D1 Arrive in Hami
Arrive in Hami by flight from cities such as Beijing, Chengdu or Chongqing, or take a high-speed train from Urumqi or Dunhuang.
Upon arrival, your local tour guide will meet you and begin a relaxed city tour. Visit the lively Hami Food Streets, where you can sample local specialties and experience the flavors of this oasis city in eastern Xinjiang.
Continue to the Palace of the Hami King, a historic site associated with the rulers of Hami. Explore its traditional architecture and learn more about the history and culture of Hami, an important oasis along the ancient Silk Road.
After the sightseeing, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in Hami.
Overnight: Hami
D2 Hami – Dahaidao Yadan – Balikun
In the morning, leave Hami and travel toward the remote Dahaidao Yadan Landscape, a vast wilderness of wind-eroded landforms in the Gobi Desert. The area is sometimes known as a “Ghost City” because of its unusual rock formations and mysterious desert atmosphere.
As you travel through this sparsely populated region, you will encounter spectacular Yadan formations in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sculpted by wind and erosion over thousands of years, these rugged formations rise from the surrounding desert to create an extraordinary landscape.
Take time to explore and photograph the vast desert scenery before continuing your journey north toward Balikun.
In the late afternoon, leave the Yadan area and drive for approximately 2 hours to Balikun County. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Balikun
D3 Balikun Grassland – Gaojiahu Wetland – Hami Departure
In the morning, explore the beautiful Balikun Grassland, a vast pastoral landscape set beneath the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy panoramic views of open grasslands, mountain peaks and herds of cattle and sheep grazing peacefully across the landscape.
Continue to Gaojiahu Wetland, where the scenery changes from open grassland to a combination of lakes, wetlands and farmland. Take a relaxing walk around the area and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
Depending on the season and local conditions, you can also experience horse riding on the grassland, offering a closer look at the traditional pastoral lifestyle of northern Xinjiang.
In the late afternoon, drive back to Hami city. Upon arrival, transfer to Hami Airport or Railway Station for your onward flight or high-speed train.
Your 3-day Hami Yadan and Balikun tour ends here.