Day 7Urumqi - Turpan - Kumtag Desert

Attractions: Kumtag Desert, Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon, Tuyuk Valley

Meal: Not included

Hotel: Overnight in Shanshan County

This morning, you will drive about 3 hours (167 km) from Urumqi to the "fire land" – Turpan. It is China's hottest city that its highest temperature reaches about 50°C in summer. Besides, it is also an outpost on the Silk Road and a lot of cultural heritage sites can be explored.

As you reach Turpan, keep driving about 1 hour to Tuyuk Valley along Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon, which condenses the essence of the landscape of Flaming Mountain - red sandstones looking like flaming fire, distinctive rocks showing the uncanny workmanship of nature and deep gorge with crisscross valleys.

 Mazar Village, the oldest existing Uighur village with a history of over 2,600 years, is a big highlight of Tuyuk Valley. It holds a significant status in Buddhism and Islam. The villagers still live peacefully in the village, and you can clearly see how they run their daily lives in the old mud adobe houses. Some villagers kindly ask the travelers to visit their vineyards and taste their fresh grapes or preserved fruits.

After the great time in Mazar Village, you will drive 55 km (about 1 hour) to Kumtag Desert. The sandy and windy landforms are complete, the dunes are clearly defined, and there is only a thin line between the majestic and spectacular scenery of the golden desert and the oasis scene.

There are tiny camel's thorns in the sand, with long tiny young leaves, this is a natural growth of drought-resistant plants, stems with spiny very hard small green leaves, is the only camel in the desert can eat the survival of grass, a from the green, make the desert is full of vitality.

When the sunset time is approaching, climb up to a high sand dune to enjoy the striking view of desert sunset – endless sand dunes waving under the golden sunlight.

After a wonderful desert exploration, transfer to Shanshan County near Kumtag Desert for accommodation.