Comprehensive 7/4-7/15 Xi’an to Xinjiang and Henan Cultural Exploration and Nature Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Xi’an

Xi’an, China on July 4, 2025

9:05pm

Flight Ningbo to Xi’an

Depart Ningbo at 21:05 and arrive in Xi’an at 23:45. Check in to Puyin Hotel for a restful night before your adventure begins.
CNY1972, 2h40m

11:45pm

Check-in Puyin Hotel

Stay at Puyin Hotel (Zhonglou South Gate Wangfujing store), comfortable location near the city center.
CNY972 for 3 nights, Overnight
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Day 2: Huashan Trek

Xi’an to Huashan, China on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Puyin Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast at the hotel, offering congee, steamed buns, and local specialties.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Huashan

Take an early morning trip from Xi’an to Huashan, famous for its dramatic cliffs and ancient Taoist trails. The cable car is recommended to save energy for hiking.
Approximately CNY100 per person (round trip cable car), 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch near Huashan

Sample local Shaanxi cuisine, such as spicy noodles or biangbiang noodles, at a mountain base restaurant.
Around CNY50 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Huashan Trails

Hike some of the scenic paths of Huashan, enjoying breathtaking views and ancient temples.
Included with cable car ticket, 4h

7:45pm

Ride Train 'Jiu Jiu Daqin' back to Xi’an

Board the 19:45 train back to Xi’an for a smooth return after a day of hiking.
Included in ticket, Approx 1h

9:00pm

Dinner Xi’an

Late dinner in Xi’an city with famous local dishes such as roujiamo (meat sandwich) or yangrou paomo (lamb soup).
Approx CNY60 per person, 1h
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Day 3: Xi’an Cultural Sites

Xi’an, China on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near Puyin Hotel

Enjoy local breakfast options including steamed buns and soy milk at a nearby eatery.
Around CNY30, 1h

9:00am

Visit Terracotta Warriors

Buy on-site guided audio tickets to explore the famed Terracotta Army, learning about Qin Dynasty history. Site open 8:30am-6pm.
Approx CNY150 per person, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch near Terracotta Warriors

Have lunch at a nearby restaurant serving Shaanxi specialties like dumplings or noodles.
Approx CNY50 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Shaanxi History Museum

Pre-booked tickets (5 days in advance) allow access to a vast collection of artifacts showcasing Shaanxi’s rich history. Open 9am-5pm.
Free entry, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Chang’an Twelve Hours Street + Tang Dynasty Script Drama

Attend the interactive script murder game event and experience the immersive Tang culture entertainment. Entry between 16:00-17:40.
Pre-booked tickets required, 1h40m

6:30pm

Explore Datang Everbright City

Spend the evening in the vibrant night market street with food stalls, lights, and cultural performances.
Free entry, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Datang Everbright City

Sample popular street food and local snacks such as lamb skewers, cold noodles, and persimmon cakes.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Yining

Xi’an to Yining, China on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a light breakfast at Puyin hotel before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Check out and head to airport

Transfer from hotel to Xi’an airport for flight to Yining.
N/A, 1h

1:50pm

Flight Xi’an to Yining

Fly from Xi’an at 13:50 and arrive in Yining at 18:20, relaxing and enjoying views over Xinjiang.
CNY3798 for 2 passengers, 4h30m

6:30pm

Pick up rental car

Collect rental car for 6 days of self-driving at approximately CNY2595.
CNY2595, 30m

7:00pm

Check-in at Yining Yinju Homestay

Settle into Yi'nin Yinju Homestay, offering local hospitality in tranquil surroundings.
CNY898 for 2 rooms, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner in Yining

Try Kazakh-style dishes such as beshbarmak or manty at a local restaurant.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 5: Sailimu Lake & Huo Cheng

Yining to Sailimu Lake to Huo Cheng, China on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at homestay

Enjoy a local homemade breakfast with dairy products and freshly baked bread.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Sailimu Lake

Drive approximately 150km (3h) via scenic route passing Guozigou Bridge, a famous spot for photos.
CNY145*2 + 110 car fee for entry, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sailimu Lake

Picnic or eat at lakeside restaurant offering fresh fish and local delicacies.
Approx CNY60 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Sailimu Lake

Spend around 5 hours enjoying the stunning alpine lake, birdwatching, and relaxing in nature.
Included in ticket, 5h

6:00pm

Drive to Huo Cheng

Drive approx 110km (2h) to Huo Cheng for overnight stay.
Included in rental, 2h

8:00pm

Check in at Huo Cheng Yunsheng Hotel

Relax and refresh at Yunsheng Hotel with comfortable amenities.
CNY786 for 2 rooms, Overnight

8:30pm

Dinner at hotel or local eatery

Enjoy Xinjiang specialties like lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 6: Tekesi Bagua City

Huo Cheng / Yining to Tekesi Bagua City, China on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to prepare for day’s driving.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Tekesi Bagua City

Choose route from Huo Cheng (approx 170km, 2h) or Yining (120km, 2h). Scenic countryside views en route.
Included in rental, 2h

11:00am

Check-in at Wo De Xiao Yuan Tekesi Bagua City Li Street Store

Stay comfortably in this accommodation featuring local decor and hospitality.
CNY1998 for 2 rooms, Overnight

12:00pm

Lunch at Tekesi

Try authentic Kazakh and Uyghur dishes in the historic octagonal city center.
Approx CNY60 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Bagua City

Walk around the unique eight-sided city with its traditional architecture and vibrant markets.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Enjoy a break or cultural performances if available.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner in Tekesi

Sample local specialties such as samsa and roasted lamb.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 7: Kalajun Grassland Ride

Tekesi Bagua City to Kalajun Grassland, China on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Traditional breakfast to fuel up before grassland exploration.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kalajun Grassland

Short 30km drive (40mins) to Kalajun Grassland, known for its beautiful pastures and horse riding.
Included in rental, 40m

9:15am

Kalajun Grassland Exploration

Spend 5 hours horseback riding and enjoying the East and West grasslands, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
Horse riding approx CNY150, 5h

2:30pm

Return to Tekesi Bagua City

Drive back 40 minutes to accommodation for a restful afternoon.
Included in rental, 40m

3:15pm

Rest and Refresh

Use hotel facilities or local cafes to relax after riding.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tekesi

Enjoy a farewell Xinjiang dinner with local dishes like pilaf and lamb kebabs.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 8: Nalati Grassland Journey

Tekesi Bagua City to Nalati Grassland, China on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to prepare for a longer drive ahead.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Nalati Grassland

Embark on a scenic 240km (approx 3h) journey to Nalati Grassland, famous for its vast meadows and ethnic culture.
Included in rental, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in at Yunyi Beauty Sky Lanshanju (Xinyuan store)

Stay in comfortable lodging with beautiful mountain views to unwind after the drive.
CNY635 for 1 room, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch nearby

Sample local fresh dairy and handmade noodles at nearby restaurant.
Approx CNY50 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Nalati Grassland

Enjoy sightseeing or optional horse riding in this picturesque grassland area.
Horse riding approx CNY150, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner nearby

Eat traditional Kazakh or Kyrgyz dishes like mutton stew or flatbread.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 9: Return to Yining

Nalati Grassland to Yining, China on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast with local specialties and fresh milk before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive back to Yining

Approximately 270km (3h30min) drive back to Yining, taking breaks for refreshments.
Included in rental, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Ami’er Homestay Kazakh Tourism Area

Stay in comfortable homestay offering authentic local experiences.
CNY778 for 2 rooms, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch in Yining

Taste Uyghur specialties and Xinjiang-spiced lamb dishes.
Approx CNY60 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore local markets or relax

Leisure time for shopping or visiting local attractions in Yining city.
Varies, Afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Sample local fare such as pilaf (rice dish) or grilled meats.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 10: Fly to Zhengzhou

Yining to Zhengzhou, China on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at homestay

Enjoy local breakfast specialties before heading to airport.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Check-out and transfer to airport

Prepare for your flight to Zhengzhou city.
N/A, 1h

12:30pm

Flight Yining to Zhengzhou

Fly with expected time about 4h20m, arriving in Zhengzhou.
CNY5820 for 3 passengers, 4h20m

5:30pm

Check-in at Yanzhi Hotel (Zijinshan Park Store)

Comfortable accommodation near the park and city center.
CNY942 for 2 rooms, 2 nights, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner in Zhengzhou

Try famous Henan cuisine such as Huimian noodles or spicy steamed buns in local eateries.
Approx CNY60 per person, 1h
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Day 11: Henan Cultural Exploration

Zhengzhou, China on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast with local and western options available.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Play Drama City

Spend the day exploring the theatrical and immersive cultural experiences at the famous Henan Drama Fantasy City, a highlight of local arts.
Ticket price varies, approx CNY150, 6h

3:00pm

Tea or coffee break

Relax at a local café showcasing traditional decor and snacks.
Approx CNY30, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner in Zhengzhou

Enjoy a banquet of Henan staples including stuffed buns and steamed meatballs.
Approx CNY70 per person, 1h
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Day 12: Return to Ningbo

Zhengzhou to Ningbo, China on July 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in Zhengzhou to start the day well.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Leisure morning or shopping

Time permitting, last-minute souvenir shopping or light sightseeing around the hotel area.
Varies, 2h

4:00pm

Transfer to airport

Head to Zhengzhou airport for flight back to Ningbo.
N/A, 1h

6:00pm

Flight Zhengzhou to Ningbo

Fly with scheduled departure at 18:00 and arrival at 20:05, completing your rich cultural and natural journey.
CNY1860 for 3 passengers, 2h5m
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