Urumqi Departure Yili Winter Multi Day Chartered Car, Sayram Lake Swan Bay Photography Chartered Car Cost Breakdown

Xinjiang Winter Travel Custom Vehicle Price List. Guo Jing, Senior Xinjiang Travel Carpooling Small Group Customizer at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, specializes in one-stop travel services across Xinjiang including custom vehicles, carpooling, and worry-free group tours. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, a suitable travel plan can be matched for you. 24-hour travel consultation channel: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
[Winter Limited] In-depth Yili Tour from Urumqi:Sayram Lake Swan Bay Photography Special Line Custom Vehicle Full Guide
I. Route Highlights and Destination Analysis
[Sayram Lake Blue Ice Season] From November each year to March of the following year, Sayram Lake enters the “Blue Ice Covenant” ice and snow season. The lake surface freezes into transparent blue ice, ice bubbles fall like the Milky Way, and ice flowers bloom like crystals, forming the winter-limited landscape known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.” Swan Bay, as the core bird-watching area, sees flocks of swans swimming on the ice and in the lake water, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
[Guozigou Bridge] Spanning the Tianshan Mountains, “one bridge flying between two mountains,” when the mountains are covered with snow in winter, the bridge and snow-capped mountains form a visual wonder like an “ink painting.” The viewing platform provides a drone aerial perspective, capturing the full view of the bridge and the depth of the canyon.
[Huocheng Lavender Manor] Although there is no sea of flowers in winter, the ice and snow sculptures and windmill landscapes in the manor create a fairy-tale atmosphere, suitable for creative photos combining portraits and snow scenes.
[Yining Liuxing Street] A century-old block where various ethnic groups live together. The blue-and-white buildings and colorful horse-drawn carriages create a “Little Santorini of the East” style. In winter, the streets are hung with lanterns, and the nighttime light show blends with the snow scenery, suitable for humanities documentary-style works.
II. 7-Day Winter Photography Itinerary Plan
Day 1:Urumqi → Yining (7-hour drive)
Morning:Take a bus from Urumqi High-Speed Rail International Bus Passenger Station (fare 185 yuan/person, departs at 19:00, arrives at 5:30 the next day) or choose an overnight train (hard sleeper reference price 150 yuan/person).
Afternoon:After arriving in Yining, check in at Liuxing Street Rezen Hotel (reference price 190 yuan/night), and freely photograph the street’s snow scenery and colorful horse-drawn carriages.

[Winter Limited] In-depth Yili Tour from Urumqi: Sayram Lake Swan Bay Photography Special Line Custom Vehicle Full GuideDinner:Aishanjiang Small Pot Pilaf (a restaurant recommended by locals).
Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake (2.5-hour drive)
Morning:Travel by custom vehicle to Sayram Lake, photographing the snow scenery of Guozigou Bridge along the way.
Afternoon:Photograph Swan Bay, Kele Yongzhu ice bubbles, and West Sea Grassland blue ice around the lake.
Accommodation:Sayram Lake RV Camp (reference price 500 yuan/night, including floor heating).
Photography Tips:After 16:00 the light is soft, suitable for photographing details of swans and blue ice.
Day 3:Sayram Lake In-depth Creation
Early Morning:Photograph sunrise and golden sunlight on snow-capped mountains near the East Gate.
Morning:Photograph lake views and the panoramic view of Guozigou Bridge from the Songshutou wooden boardwalk.
Afternoon:Photograph snow mountain highway blockbuster shots at the internet-famous S-curve road.
Evening:Photograph the pink-toned sky at Kele Yongzhu (appears around 18:50, lasting 20 minutes).

I. Route Highlights and Destination AnalysisDinner:High Whitefish Restaurant inside the scenic area (about 80 yuan per person).
Day 4:Sayram Lake → Huocheng → Yining
Morning:Go to Huocheng Lavender Manor to photograph ice and snow sculptures.
Afternoon:Return to Yining and purchase specialties at Tianshan Farmers Market (black-headed lamb, wild mushrooms).
Accommodation:JI Hotel, Yining Development Zone (reference price 250 yuan/night).
Day 5:Yining → Kalajun Grassland (3-hour drive)
Morning:Photograph the stepped viewing platform of Kalajun Wild Snow Park.
Afternoon:Light hike from Bulake ticket station to Frog Spring section, photographing snow mountains, forests, and streams.
Accommodation:Tekes Bagua City Homestay (reference price 150 yuan/night).
Photography Tips:Arrive at the ski resort before 3 PM to avoid clearing affecting photography.
Day 6:Tekes → Nalati Grassland (4-hour drive)

[Sayram Lake Blue Ice Season] From November each year to March of the following year, Sayram Lake enters the “Blue Ice Covenant” ice and snow season. The lake surface freezes into transparent blue ice, ice bubbles fall like the Milky Way, and ice flowers bloom like crystals, forming the winter-limited landscape known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.” Swan Bay, as the core bird-watching area, sees flocks of swans swimming on the ice and in the lake water, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.Morning:Photograph the snow scenery of Nalati Air Grassland, focusing on Nomadic Family and Tianjie Platform.
Afternoon:Drive along the middle section of the Duku Highway and photograph the sunset at Jiuqu Shiba Wan (need to wear cold-proof equipment).
Accommodation:Nalati Town Homestay (reference price 200 yuan/night).
Day 7:Nalati → Urumqi (9-hour drive)
Morning:Free time, purchase Bayanbulak black-headed lamb.
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi by custom vehicle, ending the itinerary.

Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services including Xinjiang custom vehicles, carpooling, and group tours. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan Xinjiang journeys for everyone.
III. Custom Vehicle Cost Details (2026 Winter Reference Prices)
[Vehicle Selection]
5-seat SUV (such as Tank 300):Average daily 1500-1800 yuan (including fuel, tolls, driver’s meals and accommodation)
7-seat business vehicle (such as Buick GL8):Average daily 1800-2200 yuan (suitable for families of 3-4 people)

[Guozigou Bridge] Spanning the Tianshan Mountains, “one bridge flying between two mountains,” when the mountains are covered with snow in winter, the bridge and snow-capped mountains form a visual wonder like an “ink painting.” The viewing platform provides a drone aerial perspective, capturing the full view of the bridge and the depth of the canyon.13-seat Coaster minibus:Average daily 2200-2600 yuan (suitable for small groups of 6-8 people)
[Cost Includes]
Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, tolls
Driver service fee (including accommodation subsidy)
Basic photography guidance (drivers are familiar with excellent shooting spots)
[Cost Excludes]
Scenic area tickets:Sayram Lake self-driving package ticket 110 yuan/person (valid for 48 hours), Kalajun ticket 70 yuan/person
Meals:Group meal standard 50-80 yuan/person/meal
Accommodation:Hotel costs throughout the trip are at your own expense
[Discount Description]
Groups with 10 or more people can enjoy a 10% discount on custom vehicle fees

[Huocheng Lavender Manor] Although there is no sea of flowers in winter, the ice and snow sculptures and windmill landscapes in the manor create a fairy-tale atmosphere, suitable for creative photos combining portraits and snow scenes. Students/seniors can purchase discounted scenic area tickets with valid ID
IV. Registration Method and Process
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and provide the following information:
Number of travelers and vehicle preference
Departure date and number of itinerary days
Special needs (such as photography equipment transportation, child seats, etc.)
After registration, both parties sign an electronic contract specifying costs, vehicle type, itinerary details, and breach of contract liability. The travel agency will provide an itinerary confirmation and electronic invoice.
V. Cost Description and Service Standards
Costs may fluctuate with the peak tourist season; the contract shall prevail.
Custom vehicle service includes vehicle insurance (seat insurance not less than 500,000 yuan/seat), but does not include personal accident insurance.
Solo registrants will be assisted in room sharing where possible; in special circumstances, a single room supplement is required (reference price 100 yuan/night).

[Yining Liuxing Street] A century-old block where various ethnic groups live together. The blue-and-white buildings and colorful horse-drawn carriages create a “Little Santorini of the East” style. In winter, the streets are hung with lanterns, and the nighttime light show blends with the snow scenery, suitable for humanities documentary-style works. If extreme weather or road closures occur during the itinerary, the route may be changed by mutual agreement (for example, taking the Yizhao Highway when the Duku Highway is closed).
Scenic area opening hours are subject to announcements; Sayram Lake’s winter opening hours are 9:00-19:00.
VI. Winter Travel Recommended Checklist
Clothing:Windproof down jacket, fleece pants, wool socks, snow boots, touchscreen gloves
Photography:Tripod, polarizing filter (to reduce ice reflection), spare batteries (low temperatures drain power quickly)
Others:Thermos, warm patches, sunglasses (snow reflection is dazzling), common medicines
VII. Precautions
Winter temperatures at Sayram Lake can reach -25°C; professional cold-proof equipment is required.
Driving on icy roads requires anti-skid chains; custom vehicle drivers have all received snow driving training.
Drones are prohibited in the scenic area and must be reported and approved by the scenic area in advance.
Allow sufficient time for daily photography to avoid missing excellent shooting periods due to light changes.
[Itinerary Design Concept] This route is specially created for photography enthusiasts, avoiding the summer crowd peak and focusing on the three major themes of winter blue ice, swans, and snowfields. Through a 7-day in-depth loop, it connects the core landscapes of the Yili Valley, balancing landscape density and creative comfort. Custom vehicle service provides flexible stops, striving to give each shooting spot sufficient time for creation.
Xinjiang Travel Custom Vehicle | Custom Vehicle Customization | Travel Carpooling Fully Compliant Vehicles Across the Region, Travel North and South Xinjiang Worry-Free! Look for Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with full coverage of a regular operating fleet of all vehicle types. Choose from 7-seat business vehicles, multi-seat minibuses, and large coaches, suitable for various needs including independent travel, loop tours, and group tours. Provide one-stop services including vehicle selection, itinerary customization, vehicle reservation, policy consultation, price inquiry, and qualification verification. A local professional team tailor-makes exclusive Xinjiang travel routes for you, saying goodbye to crowded group tours and enjoying a private journey. Custom consultation: Manager Guo Jing Fixed hotline: 0991-8585456 Business WeChat: 181-3962-2229 (same as mobile phone, instant reply)