WANDERLUST NORTHERN XINJIANG IN WINTER

Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Dinner followed by rest at the hotel.

After breakfast, head to Swan Spring Wetland Park. Each winter, as cold winds sweep across the Tianshan Mountains, this wetland in the Ili River Valley of Xinjiang enters its most enchanting season. Elegant flocks of white swans migrate here from afar, dancing gracefully in the mist of warm springs and gliding playfully across the water. Thanks to the underground hot springs, the lake never freezes in winter. Here, rime ice, morning mist, and swans come together to create a real-life fairytale, where every scene feels like it has stepped out of a painting. In the afternoon, continue to Zhaosu and explore the Zhaosu Secret Realm. In winter, Zhaosu feels like a forgotten paradise in Xinjiang, where the world is reduced to just two colors, the crystal white of frost-covered trees and the endless blue of the sky. Experience this intimate and poetic winter gift. After the tour, proceed to Zhaosu, check into your local hotel, and enjoy dinner.

Zhaosu, known as the county with the largest horse population in China and the ancient homeland of the Wusun Kingdom, was named "Heavenly Horse" by Emperor Wu of Han for its exceptional breeds. Visit the Tianma Culture Park to enjoy a winter equestrian performance, either indoors or the iconic outdoor "Heavenly Horses Galloping on Snow." In winter, as snow blankets the land, witness the powerful sight of horses racing across the snowy plains. Strong, fearless, and full of energy, they create a striking scene filled with raw beauty and spirit. After the visit, continue to Kurdening, stopping en route at Tekes, the famous Bagua City. Designed based on Taoist cosmology, its streets form a unique Bagua pattern with no traffic lights. From above, it resembles a Tai Chi diagram set against snow-covered mountains. In the afternoon, proceed to Kurdening Scenic Area. Kurdening is a World Natural Heritage site and home to the world's largest spruce forest ecosystem, often regarded as one of China's most beautiful forests. Snow-covered forests, streams, grasslands, and mountains create a serene and magical winter landscape. Dinner will be arranged at the scenic area camp, featuring a forest-style restaurant and a cozy mountain café.
*Special Arrangement: Stay in winter Kurdening at a standalone forest cabin, where wilderness charm meets modern comfort. As you open the door, warmth greets you, infused with a gentle pinewood scent. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows lies a snow-covered wonderland. The entire camp feels like a fairytale winter world, surrounded by streams and glistening snow. As night falls, soft lights illuminate the camp, and the snow sparkles under the glow, creating an unforgettable, magical atmosphere.

Wake up to a magical morning in your snow mountain cabin, where you can enjoy the sunrise from the comfort of your bed or private viewing terrace, complete with a warm fireplace and perfect privacy. Draw back the curtains to reveal a world blanketed in fresh snow, a truly delightful sight. Explore Winter Kurdening Scenic Area, where rime ice, seas of clouds, ice crystals, and "snow mushrooms" come together to create a cinematic winter landscape. After lunch, check out and continue your journey to another iconic destination, Nalati, a national AAAAA-rated scenic area. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and recognized by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful places in the world, it rivals the landscapes of Switzerland. Upon arrival, check into your hotel within the scenic area, enjoy dinner, and rest.

After breakfast, explore Nalati Scenic Area (note: cable car included in winter). Take the cable car up to the snow-covered mountains.Guests who enjoy skiing may opt to participate in ski activities instead, with the cable car fee refundable. Avoid the crowds and reach areas inaccessible by standard shuttle buses for a more premium experience. Ride the cable car to the Sky Grassland, the true highlight of the scenic area. Here, snow-capped mountains, forests, streams, grasslands, and seasonal flower fields come together like a breathtaking painting. Stroll through this dreamlike landscape, where cattle, sheep, and horses graze peacefully, as if stepping into a fairytale forest. It is not only a perfect place for sightseeing but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. In the afternoon, return to Yining. Dinner will be arranged in the city, followed by hotel check-in and rest.

After breakfast, travel to Sayram Lake with a stop at Khorgos Port, a border town in Xinjiang where China meets Kazakhstan. Experience its unique cross-border atmosphere and the vibrancy of border trade. Visit the China Cultural Exhibition Hall, learn about the gateway and national boundary markers, and take photos at this symbolic frontier. If time permits, enjoy a stop at the local café or explore the China-Kazakhstan duty-free shops. In the afternoon, continue to Sayram Lake for a magical winter experience and sunset viewing. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, frozen lake, and icy landscapes, it feels like stepping into a dreamy blue wonderland. If you have only seen Sayram Lake in summer, its winter beauty will surprise you with a completely different charm.

After breakfast, re-enter Sayram Lake to enjoy a stunning winter sunrise. Known as "the last tenderness of the Atlantic," its beauty is fully revealed in winter. Ice ridges, frozen bubbles, and intricate ice patterns create scenes that look like cinematic stills. The striking contrast of white and blue, especially at sunrise and sunset, casts a warm glow over the ice while snow-capped mountains turn shades of orange and gold, creating a romantic and almost poetic atmosphere. After lunch, depart from Sayram Lake and stop at the Guozigou Bridge to admire its winter scenery. Resembling a real-life "Frozen" landscape, the bridge stretches like a silver dragon across the snowy mountains. Frost-covered cables frame the surrounding peaks, forests, and steel structure, offering breathtaking, picture-perfect views even on a phone camera. In the afternoon, proceed to Huocheng and check into hotel for the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Yizhu Winery for a guided tour and wine tasting. Learn about the full winemaking process, from production to cellaring, and sample rare, small batch wines seldom found on the market. Extremely limited yields, bold flavors and unforgettable depth, one sip leaves a lasting impression. Next, explore the Kazanki Folk Village, a blue toned fairytale woven into Yining's identity. The blue here is not decoration but a city memory etched into its soul. With roots dating back to the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, Kazanchi is a living showcase of Ili's multi ethnic culture. Its streets preserve the Central Asian "Ayiwan" courtyard style, where every home has a courtyard and flowers and fruit trees fill daily life.
*Special arrangement: Home visit and DIY naan bread making experience.

After breakfast, we conclude this delightful and romantic journey. You will then transfer to the transit city for an overnight stay, taking a brief rest before continuing your onward journey.

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