INT24 – XINJIANG: “THE NO MAN’S LAND”

Itinerary: Urumqi – Lonely Desert Poplar Tree – Dà Hǎi Dào – Hami (No Man’s Land Filming Site) – Little Nanhu – Great Nanhu – Qiemo (Ruoqiang) County – Urumqi Airport
Departure: April 25 – May 5
Duration: 11 Days 10 Nights
Group Size: Limited slots
Tour Type: VIP
Cost: $2,300/person
Booking Hotline: +84 912851112 / +84 987277394 – Mr. Dũng

1. OVERVIEW

The most anticipated photo journey of 2025, featuring extraordinary locations and countless chances to create award-worthy shots. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Xinjiang’s Lop Nur “No Man’s Land” is known for its otherworldly, rare geological landscapes. Each year brings fresh discoveries—and this region is a must for any serious photographer. Photography here becomes a meditative experience, capturing not just visuals but the soul of nature.

As one renowned photographer said: “You cannot fully understand life until you’ve stepped into the desolation of the wild.” Led by La Quân and team—recipients of over 100 national and international photography awards including more than 30 gold medals—this journey promises unmatched creative inspiration.

2. HIGHLIGHTS

• NO.1: Journey Through the World of ‘Candle in the Tomb’
  Explore a cinematic desert world as seen in Candle in the Tomb: The Lost Caverns, filmed in Xinjiang. Follow the footsteps of Hu Bayi across mysterious sands.
• NO.2: Starry Skies & Silence at Lop Nur
  Under vast, silent skies lies the untouched beauty of Lop Nur—once a thriving region, now a quiet sanctuary for star trails and meditation. Think: Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” but real.
• NO.3: The Ancient Silk Road Path
  Explore Dà Hǎi Dào—the shortest link between Dunhuang and Turpan, in use since the Han Dynasty. Once bustling, now forgotten—a historic trace of the Silk Road.
• NO.4: Raw Exploration in a World Without Life
  Experience unmatched grandeur and purity in a place beyond civilization. From sand kungfu to ancient Loulan costumes and Milky Way vistas—capture it all with your lens.

📸 Themes include: desert camel caravans, sand castles, meditation poses, Loulan warrior queens, Silk Road relics, China’s last steam train, and desert fashion shots under the Milky Way.

3. ITINERARY

NOTE:
C = concept
The schedule may shift based on weather; backup locations available.

DAY 1:
Arrival in Urumqi. Check into hotel (no meals included).

DAY 2:
Depart for Mulei County. Hotel check-in. Sunset shoot at the Lonely Desert Poplar Tree.
C1: Sunset – Desert Poplar Tree

DAY 3:
Travel to Dà Hǎi Dào wilderness area. Set up camp. Sunset photos with models (nude, ancient costume, zen, kungfu themes).
C2: Sunset – Nude / Costume / Zen / Martial Arts

DAY 4:
Full-day shoot at Dà Hǎi Dào. Overnight camping.

DAY 5:
Sunrise shoot, then head to Tamdaoling Mining Area for portrait session. Hotel check-in.
C3: Sunrise at Dà Hǎi Dào
C4: Portraits – Steam Train Tracks at Tamdaoling

DAY 6:
Morning shoot with China’s last steam locomotive and model. Travel to Little Nanhu, set up camp. Sunset and Loulan-style costumes.
C5: Steam Train & Model
C6: Loulan Costumes in Desert
C7: Sunset at Little Nanhu

DAY 7:
Sunrise shoot at Little Nanhu, then travel to Great Nanhu. Camp setup.
Evening & night photography: desert martial arts, fashion, Milky Way, and star trails.
C8: Sunrise at Little Nanhu
C9: Sunset at Great Nanhu
C10: Martial Arts in the Desert
C11: Fashion in the Desert
C12: Milky Way + Star Trails

DAY 8:
Sunrise shoot at Great Nanhu. Travel to Qiemo County. Hotel stay.
C13: Sunrise – Great Nanhu

DAY 9:
Sunrise shoot at Qiemo Ancient Desert City. Camel caravan setup and shoot.
Return to Urumqi by 5PM. Hotel near the airport.
C14: Sunrise at Qiemo Ancient City
C15: Camel Caravan & Models

DAY 10:
City tour of Urumqi.

DAY 11:
Fly back to Vietnam. End of journey.

4. SERVICES

INCLUDED

• 4×4 Land Cruisers throughout the journey
  
• Meals per itinerary
  
• All accommodations (camp/hotel)
  
• Entrance fees
  
• Concept setup costs, model fees, over 50 costume sets
  
• Bottled water throughout
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Single room supplement
  
• Optional sites not in itinerary
  
• Shuttle/trolley fees at tourist attractions
  
• Round-trip airfare to/from Urumqi
  
• Chinese visa
  

5. REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

How to register:
Comment with your full name + phone number on Firstclass Travel Facebook post, or call Mr. Trần Tiến Dũng: 📲 +84912851112 / +84987277394 (Zalo/Viber)

Payment: In cash or via bank transfer to Mr. Dũng

Bank Details:
Account Holder: Trần Tiến Dũng

• Vietcombank (Thành Công Branch) – 0451000400210
  
• BIDV (Thanh Xuân Branch) – 22210000446595
  

Note: When transferring, please include: Photo Tour Fee, Full Name, Phone Number
(*) Departure date may change depending on weather and group size
(**) Single room requests must be made at least 5 days before departure

6. PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR & ESSENTIALS TO BRING

• Tripod
  
• Drone
  
• Remote shutter or cable release (+ batteries)
  
• Flashlight
  
• Wide and telephoto lenses
  
• At least 2 memory cards
  
• At least 2 camera batteries + charger
  
• Multi-plug adapter
  

Packing Tips:

• Weather in Xinjiang fluctuates widely: dress in layers, bring windproof jackets, raincoat, and necessary medication.
  
• Comfortable trekking shoes
  
• Hat, scarf
  
• Personal sleeping bag (preferably lightweight down-filled for hygiene and convenience)
  

In case of itinerary changes due to force majeure, additional costs will be borne by the participant.