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Duration

15 days 14 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

30 people

Languages

Chinese, English

About this tour

15-Day Immersive Journey · Crossing snow mountains & grasslands, meeting the romance of the Ili Valley

This 15-day cycling expedition offers an immersive journey through the heart of China’s Western Regions, covering over 700 kilometers of diverse and breathtaking landscapes. The itinerary is thoughtfully divided into three parts, progressing from the initial exploration of dramatic canyons and grasslands, through the secret valleys and cultural hubs of the Tianshan Mountains, to a grand finale at the stunning Sayram Lake. It’s a perfect blend of physical challenge, natural wonder, and cultural discovery, designed for cyclists seeking to experience the raw beauty of Xinjiang.

Highlights

  • "Little Duku" Highway – Cycle the scenic Zhaosu Highway with dramatic mountain passes and sweeping panoramic views.
  • Sayram Lake – Enjoy a full-day loop around this alpine lake, known as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean," where blue waters mirror snow-capped peaks.
  • Diverse Terrain – Ride through Danxia canyons, Narat's aerial grasslands, Kuerdening's spruce forests, and Zhaosu's rolling wheat fields.
  • Hundred-Mile Gallery – Spend a day immersed in snow-capped mountains, clear streams, and pastoral Tianshan landscapes.
  • Rest Days – Take two strategic rest days in Narat and Zhaosu for deep exploration, with options like Xiata Ancient Road or wetland walks.
  • Tekes "Bagua City" – Explore the city uniquely designed in the shape of the I Ching's eight trigrams.
  • Local Culture – Visit Kangjia Shimenzi Rock Paintings and finish with shopping and Xinjiang cuisine at Urumqi's Grand Bazaar.

Included/Excluded

  • Hotel stay for 14 nights with daily breakfasts
  • 28 Lunches and 28 dinners in local restaurants
  • Supporting team with a cycling leader and 1 sweeper.
  • Bus transfer from points to points
  • A logistic manager from Airport pick up to drop off
  • Daily water, fruits and snacks supply on cycling days
  • support team accommodations and meals
  • Admission fees to Huangshan with cable car (round trips)
  • A Chinese speaking tour guide for Huangshan Tour
  • High-speed train Qiandaohu-Huangshan-Hangzhou
  • Drone Photography & Videography
  • Travel Insurance
  • International Flights and Personal expenses
  • Supporting team gratitudes: CNY50/day/cycle for the whole supporting team include drivers, leaders, and guides.

Itinerary

eammates gather in Urumqi, the historic Silk Road hub, to check in and recharge. After resting, they stock up on naan and fruits while our technicians carefully inspect brakes, gears, and tires—ensuring every bike is ready for the journey ahead.

Unlock the Tianshan Geographic Scenic Corridor Today, we adopt an efficient mode of "bus transfer + essence riding" to bypass the long and boring sections and go directly to the core beauty of S101. We will ride 60KM in total, traveling through the vibrant Danxia canyons and the Kangjia Shimenzi Rock Painting Scenic Area, enjoying the geological wonders deposited since the Jurassic period, and experiencing the visual feast of "one step, one scene, ten miles different sky".

In the morning, drive through the most treacherous mountainous section of the northern Duku Highway to pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed for road construction. In the afternoon, start a leisurely cycling trip on the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, an 80km flat river valley road that takes you through spruce forests, snow-capped mountains and grasslands, experiencing the ultimate romance of the Ili River Valley

Famed as the "Alpine Grassland", Nalati boasts rolling hills and lush greenery. Today's itinerary takes you deep into this green paradise, cycling along gentle mountain roads to encounter valley flower seas and primeval forests.

Immerse yourself in the "Sky Grassland", with snow-capped mountains in the distance and lush green grass underfoot. Today is a day of "slow time" to unwind from the fatigue of cycling and enjoy the tranquility of the Tianshan Mountains.

Kuerdening means "horizontal ditch", a rare north-south valley in the Tianshan Mountains. It has the largest Schrenk's spruce reserve in China, with snow-capped mountains as a screen and spruces as a sea. Cycling here feels like stepping into a secluded fairy tale world.

Tekes: Aerial night view of the world's largest Bagua City, showcasing its unique urban layout

Zhaosu in July is a golden ocean, where ten thousand mu of rapeseed flowers at the foot of snow-capped mountains interweave with vast grasslands. This cycling journey, known as the "Little Duku", is not only accompanied by rolling wheat field hills, but also an excellent acclimatization experience from plain to plateau.

Immerse yourself in the "Hometown of Heavenly Horses" and witness the golden sea of rapeseed fields stretching at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It's not just a visual feast, but also a perfect moment to slow down and enjoy the tranquility and vastness of the Ili River Valley.

The Yizhao Highway, a landscape avenue running through the Tianshan Mountains, is known as the "Little Duku Highway". With a new scene at every step, from the vast alpine meadows to the majestic snow-capped mountain canyons, it is a visual feast and a cycling challenge not to be missed on the Ili cycling trip

Cycle from Yining to Khorgos, then take a bus to Sayram Lake Scenic Area.

Sayram Lake is known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic". Today, we will measure this pure blue with a 90-kilometer ride. Along the way, snow mountain reflections, grassland flower seas, and deep blue lake waters complement each other. This is not just a ride, but a soul-cleansing visual feast, adding a brilliant touch to our journey

500km Long-distance Bus Return Trip Departing from Bole, take a comfortable bus eastbound back to Urumqi. Along the way, bid farewell to the vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, gradually returning to the bustle of the city. Rest and Reflect on the Journey Use the leisurely time on the bus to relieve the fatigue of days of cycling, flip through the wonderful moments in the photo album, and share the experiences and touches along the way with teammates.

Explore the International Grand Bazaar for carpets and snacks. Savor Big Plate Chicken and baked buns—authentic tastes of the West. Leisurely Buffer Day A flexible day to unwind after the long ride, handle any travel adjustments, or simply wander the city streets.

From the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, we bid farewell to Urumqi. This journey has gifted us not just photos, but a deep appreciation for Xinjiang's vast landscapes and warm hospitality. As we return to our daily lives, the spirit of the open road stays with us.

Durations

More than 9 Days

Language

Chinese
English

Frequently asked questions

This tour is rated moderate to challenging. With daily rides ranging from 60 to 95 kilometers and total elevation gains up to 1,400 meters on certain days, it requires a good level of cycling fitness and prior experience with multi-day rides. However, the itinerary is thoughtfully designed with rest days in Narat and Zhaosu, plus shuttle support on select days to reduce fatigue. Support vehicles accompany the group throughout, carrying supplies, water, and mechanical assistance, making it accessible for determined recreational cyclists who have trained adequately.

The ideal window for this 15-day Xinjiang cycling tour is June through September. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C in the lowlands and cooler conditions at higher elevations. This period also offers the most spectacular scenery—wildflowers blanket the grasslands in early summer, wheat fields turn golden in Zhaosu by August, and Sayram Lake glows with its famous blue ice under clear skies. July and August are the warmest months, while September brings crisp air and autumn colors, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Yes, E-bikes are available for an extra charge

Each bike rental includes a helmet, a top tube bag, and bottle cages.

Yes, other bike types such as drop-bar road bikes are available at an extra cost.

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own bike if you inform us in advance, though we are not liable for damage during transport.

The support vehicle is always available. You are welcome to take a break and ride in the vehicle for any part of the distance. Our goal is for you to enjoy the journey at your own pace.

Our cycling leader/sweeper is a skilled mechanic. The support vehicle carries a full toolkit, spare parts, and tires for quick repairs. If a major issue occurs, a replacement bike will be provided from the support vehicle

You will stay 6 nights in comfortable, clean, and well-located tourist-class hotels (typically 3-4 star equivalent, like the JI-Hotel 全季). Single room supplements are available.

The tour includes 7 dinners and 6 lunches, featuring local Hainan cuisine and seafood. The support vehicle provides ample drinking water and energy snacks (fruit, bars) throughout the ride.

Upon booking, you will receive a detailed packing list. Essentials include cycling clothing (padded shorts, gloves), high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, personal toiletries/medication, casual evening wear, and a small daypack.

Yes, we always offer tailor-made packages. Please contact us to discuss extending your ride

Breakfast is always provided at the hotel in the form of a sufficient buffet to ensure you start each day well-fueled.

Yes, we purposely selected hotels that provide complimentary laundry services for your convenience.

Yes. All our cycling trips are private and tailor-made, so we accept groups of any size.

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Member Since 2025