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Duration

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

1 person

Languages

Chinese, English

About this tour

Across the Tianshan · The Dreamy Ili: From the Blue of Sayram Lake to the White of Dushanzi Highway Snowline          

This is a nine-day epic cycling journey that traverses geographical dimensions.

We start from Urumqi, with our wheels first rolling through the vastness of Jinghe, all the way to Sayram Lake—known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.” Beneath the cloud-piercing Guozigou Bridge, we embrace this deep blue wonder with a 72-kilometer ride around the lake, before heading deeper into Yining, weaving through the rapeseed fields of Zhaosu and the homeland of the Tianma horses.

In the middle section of the trip, we breathe freely in the “aerial grassland” of Kalajun and the layered beauty of Nalati, experiencing the ultimate tenderness of the Ili River Valley. Then, the journey takes a dramatic turn as we venture onto the magnificent Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway. Starting from the zero-kilometer mark, we head south, crossing the Hashilegen Pass, and between Tangbula and Qiaoerma, we experience the fierce cold and breathtaking beauty of all four seasons in a single day.

“Vehicles move with us, wheels turn with our hearts.” The entire trip adopts a “vehicle transfer + core路段骑行” combo: it offers the efficiency and comfort of long-distance transfers while preserving the immersive cycling experience on key routes like the Sayram Lake loop, the heart of Zhaosu, and the challenging peaks of the Dushanzi Highway. In nine days, from lakeside breezes to snowy mountain winds, from fields of flowers to towering glaciers, this is not only a test of endurance but also a grand wandering of the soul across the northern and southern reaches of the Tianshan Mountains.


Sayram Lake

Sayram Lake

Highlights

  • Cycle Around Sayram Lake​ – Ride 72 km along the stunning shores of the "last tear of the Atlantic," with the magnificent Guozigou Bridge towering above.
  • Explore the Ili River Valley​ – Pedal through golden rapeseed fields in Zhaosu, known as the "home of Tianma horses," and breathe in the vast beauty of the region.
  • Ride Through "Aerial Grasslands"​ – Experience the sweeping, layered landscapes of Kalajun and Nalati, where green meadows stretch to distant snow-capped peaks.
  • Conquer the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway​ – Challenge yourself on one of China’s most epic roads, climbing from the "Zero Kilometer" start point over the mighty Hashilegen Pass.
  • Witness Four Seasons in One Day​ – Between Tangbula and Qiaoerma, feel the rapid shift from spring blooms to winter chill as you climb toward glacial vistas.
  • Smart "Vehicle + Bike" Combo​ – Enjoy efficient long-distance transfers by vehicle while diving deep into the most scenic riding routes, blending comfort with pure adventure.
  • From Flowers to Glaciers​ – In just nine days, journey from lakeside tranquility and flower-filled valleys to the raw, windy heights of Tianshan’s snowlines.
  • A Journey for the Soul​ – This is more than a bike trip—it’s a moving meditation across northern and southern Xinjiang, connecting you with nature’s grandest scales.

Itinerary

Airport pickup in Urumqi → Drive to Jinghe County (400 km by vehicle) → Overnight in Jinghe → Welcome dinner & trip briefing.

Day 2: Sayram Lake Ride cycling distance  cycling distance 72km

Drive to Sayram Lake Scenic Area (130 km) → Cycle around Sayram Lake & Guozigou Bridge (72 km) → Transfer to Yining City (115 km by vehicle).

Drive (120 km) + cycling (60 km) → Overnight in Zhaosu. 

Cycling (70 km) → Overnight in Tekes.

Full-day visit to Kalajun Grassland → Drive to Nalati (240 km).

Full-day exploration in Nalati.

Drive to "Zero Kilometer" point (60 km) → Cycling via Yuximolegai & Qiaoerma (100 km) → Overnight in Tangbula.

Cycling from Tangbula to Qiaoerma & Hashilegen Pass (60 km) → Drive back to Urumqi (360 km).

Transfer to airport for departure.

Included/Excluded

  • Support Vehicle Cost:​ Includes all expenses for the support vehicle(s) (number of vehicles will be adjusted according to the group size).
  • Accommodation Arrangement:​ Covers all accommodation expenses for 8 nights.
  • Meal Arrangement:​ Includes the welcome dinner and all meals for 8 days, except lunch at Kalajun Scenic Area and Nalati Scenic Area. Also covers snacks and drinking water provided during the journey.
  • Attraction Arrangements:​ Includes the first-entry tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary (Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Tekes Bagua Park, Kalajun Grassland, Nalati Scenic Area). If you hold any special certificates (e.g., teacher, military officer, journalist, disability, senior citizen, tour guide, or student ID), please present them to the tour leader before purchasing tickets to enjoy applicable discounts or waivers as per local scenic area policies.
  • Cycling Insurance:​ High-coverage personal accident insurance.
  • Personal expenses caused by individual reasons, such as beverages, alcoholic drinks, snacks along the way, personal shopping, etc., are not included in the tour fee.
  • Transportation costs to and from the meeting point in Urumqi and the return journey are not covered.
  • Minor attraction tickets within scenic areas, scenic area transportation, and attractions marked as self-paid in the itinerary are not included.
  • Any expenses not specified in this itinerary or additional costs arising from personal arrangements are not covered.
  • Bicycle rental fees are not included in the tour fee. If you need to rent a bicycle, please contact our staff. We provide rental services for different levels of bicycles (all Giant sports edition models).
  • Additional expenses caused by force majeure, such as natural factors, traffic control, weather conditions, flight cancellations, or schedule changes, as well as personal expenses in hotels (laundry, haircuts, phone calls, faxes, paid services, etc.) are not covered by the tour fee.

Durations

7-9 Days

Language

Chinese
English

Frequently asked questions

It covers a support vehicle, 8 nights of accommodation, meals (except lunch at Kalajun and Nalati), entrance tickets for main attractions, and cycling insurance. Snacks and drinking water during rides are also included.

No, bike rental is not included, but we offer Giant sports bikes for rent if you need one. Just let our staff know.

No, you’ll need to arrange your own travel to and from the meeting point in Urumqi.

We include all meals for 8 days (except lunch at Kalajun and Nalati), plus a welcome dinner. Snacks and water are provided during cycling days.

Yes, smaller tickets within scenic areas, shuttle buses, and any self-paid attractions listed are not covered.

Yes! Just show your valid ID to the tour leader before buying tickets—you may get discounts depending on local policies.

Personal shopping, drinks, snacks outside provided ones, bike rental, flights, and any extra activities you choose to do on your own.

Yes, we provide high-coverage personal accident insurance for cycling.

We may adjust the itinerary for safety. Any extra costs due to weather or other uncontrollable factors are not covered.

It varies—some days are around 60–70 km, with one longer day of 100 km. Vehicle transfers are used for longer distances between routes.

Yes, the support vehicle is there to assist. Just tell your guide in advance if you prefer not to cycle on certain days.

We offer Giant sports edition bikes in different levels. You can choose based on your preference.

Laundry and other personal hotel services (like phone calls) are not included and would be at your own cost.

The longest drive is about 360 km on Day 8 when returning from Tangbula to Urumqi.

Yes, there’s some free time in the schedule. Any personal expenses during free time are not included.

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Member Since 2025