Experience winter in northern Xinjiang on this Cathay Holidays private tour

From shimmering ice fragments jutting out from the surface of Sayram Lake to a steaming cup of coffee enjoyed beneath the traditional log roofs of snow-covered Hemu Village, the northern Xinjiang region offers incredible cold-weather experiences for travellers eager to escape into a winter wonderland.

Experience the beauty and culture of the region this winter on Cathay Holidays’ 8-day, 7-night private guided tour, which includes your flights, hotel stays and selected meals. Here’s what awaits in the Xinjiang region.

See diverse landscapes at Ulungur Lake and Urho Lake 

Urumqi is your gateway to the diverse landscapes of the Xinjiang region. Travelling north out of the city along the S21 Desert Highway, the horizon turns into ranges of sand dunes as far as the eye can see. This desert landscape reaches its dramatic zenith at Urho, a “ghost city” of yardang towers, rock pillars etched into eerie shapes by the erosion of desert winds. At sunset, the caves, plateaus and pillars of this haunting desert landscape all turn to molten steel.  

The desert ends at Ulungur Lake, whose deep blue expanse is so vast that the waves tumbling across its shore resemble ocean tides and the mountains look tiny in the distance. This is one of the furthest freshwater lakes from the ocean, which in winter transforms into a pristine wonderland of crystal-clear blue ice, golden reeds and traditional ice fishing.  

Experience the local culture in Burqin and Hemu Village 

Further north is Burqin, a riverside travellers’ hub close to the borders of Russia and Kazakhstan, where tourists and explorers cross paths with truckers and fishermen. Old-fashioned hotels, guesthouses and restaurants straddle the river, while the night market beckons with the promise of grilled fish and local delicacies. 

Rock and sand give way to birch forests and icy blue rivers at the tranquil Kanas Nature Reserve, famed for three stunning bends in the Kanas River: Wolong Bay (meaning “Crouching Dragon” Bay), Moon Bay and Fairy Bay. The mystical names hint at their fairytale charm, with aquamarine waters reflecting conifer-blanketed slopes and lapping against boulders, often blanketed by transient wisps of fog.  

Hemu Village provides a snug respite from the region’s biting winter temperatures. From the cosy warmth of its rustic log cabins, visitors can watch the daily winter cycles play out: pristine snow slopes set ablaze by the rising sun, icy winds blowing through the valley, and fresh layers of snow dusting the tracks. Here, you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee at Snow Café, watch a Tuvan folk music performance and indulge in an authentic hot pot dinner. For a truly memorable experience,  commemorate your visit with a photo shoot in traditional Tuvan costume. 

Dabble in snow sports and winter activities at Sayram Lake

Climbing higher, Sayram Lake is a frosty world draped in hues of blue. Snowy mountains stand sentinel on the horizon, at times appearing to meld with the low-lying clouds that drift across the sky. In the valley below, the iridescent Sayram Lake glitters as its waves crash onto the shore, bringing with them thick shards of ice known as “blue ice wonder”. 

Feel the wind whistle through your hair as you skid over expansive snowy fields on a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). Prefer something with a little less speed? Go snowtubing for that downhill rush, where your race to the bottom is cushioned by pillowy layers of snow. After a day of winter adventures, switch gears and head indoors for an elegant afternoon tea by the lake.

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