9 Days Photography at Fairyland Kanas — North Xinjiang's Alpine Paradise | China Wonder Tours

Arrive in Urumqi, the world's most inland city. Afternoon: Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) — an alpine lake at 1,980m on the northern slope of Bogda Peak (5,445m). Kazakh yurt visits, horse riding by the lake. Evening: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar — the world's largest bazaar with Uyghur handicrafts, dried fruits, and carpets.

Drive to Turpan (3 hours), China's hottest and lowest city at 154m below sea level. Visit the Flaming Mountains — red sandstone that appears to burn in sunlight. Explore the ancient Jiaohe Ruins — a 2,300-year-old Silk Road city carved into a plateau between two rivers. Afternoon: Grape Valley — wander through trellises of seedless white grapes, taste local wines. Karez Well System — 2,000-year-old underground irrigation channels.

Fly to Kashgar. Morning: Kashgar Sunday Livestock Bazaar — a scene unchanged for 2,000 years. Donkeys, camels, sheep, cattle being traded with handshake deals. Afternoon: Kashgar Old City — labyrinth of mud-brick alleys where Uyghur artisans hammer copper, bake naan in tandoor ovens, and weave carpets. Id Kah Mosque (1442), China's largest. Evening: night market with lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and pomegranate juice.

Full day on the Karakoram Highway — one of the world's highest paved roads. Drive through the Pamir Mountains to Karakul Lake (3,600m), a turquoise glacial lake at the foot of Muztagh Ata (7,546m). Kyrgyz herders with their yaks and camels. Visit a local village for tea with a Pamir family. Spectacular mountain photography throughout the day.

Drive along the northern Silk Road into the Taklamakan Desert — the world's second-largest shifting sand desert. Camel trek at sunset over towering dunes. Overnight in a desert camp with traditional Uyghur music and a bonfire under the clearest stars you'll ever see. Dawn camel ride to watch sunrise over the sea of sand.

Continue your private guided Xinjiang experience with visits to additional attractions based on your guide's recommendations.

Continue your private guided Xinjiang experience with visits to additional attractions based on your guide's recommendations.

Continue your private guided Xinjiang experience with visits to additional attractions based on your guide's recommendations.

Continue your private guided Xinjiang experience with visits to additional attractions based on your guide's recommendations.