China13 days
Xinjiang by Bike: Grasslands, Deserts & Oasis Towns — 13 Days
A 13-day cycling route across Xinjiang's northern and central territories, from Urumqi through high-altitude grasslands, Gobi terrain, and ancient Silk Road settlements.
This 13-day cycle tour traverses Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on a fixed route beginning and ending in Urumqi. The itinerary moves northeast from the capital to Heavenly Lake, then eastward across Jiangbulak Grassland and the Barkol plateau before descending through the Turpan Depression with stops at Jiaohe Ruins, Flaming Mountain Valley, and productive grape-growing areas. Daily cycling distances vary on mixed terrain: paved roads, grassland tracks, and desert plateaus. A support vehicle accompanies the group throughout, carrying luggage and providing rest-stop facilities. Riders use 27-speed mountain bikes equipped with racks and bags. The route includes 12 nights in hotels graded 3- to 4-star, meals provided as specified per day, and access to designated archaeological and natural sites.
Highlights
- Cycling from Urumqi to Heavenly Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake ringed by snowcapped peaks
- Multi-day traverse of Jiangbulak, Barkol, and Aktash grasslands with barley fields, wildflowers, and open steppe terrain
- Cycling through Singing Sand Scenic Spot and Diversiform-leaved Poplar Park near Mulei, where desert meets irrigated oasis
- Jiaohe Ruins near Turpan, an earthen city dating to the 1st century CE with preserved street grids and adobe structures
- Cycling 150 kilometers through Tuyuk Valley, Flaming Mountain Valley, and Sand Hill Park between Shanshan and Turpan
- Grape Valley near Turpan with active vineyards; cycling route passes through working agricultural areas with local Uyghur farms
- Korjay Rock Paintings, Monster City (Yardang formations), and Grotesque Stone Forest on the return leg to Urumqi
Day by day
1Arrival in UrumqiUrumqi · Ramada Hotel
Arrive in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Check into the Ramada Hotel (4-star) for the first night. A group meeting is held in the hotel lobby to confirm logistics, review bike specifications, and cover safety protocols for the 13-day route ahead.
2Urumqi to Heavenly LakeUrumqi to Heavenly Lake · Heavenly Lake · trailhead
Depart Urumqi by vehicle toward Heavenly Lake. Bikes are fitted and inspected at the trailhead. Cycling portion to the alpine lake, surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Route surfaces: paved and gravel. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner provided. Accommodation: 4-star local hotel. Support vehicle carries luggage; water and safety briefing provided.
3Heavenly Lake to Jiangbulak GrasslandHeavenly Lake · Jiangbulak Grassland
Begin with a 12 km downhill descent from Heavenly Lake. Cycling portion across Jiangbulak Grassland, admiring wildflower areas and small lakes. Terrain: flat to rolling grassland on dirt and gravel tracks. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner provided. Accommodation: 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided.
4Jiangbulak Grassland to MuleiJiangbulak Grassland to Mulei
Coach transfer: 100 km to cycling start point. Cycling portion across open grassland interspersed with settlements, small villages, and agricultural plots. Terrain transitions from steppe to semi-arid grassland with patches of farmland. Elevation: 1,400–1,600 m. Surface: gravel and dirt tracks. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner provided. Accommodation: 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided.
5Mulei: Singing Sand and Oasis ParkMulei to Singing Sand Scenic Spot · Diversiform-leaved Poplar Park · local cultivators
Cycling day from Mulei to Singing Sand Scenic Spot and Diversiform-leaved Poplar Park. Cycling portion through cultivated poplar groves and sandy areas. Singing Sand refers to dunes producing audible tones when wind passes over them. Terrain: sandy and irrigated oasis landscape. Elevation: 800–1,000 m. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner provided; grapes available for tasting at local cultivators. Accommodation: 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided. Site admission: included.
6Mulei to Barkol GrasslandMulei · Barkol Grassland
Coach transfer out of Mulei to cycling point. Cycling portion into Barkol Grassland. Terrain: open grassland typical of Xinjiang's northern steppe. Surface: gravel and dirt. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner provided. Accommodation: 3-star local hotel. Support vehicle, water provided.
7Barkol Grassland to HamiBarkol Grassland to Hami · Hami town
Cycling portion from Barkol across Aktash Grassland, passing through grassland dotted with stone figures. Elevation: 1,400–1,600 m. Terrain continues into Hami town to the east across open steppe. Surface: gravel tracks. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner provided. Accommodation: 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided.
8Hami to Shanshan via Monster CityHami to Shanshan · Monster City
Cycling portion through desert terrain toward Monster City. Route traverses open Gobi plateau with minimal vegetation. Surface: sand and hard-packed desert floor. Site admission: included. Coach transfer to Shanshan town. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner provided. Accommodation: 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided.
9Shanshan to Turpan via Three ValleysShanshan to Turpan · Turpan · Tuyuk Valley · Flaming Mountain Valley · Sand Hill Park
Cycling portion from Shanshan to Turpan. Route passes through Tuyuk Valley, Flaming Mountain Valley, and Sand Hill Park. Terrain transitions from Gobi to irrigated oasis. Surface: gravel and dirt tracks. Meals: breakfast, lunch provided; dinner included. Accommodation: 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided.
10Turpan: Grape Valley and Local SettlementsGrape Valley · Emin Minaret
Cycling day based in Turpan, visiting Grape Valley to the south. Cycling portion among vineyards and agricultural areas where local Uyghur families cultivate grapes. Terrain: terraced fields and working farms. Surface: gravel and dirt agricultural tracks. Meals: breakfast, lunch provided; grape tasting included. Optional: Emin Minaret visit (subject to time and access). Accommodation: same 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided. Site admission: included.
11Turpan to Toksun via Jiaohe RuinsTurpan to Toksun · Jiaohe Ruins
Cycling portion: 60 km northwest from Turpan to Jiaohe Ruins, an earthen ancient city dated to the 1st century CE and among China's most intact preserved ruins of that era. Site sits on a raised plateau between two rivers with visible street grids, building foundations, and defensive walls. Elevation: 600–800 m. Surface: gravel tracks. Site admission: included. Cycling continues to Toksun town. Meals: breakfast, lunch provided; dinner included. Accommodation: 4-star hotel. Support vehicle, water provided.
12Toksun to Urumqi: Rock Art, Formations & ReturnToksun to Urumqi · Korjay Rock Paintings · Monster City Yardang · Grotesque Stone Forest · Ramada Hotel in Urumqi
Final cycling day westward toward Urumqi. Cycling portion visiting Korjay Rock Paintings, Monster City Yardang, and Yardan Landform and Grotesque Stone Forest. Terrain traverses high desert plateau. Surface: mixed rock and sandy surfaces. Site admissions: included. Coach transfer to Ramada Hotel in Urumqi. Meals: breakfast, lunch provided; dinner included. Support vehicle, water provided.
13Departure from UrumqiUrumqi
Tour concludes after breakfast at the hotel. Participants depart Urumqi.
Where you go
- 1Urumqi
- 2Turpan
- 3Emin Minaret
- 4Jiaohe Ruins
- 5Urumqi
Included
- Accommodation: Hotels（12 nights）
- Transport: private vehicle
- Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 7 Dinners
- Guide: Tour leader throughout
- Included activities:
- Heavenly Lake, Jiangbulak Grassland, Barkol Grassland, Aktash Grassland, Singing Sand Spot, Diversiform-leaved poplar park, Monster City, Sand Hill Park, Tuyuk Valley, Flaming Mountain Valley, Grape Valley, Minaret, Jiaohe Ruins, Korjay Rock Painting, Monster City， Yardan land form, and Grotesque Stone Forest.
- Included gear:
- 27 speed mountain bike and bike helmet.
- E-bike is available for an extra charge of @US$200.00
- Support vehicle for passengers and luggage
- Drinking water in 19 liter jar is provided daily
Not included
- Excluded:
- International flight
- Expenses of personal nature
- Gratuity
- Things not expressly mentioned inclusive above.