Snow or traffic controls may affect the opening of scenic areas, trains and flights; the order of the itinerary or the sights visited may be adjusted for safety and actual availability.
  • Early enquiry is recommended. Please check the booking and cancellation terms, travel document requirements and insurance arrangements on the formal confirmation before payment.

FAQ

How is the tour fee calculated?

From HK$13,880 per person, based on adults sharing a twin room and a minimum of four travellers. Surcharges for specific dates, taxes and other charges are subject to the formal quotation.

Are flights and breakfast included?

The sample itinerary includes return economy class flights between Hong Kong and Urumqi, 8 nights' accommodation and daily hotel breakfast; lunches and dinners are not listed as included.

Am I guaranteed to see the blue ice and the heavenly horses galloping on snow?

No, this cannot be guaranteed. Ice conditions, weather, venues and how activities are run all affect your chances of seeing them; you can ask our consultant about the latest arrangements before departure.

Enquire about Northern Xinjiang winter departure dates

Please tell us your planned departure month, number of travellers and room requirements, and mention “Northern Xinjiang Winter 9-Day 8-Night Private Tour”. Travel Mama will reply with a formal quotation based on actual flight seat, hotel and scenic-area availability.


Illustrative image of Heavenly Lake in the Tian Shan in winter, with snowy mountains, lake surface and spruce trees

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