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Melissa Xinjiang travel expert at TourRadar

Budget Xinjiang Tour: Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar 6 Days

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• Christmas & New Year
• Discover the Apa Hoja Mausoleum's architecture
• Explore Xinjiang Museum's ancient relics
• Tour ancient cities and grottoes in Turpan

• Photography
• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Capture Hemu's sunrise from the viewing platform
• Tour the scenic Keketohai and Irtysh Grand Canyon
• Explore Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum

• In-depth Cultural
• - Explore Muztaga Glacier Park's breathtaking ice sculptures and azure lakes
• - Explore the ancient ruins of Stone Castle
• - Step into the ancient charm of Kashgar Ancient City

• Discover ancient cities and sites in Turpan
• Check in at your hotel in Urumqi
• Explore Heavenly Lake and Tianshan Mountains

• Wander through the winding ancient alleys of Beijing
• Experience the hustle and bustle of bustling Shanghai
• Venture up the ornate steps of the Forbidden City 

• Visit Sayram Lake, the 'Western clean sea'
• Watch 'A Thousand Returns to the West' show

• Savor Uyghur cuisine at a local's home
• Discover the ruins of Stone City in Tashkurgan
• Visit the renowned Xinjiang Museum in Urumqi

• Visit the Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves
• Stroll through the Kumtag Desert
• Experience the Heavenly Lake scenery

• Visit Gaochang ruins and Bezklik Grottoes
• Discover ancient Silk Road hubs in Turpan
• Explore Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains

• Shop at the vibrant Erdaoqiao Bazaar
• Skate on the frozen Heavenly Lake
• Relax in Gudhai Hot Spring in the desert

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Xinjiang Tours

Top Xin jiang Tours  with Local Xinjiang Team to visit vast grasslands, beautiful lakes, rugged valleys, quaint old towns, and bustling bazaars!

The scenery of Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang differs significantly. If you are fond of grasslands, lakes, a nd mysterious villages, then boat cruise on the legend Heavenly Lake , explore the mysterious  Hemu Village with its rising wave of smoke, or feast your eyes on the vast Nalati Grassland  are Top choices for you. If you want to explore ancient town and admire the grandeur desolate landscapes, then a tour to Southern Xinjiang with the particular kind of Karez Irrigation System , attracting sunset of Jiaohe Ruins  or  Kashgar Old Town  boasting a long history and diverse ethnic cultures will leave you unforgettable memories!

Kanas Lake Park >>                 Duku Highway >>                 Yining Apricot Valley >>     

Come and Plan a tour to Xinjiang >>   For your first tour to Xinjiang, we recommend you stay for at least five days to cover some of the must-vi sit attractions: Hemu Village , Nalati Grassland , Keketuohai , Five-colored Beach , Sayram Lake , Urho Ghost Town . If you have ample time, then an in-depth tour is your best option. For photography enthusiasts, the beautiful natural landscapes possess a captivating allure. For those who desire to immerse themselves in the lives of the people of Xinjiang, the minority cultures   will also ensure you a delightful experience.

Xinjiang Attraction >>              Xinjiang Lavender Season >>           Xinjiang Photography Tour >>

We are Locals in Xinjiang ,  Contact Us Now to start a different & great holiday in our hometown! With excellent service and lowest price , we will take you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Xinjiang and taste the most authentic and delicious Xinjiang cuisine !

Best Xinjiang Tours

12 Days Xinjiang Private Tour: Kanas Lake and Kashgar

Urumqi - Burqin - Kanas - Hemu - Burqin - Urumqi - Turpan- Urumqi - Kashgar

$2650 View Details

11 Days Xinjiang Apricot Blossom Tour

Lanzhou - Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Kuitun - Yining - Naraty

$ View Details

5 Days Xinjiang Winter Tour: Urumqi and Turpan

Urumqi - Turpan

$470 View Details

10 Days Xinjiang Tour to Narat Grassland and Kashgar

Urumqi - Sayram Lake -Teke - Bayinbuluk - Kuqa - Kashgar - Taxkorgan

$2300 View Details

Kashgar to Turpan Tour by Train

Kashgar - Turpan

$860 View Details

9 Days Urumqi to Kanas Lake Tour

Urumqi-Burqin-Hemu-Kanas-Fuyun

$1650 View Details

Urumqi and Turpan Classic Tour

$690 View Details

Classic Xinjiang Tour: Sayram Lake, Narat and Duku Adventure

Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Zhaosu - Tekes - Kuitun - Shanshan - Turpan

12 Days Xinjiang Travel to Kanas Lake and Taklamakan Desert Kuqa

Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Kanas - Hemu - Kuitun - Kuqa

$2020 View Details

6 Days Xinjiang Tour from Kashgar to Turpan

Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Urumqi - Turpan

$790 View Details

11 Days Best Xinjiang Tour: Kashgar Culture and Kanas Lake

Urumqi - Kashgar - Burqin - Hemu - Karamy

$1860 View Details

9 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Tour

Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar - Taxkorgan

$1250 View Details

7 Days Xinjiang Travel to Kashgar, Turpan and Urumqi

Kashar - Urumqi - Turpan

$1580 View Details

16 Days Northern Xinjiang Travel

Urumqi - Fukang - Fuyun - Burqin - Hemu - Kanas - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Naraty - Turpan

$2680 View Details

14 Days South and North Xinjiang Tour

Urumqi - Kashgar - Burqin - Hemu - Kanas - Kuitun - Yining - Naraty

$2950 View Details

7 Days Budget Xinjiang Tour

Kashgar - Urumqi - Turpan

$1160 View Details

Kanas Lake Tour with Turpan Adventure

Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Kanas - Hemu - Karamy - Turpan

$2150 View Details

Discover Xinjiang to Mysterious Kashgar and Picturesque Yili Prairie

Urumqi-Sayram Lake-Tekes-Narati-Yining-Kashgar-Taxkorgan

Xinjiang Holiday to Kashgar, Heavenly lake and Turpan

Kashgar-Turpan-Urumqi-Heavenly Lake

$1880 View Details

Xinjiang Winter Holiday, Xinjiang Altay Skiing Tour

Altay - Kanas - Hemu

$1500 View Details

12 Days Ultimate Xinjiang: Kashgar & Stunning Kanas

Kashgar-Taxkorgan-Urumqi-Turpan-Heavenly Lake-Beitun-Hemu-Kanas-Burqin

6 Days Xinjiang Horseback Travel: East Kalajun to Kurdening

East Kalajun - Tarim Air Grassland - Qiaxi Grassland - Mohur - Kurdening

$1470 View Details

8 Days Xinjiang Group Tour to Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar and Taxkorgan

Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Taxkorgan

$1360 View Details

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Xinjiang Tours

Xinjiang is rich in tourism resources, and you can experience different Xinjiang in different seasons. In spring and summer, there are grasslands , rivers and flocks in northern Xinjiang ; in autumn, there are Populus euphratica forests in the desert, Turpan , Kashgar , Hotan and Taxkorgan in southern Xinjiang , and skiing in Altay in winter.

Welcome travelers worldwide to visit Xinjiang, Australia , Indonesia , Malaysia , the Philippines , Singapore , and New Zealand , as well as Macau , Hong Kong , and Taiwan in China. We can customize your own Xinjiang trip according to your preferences.

Hi Nora, We had a very great time in China. Please check my feedbacks below. Guide: Two of our guides were outstanding, Peter in Datong and Summer in Xi’an. Summer was very knowledgeable, and spent time when we were driving showing us photos on her cell phone and explaining the background of places we were going to visit. She was spontaneous, very friendly, and eager to answer all our questions... " Read More

Best Private Xinjiang Tour Packages

Experience the best of Xinjiang with our carefully curated tours featuring a well-planned itinerary that includes visits to the must-see destinations such as the Id Kah Mosque, the Karakul Lake, and the Flaming Mountains, while staying in top-rated hotels and savoring delicious local cuisine; all guided by our knowledgeable and friendly local guides, with comfortable transportation in quality vehicles, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.

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Luxury Wild Xinjiang Discovery

Embark on an off the beaten path adventure in Xinjiang, by exploring the stunning natural beauty and cultural treasures of the region, including a visit to the breathtaking Kanas Lake , a drive along the scenic Duku Highway , a trek through the vast and remote Naralti Grassland , a journey into the heart of the legendary Taklamakan Desert , a stop at the picturesque Karakul Lake , and an exploration of the unique customs and traditions of the Tajik people in the historic town of Taxkorgan , etc.

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Top Cultural Immersion Activities and Secure Adventures in Xinjiang

Experience the vibrant culture and thrilling outdoor adventures of Xinjiang through a variety of top hands-on cultural activities, such as learning the art of Uyghur dance or traditional embroidery , exploring local markets and bazaars, and tasting delicious regional cuisine , while also embarking on the best outdoor adventures like trekking through the stunning Tianshan Mountains, skiing on world-class slopes, taking a camel ride through the vast Gobi Desert, and kayaking along the scenic Ili River.

Activities, what to experience in a Xinjiang Trip :

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12 epic places you must visit in Xinjiang, China

A guest post from Krasen of Journey Beyond the Horizon with the best places to visit in Xinjiang, China, an autonomous region in Western China popular with overland travelers from Central Asia and Pakistan.

There is a vast land, locked between some of the highest mountains on the Earth, with sand deserts, green grasslands, stunning lakes and gorgeous forests. A land, located in the heart of Eurasia- the farthest place from the oceans of our planet. This is a place with fantastic landscapes, long history and unique culture. This is Xinjiang, China, full of mystery and beauty, calling for travelers to explore it.

Note from Alex: The Chinese government is actively reppressing Xinjiang’s Uyghur Muslims and their culture via internment camps, forced sterilizations and abortions, torture, forced indoctrination, and much, much more. Abuses aside, it is a beautiful region, and a necessary route for overland travelers (I, too, visited in 2016). Whether or not you find it ethical to travel to Xinjiang—or China as a whole—is your choice. Just be aware that your travels may directly and indirectly support a government abusing human rights on a massive scale.

Index – Best places to visit in Xinjiang, China

Basic facts about xinjiang, china.

• Is Xinjiang safe to travel?
• Taklamakan Desert
• Duku Highway

Sayram Lake

• Bogda Shan Mountains

More resources for travel in Xinjiang

• Articles on what’s really going on in Xinjiang

Xinjiang (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, XUAR, 新疆维吾尔族自治区) is located in the northwest part of China. It is the largest province in the country. Xinjiang’s capital is Urumqi (Wulumuqi, 乌鲁木齐), a relatively new, modern city, which is a good starting point for travelers hoping to explore the region.

Xinjiang offers a great variety of natural landscapes and historic-cultural sites. Three high mountain ranges cross Xinjiang from west to east: Altai in the north, Tianshan in the middle, and Pamir with Karakoram and Kunlunshan to the south. The areas between the mountains are mainly desert plains, as well as one of the world’s largest sandy deserts: Taklamakan Desert.

Xinjiang’s lowest point is 157 m below the sea level in the Turpan Depression, and the highest place—K2 on the border with Pakistan—is 8611 m above sea level, the second highest peak on the Earth.

The whole region has a rich history and culture, dating from at least four millennia. Many peoples, cultures and kingdoms have left their traces here. Today, there are a several ethnic groups in Xinjiang: Han Chinese, Uyghurs, Tajiks, Mongols, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. You can explore their traditions, customs and modern way of life in many cities and villages in Xinjiang.

Uyghur men in Kashgar

Is Xinjiang safe to visit?

Since Xinjiang borders eight countries (Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India), and four Chinese provinces (Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet), it is a sensitive place. The region has a widespread governmental surveillance system, and many areas are restricted or completely forbidden to visit. There are often many travel regulations for foreigners in parts of Xinjiang .

However, for travelers Xinjiang is generally a safe place to visit. You can travel much of the region. The main issue for foreigners is that many hotels do not accept foreign guests, so you may encounter problems if traveling independently in Xinjiang.

Also read:  How to hide computer files for border crossings

12 best places to visit in Xinjiang, China

Central Urumqi

Xinjiang’s capital, Urumqi, qualifies as a mega city with its 3,5 million people and modern skyscrapers. It’s one of the most remote cities on the planet, and the farthest city from any ocean coast according to the Guinness World Records. It’s very close to the (claimed) geographic center of Asia.

Urumqi is one of those modern cities that lacks ancient history or any kind of “old town”. Predominantly designed in Han Chinese style, there aren’t too many places of interest in it. Sounds a bit disappointing for some people, but if it’s the starting point of your Xinjiang journey, it would be a mistake to escape without exploring it first! Take a walk around its streets and parks to “feel” the local atmosphere and get your first impression of Xinjiang.

Things to do in Urumqi, China

For specific places to visit in Urumqi, I recommend:

• Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum – Offers a governmental version of the history of the region and the Silk Road.
• Geographic Center of Asia – Monument some 20 km southwest of the city, ideal for geography lovers.

Jiaohe city ruins near Turpan

Turpan is one of Xinjiang’s jewels, a predominantly Uyghur place with ancient history, unique local culture and specific geographical value. Turpan is one of the lowest cities not only in Xinjiang, but all of Asia. Located just beside the lowest point in Xinjiang—the Turpan Depression (157 m below sea level)—for geography lovers it’s worth visiting.

From ancient times, Turpan has been home to many civilizations, peoples, and kingdoms. Around the city you’ll see vineyards everywhere; Turpan is the City of Grapes, a fairy tale from the ancient past that still exists today.

Things to do in Turpan, China

• Yarkhoto (Jiaohe) ruins: Magnificent remains of a city. It existed for more than 3 millenia, but now rests in silence, blown by the desert winds.
• Karakhoja (Gaochang): Another once glorious, now abandoned city located further east of Turpan.
• Karez Wells: A unique water supply system located not far from the center of Turpan.
• Emin Minaret : Turpan’s main landmark, a splendid jewel from the 18 th century.

Best places to stay in Turpan for foreigners

• Budget: Dap Youth Hostel accepts foreign guests, and has a gorgeous courtyard shaded by vines in summer. Its staff are friendly, and it’s within walking distance of restaurants and other necessities. What more could you need? Book your stay at Dap Youth Hostel .
• Mid-range: Silk Road Lodges is a small guesthouse on the outskirts of Turpan, in a quiet farm area. Its staff speak English, and guests can enjoy local food on a terrace overlooking the fields of grapes Turpan is so famous for. Check prices of Silk Road Lodges .

Night bazaar in Kashgar

Let’s jump to the far west of Xinjiang. Here, on an important crossroads of the famous Silk Road routes, another gorgeous city was established. This is Kashgar, a remote Uyghur settlement surrounded by both desert and some of the highest mountains on the Earth.

Like Turpan, Kashgar is a city with millennia of history. Although there are no ancient ghostly remains, culturally speaking, Kashgar has even more to offer.

Things to do in Kashgar, China

• Visit Kashgar’s Old Town: Although this is not the original “old town”, but a replica established on a new place—the original one was destroyed for this purpose—it was made to create a unique cultural atmosphere. This might disappoint you, but consider how often settlements moving from one place to another has happened in our human history.
• Afaq Khoja Mausoleum: A splendid masterpiece of Uyghur traditional architecture and design. Don’t skip it!
• Tomb of Yusuf Khas Hajib: Again an Islamic place of peace, taking you back to another era.
• Visit the colorful Kashgar Grand Bazaar: One of the most attractive experiences in Kashgar. Here is the best place to dive into the daily life of the local Uyghurs, sample local food, and buy souvenirs.

Best places to stay for foreigners in Kashgar

• Budget: Kashgar Pamir Youth Hostel takes foreign guests. It’s smack in the middle of the new/old town, close to the main Id Kah mosque. Check the prices of beds .

Karakul Lake near Tashkurgan

4. Tashkurgan

Have you heard about the famous Karakoram Highway, passing through Khunjerab, the highest border crossing on Earth ? This heavenly road starts from Kashgar, crosses the Pamir and Karakoram mountains, then runs between the Himalaya and Hindukush mountains, the highest mountains on our planet. It finally descends to the Indus River valley in Pakistan.

Read:  5 serious dangers of travel in Pakistan

Tashkurgan is a picturesque highland town, and the last on the Karakoram Highway’s Xinjiang section. Tashkurgan is a small town, located in 3100 m altitude near the borders of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, where the Pamir meets the Karakoram Mountains. This is the westernmost town in China, and the main settlement of local Pamiri Tajiks, an ethnic group related to the people of Tajikistan .

Things to do around Tashkurgan

Not far from Tashkurgan, you can enjoy some of our planet’s most fantastic mountain views: the highest peaks of the Pamir Mountains, Kongur Tagh and Muztagh Ata . Both are more than 7,500 m high. You’ll be admiring them from 3500 m—they’ll be 4 km above you! Don’t miss a stop at the stunning Karakul Lake , where Muztagh Ata reflects in its waters.

Places to stay in Tashkurgan for foreigners

• Mid-range: Crown Inn Tashkurgan is an average hotel, but its friendly English-speaking staff make up for it. A rarity in this region! Check prices for Crown Inn Tashkurgan .

Can you visit the Karakoram Highway from Tashkurgan?

Currently, the Karakoram Highway in Xinjiang beyond Tashkurgan is not free for foreigners to visit; you must join a travel company which will obtain the necessary permits. Yes, it limits your freedom, but a journey to this fantastic road is absolutely worth it!

One exception is for travelers who have a visa for Pakistan ; they do not need to pay for a tour, and can travel to the border by bus, hired car, or private vehicle if they have paid for the required local accompanying guide.

A storm in Taklamakan Desert

5. Taklamakan Desert

Open the satellite map image of Xinjiang. Can you see the yellowish eye-shaped spot surrounded by mountains in the south? That’s Taklamakan, one of the largest sandy deserts on the Earth.

Taklamakan is a harsh place. Its name literally means “a place that you come in, but never go out”. With its large size, it is one of the natural landmarks of Xinjiang that can’t be missed, however visiting Taklamakan isn’t so easy.

How to visit the Taklamakan Desert

You can “touch” the desert at its edge from several points, of which the most popular is the so-called Makit N39 (麦盖提N39), where the 39 th north latitude crosses into the sands. Other entry points are Karsu and Turdi Aji Agricultural Garden, both not far from Kargilik (Yecheng), Moyu, Munadun, Cele and Yutian near Khotan, and Serik Buyang village near Qiemo. Many of these spots offer camel rides, ATV and other desert attractions, and an opportunity to walk on the dunes.

But if you want to see the real nature of Taklamakan, you have to cross it. There are two roads crossing the desert: from Aksu to Khotan, and from Luntai to Niya and Qiemo (it branches into two roads from an oasis in the middle of the desert, called Tazhong). You can do it by rental car with a driver, or cycle across independently. But again, don’t forget the name of the desert, and don’t stray too far from roads or other shelters. Without proper equipment, experience, and preparation it can be deadly!

South of Taklamakan, the edges of the desert are surrounded by a ring of oases, once a cradle of many local kingdoms and cultures. One of them is Khotan, a city with old history and Uyghur traditions.

Known as the “Jade City”, Khotan is more remote and less touristy than Kashgar. Here is one of the best places in Xinjiang to experience local Uyghur life and culture. No need to go to a special “old town” or museum, Khotan’s old city is alive today.

Things to do in Khotan, China

• Khotan Museum: Starting guide to the history and reality of the area… from a governmental perspective, of course.
• Khotan Bazaar: Similar to Kashgar’s bazaar, this one takes you to another world where old traditions are still alive.
• Visit White Jade River: People go to the river to search for jade remains.
• Tomb of Imam Asim: Located on the edge of Taklamakan Desert.
• Day trip to the ruins of Melikawat: Mysterious remains of an unknown city, possibly the capital of the most ancient kingdom in this area.

River through the grasslands of Bayin Buluk, along the Duku Highway

7. Duku Highway

Let’s cross from the southern to the northern part of Xinjiang, passing through one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on earth: Tianshan. And let’s do it via the Duku Highway.

Duku Highway is one of the most “heavenly roads” on our planet. More than 500 km long, it connects Kuqa (Kuche) in the south to the city of Dushanzi in the north—hence the name of this highway, taken from the first syllables of these cities. On its course, it passes through so many different landscapes and points of interest, all of them stunningly beautiful that I simply couldn’t choose just one destination to visit.

Starting from the south, you’ll travel through dry desert canyons with amazing rock formations. One of them is particularly significant: the Mysterious Grand Canyons of Tianshan , reminiscent of Antelope Canyon in the United States.

The road then ascends and the landscape becomes green as you pass by two alpine lakes. The next view is a vast grassland plateau dotted with Mongolian yurts, called Bayin Buluk .

A mix of alpine coniferous forests, grasslands, deep valleys and more mountain summits follows. Finally, the highway descends through another majestic alpine canyon to the northern Dzhungarian Plain of Xinjiang.

Where to stay along the Duku Highway

Foreigners are not allowed to sleep in hotels in some sections of the road. However, it’s no problem to spend the night in local yurts. Camping in your own tent is also permitted.

Transportation on the Duku Highway

There is no public transport on the Duku Highway. To travel the highway, you can hire a car with a driver, or join a tour from Urumqi. Only official tour companies can arrange a special permit to sleep in local hotels. Despite the inconvenience, I assure you traveling on the Duku Highway is worth the hassle.

8. Sayram Lake

The Tianshan is a stunning mountain range. Alpine peaks—some of which reach 7000 m in altitude—glaciers, and grasslands and alpine forests on the lower regions make Tianshan a fantastic region to explore. Add to this a beautiful lake in the grasslands, with nomadic yurts surrounded by herds of sheep and yaks along its coasts.

There is one such lake: Sayram Lake, one of the most beautiful in Asia.

Sayram Lake is located near the Kazakhstan border, in Yili county of Xinjiang. It’s called “the easternmost teardrop of the Atlantic” as it’s the easternmost point of the Atlantic Ocean’s climatic influence in Eurasia.

The lake is easy to access by the main road that proceeds to Kazakhstan through Khorgos Border Pass. Due to the lake’s close proximity to the border, regulation change often, and foreigners may be required to obtain a travel permit to visit. Check for the latest updates before traveling there.

Heavenly Lake

9. Bogda Shan mountains

Tianshan is a long mountain range, stretching from Uzbekistan in the west to the easternmost parts of Xinjiang near the Mongolian border. All of its branches are stunning, but one particularly magnificent stretch stands between the plains of Urumqi and Turpan: Bogda Shan, one of the easternmost sub-ranges of the Tianshan mountains.

Its highest peak is Mt. Bogda (5445 m), a fantastic glacial peak rising over deep alpine valleys blanketed with grasslands, forests and glaciers. Tianchi Lake (the “Heavenly Lake”) is a national park, and one of the most beautiful areas of Bogda Shan. It’s a bit touristy due to its proximity to Urumqi, but crowds don’t detract from its incredible beauty. If you like hiking, Bogda Shan also offers several excellent hiking trails through what can only be described as alpine paradise.

In the easternmost part of Xinjiang, not far from Mongolia and Gansu Province of China, is the jewel of Hami (Kumul), the easternmost city in Xinjiang.

Do you know that some of these cities are “fruit capitals”? Turpan is the city of grapes, Aksu is the city of apples (though there’s not much else to see there), and Kashgar is the city of pomegranates. Can you guess what Hami’s fruit is?

Its name is a giveaway: Hami is the city of hami melons. The name “hami melon” comes from this city.

Things to do in Hami

• Hami Kings Tomb: Built in the 19 th century for King Bo Xier VII of Hami and some of his descendants.
• Hami Museum: Offers background about the history of the region.
• Ghost City: The most mysterious place near Hami… and probably in all of Xinjiang. Remember Yarkhoto and Gaochang near Turpan, and Melikawat near Khotan? These are ruins of ancient cities, where the abandoned buildings are gradually crumbling into sand. The Ghost City near Hami, however, is entirely natural but looks like manmade ruins.

Kanas Lake in autumn | “ Golden Kanas Xinjiang ” by findiver is licensed under  CC BY 2.0

11. Kanas Lake

To the extreme north of Xinjiang is the border area of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. The area is known as Altai, a wild mountain region marking the boundary between Central Asia and Siberia. Ice and snow cover the peaks, and endless forests blanket the valleys.

Some of the forests are mixed coniferous and deciduous. Coniferous trees are green all year round, while deciduous change with the seasons: soft with flowers in spring, lush green in summer, yellow and red in fall, and naked in winter.

Deep within these forests lies picturesque valley with a pale blue lake. Yurts with horses are scattered along its coasts. In fall, a mist covers its waters and the colorful forests around it. Smoke rises from the yurts and huts as herds of sheep quietly graze in the surrounding meadows. This is Kanas Lake.

Think of it not as one, but four destinations. Every season brings changes to the lake and the forest around it. No matter what season you visit, Kanas Lake and its surroundings are guaranteed to be breathtaking.

How to travel to Kanas Lake

To get to Kanas Lake, you have to travel to Buerqin by bus, by train or by plane.

From Buergin, it’s easiest to join a tour. It’s occasionally possible to visit independently, but considering it’s a border area, regulations are constantly changing and usually a permit is required.

K2 at sunrise | “ K2 ” by mariachily is licensed under CC 2.0 Generic

12. K2 mountain

Finally, let’s go to the extreme south of Xinjiang, to the border with Pakistan and the world’s second highest mountain range: the Karakoram. This is one of the most remote, wild, and difficult to access areas on our planet, and home to K2.

Famous K2, at 8611 m above sea level, is the second highest peak after Mount Everest.

Climbing K2 is not for everyone. Few people have managed to reach its summit, and many others have tried and died on its slopes. More plausible is trekking to its northern base camp on Xinjiang side. This trek takes you through the best of the Karakoram, to panoramic views of K2. You don’t need to climb the peak; you can enjoy its best views from the side.

Trekking to K2 in Xinjiang is an epic, but difficult journey. Although it is not as challenging as summiting, of course, it still requires good health and enough strength to walk at high altitudes for weeks.

Trekking to K2 from Xinjiang, China

To do the K2 trek in Xinjiang, you have to join an organized tour from Kashgar. There are companies that arrange such treks; they will arrange not only the necessary guide, equipment, transport and accommodation, but also the necessary travel permits.

There are many other places of interest in Xinjiang: lakes, valleys, deserts, mountains, cultural and historical spots, as well as countless trails and routes to explore. These 12 places are just a starting point. So consider including Xinjiang in your travel plans so you, too, can explore this incredible part of our planet!

Krasen – Journey Beyond the Horizon

Id Kah mosque in Kashgar

• The best VPN for travel and why you should use it – Absolutely necessary for accessing Google, social media, and other internet tools in China!
• Why I didn’t like traveling in Xinjiang, China
• How much it costs to go backpacking in Xinjiang
• Guide to the Kazakhstan-China border crossing at Khorgos
• Guide to the Pakistan-China border crossing at Khunjerab
• Caravanistan’s travel guide to Xinjiang

Local boys offering horse rides at Karakul Lake

Articles about current events in Xinjiang

• Human Rights Watch: More evidence of China’s horrific abuses in Xinjiang
• The Atlantic: China’s war on Uighur culture
• AP News: China cuts Uighur births with IUDs, abortion, sterilization
• Washington Post: What’s happening in Xinjiang is genocide

Krasen Jelyazkov

3 thoughts on “ 12 epic places you must visit in xinjiang, china ”.

Thankyou for being one of the few completely honest bloggers to visit Xinjiang (as someone who lived there for a couple of years, and was there in 2016, I totally agree with your views).

You are welcome. Yes, although I was there for less than a month, spending the time for traveling around Xinjiang, I researched everything in detail, and I thank you for your confirmation too!

Thank you for the information Robert

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7 Days Classic Road Trip to Heavenly Kanas Lake

Xinjiang might be the No. 1 region in China which has the largest number of places with beautiful landscapes. Here, all your fancy imagination about Mother Nature can be found – lakes, rivers, mountains, canyons, grasslands… Travel with us to peruse in the search of the masterpieces of Xinjiang’s best landscapes now!

During our 11 Days Best Xinjiang Landscape Tour, you will always be offered with constantly-changing landscapes - from the paradise of photographers – Kanas to the peaceful wooden village - Hemu, primitive grassland and deep canyon in Karajun, stunning alpine lake – Sayram, magnificent Dushanzi Grand Canyon… What an incredible gallery of natural beauty that resonates with you and only you.

The best months for this tour are May, June, July and August . If your holiday is at another time of the year, please be free to let us tailor a trip for you. Please note you will travel to the remote lands where accommodation conditions are at the basic standard. Sometimes you need to stay in local yurts.

•  Type : Private Tour
•  Tour Code : CD-XJLTS-11
• 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room and traveling in low seasons;
• 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
•  Theme : Nature / Culture

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

• Kanas National Park - endless sceneries of pure lake, lovely bays surrounded by wild forests, relaxing walking around the lake shores...
• Hemu Village - a peaceful village of the descendants of Genghis Khan’s army as well as a great place for sunset and sunrise;
• Wu’erhe Ghost City - China’s most beautiful Yardang landform geopark with numerous beautiful rock and earth formations;
• Sayram Lake - "the last tear of the Atlantic", full of various landscapes, such as dark blue water, colorful flowers, snow mountains...
• Karajun Grassland - one of the most beautiful grasslands in the world, less-traveled by the big tourist groups;
• Dushanzi Grand Canyon - a deep canyon with beautiful curves and far-reaching views.
• Trip Itinerary
• Price Guide
• Guides, Cars, Hotels & Meals
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Day 1 Urumqi Arrival Urumqi airport/train station pick up and hotel check-in

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Meet your tour guide and driver at the airport/train station, then transfer a short while to the downtown of Urumqi. Check in to your hotel. The rest time is free for you to relax. Feel free to ask for recommendations of places to go from your guide. How to get to Urumqi? Currently, you can take flights to Urumqi from Beijing (about 4 hours), Xian (about 3.5 hours), Shanghai (about 5.5 hours), Guangzhou (about 5 hours), Chengdu (about 3.5 hours), etc., or high speed trains from Turpan (about 2 hours), Dunhuang (about 4.5 hours), Lanzhou (about 11 hours), Xining (about 9.5 hours), etc. Free time idea : 1) Red Hill Park which is regarded as the symbol of Urumqi. It is the most popular place for the locals to relax and gather. For travelers, it is a great place to experience folk culture and local living style. Finding a higher location in the park, you are rewarded a pleasant panoramic view of Urumqi city; 2) Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, a great place to enjoy a leisure stroll and purchase some snacks, souvenirs, etc. Uygur dancers at Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar

Day 2 Urumqi - Burqin (B, L) Today's highlight: Rainbow Beach (Riverside)

Today after breakfast, drive about 620 km (about 8 hours) to Burqin which is the nearest county from Kanas. Don’t have to worry getting bored by the long driving, because the landscape alone the road is beautiful and changeable, and you will stop by the spectacular Rainbow Beach (Riverside) where stones were weathered into many vivid shapes like soaring hills, deep valley, criss-cross streets, tower, etc. After thousands years of geological changing, the “beach” has been painted into different colors – red, yellow, green, white…, presenting you a gorgeous scene especially when the golden lights of sunset shine on the riverside. Stay over the night in Burqin County. Spectacular Rainbow Beach (Riverside)

Day 3 Burqin - Hemu (B, L) Today's highlight: Hemu Village, Tuva Family Visit

After breakfast, drive about 170 km (about 3.5 hours) to Hemu Village where you will stay over tonight. Hemu Village is an important part of Kanas Scenic Area. It is one of the most beautiful villages in China, a magic place where you can get rid of the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the creation of photography. The villagers are Tuvas who is a branch of Mongolian. The ancestors of Tuvas are believed to be soldiers of Genghis Khan. Currently, there are about 2000 Tuvas people living in Hemu and other two nearby villages – Baihaba and Kanas. Their houses are made of wood entirely without any steels and cements, and they still keep the old traditions of nomad living, Tibetan Buddhism, festival, etc. Small population, old-fashioned wooden house, exotic ethnic culture and wild surrounding forests all make Hemu Village a peaceful and primitive place. You will visit a local Tuva family to find out what’s their living like, and get treated with local snacks, fruits and drinks prepared by the hosts. Sometimes, you can even a race chance to see Tuvas playing music and dancing. The rest is free for you to relax and exploring surrounding. Sunset here is fabulous. You can walk up to a higher hill to appreciate the sunset in the golden sunlight. The vast golden birch forests and green grasslands surround the peaceful village, together appear charming colors like an oil painting. Wooden house in Hemu Village Visit a local Tuvas family in Hemu Village

Day 4 Hemu - Kanas Lake (B, L) Today's highlights: Hemu Village Sunrise, Kanas Lake, Taiga Trail Hiking

Get up early to catch the incredible sunrise which is also the MUST photo to be shot. When the sun rises and shines onto the mist curling up the villages, it is the moment to take one of the best pictures in your lifetime. To shoot the sunrise, you need to walk along the plank road to the high places on the mountains near to the village. After the sunrise, go back to your hotel to have breakfast. The rest time is free for you to experience anything you are interested in - hiking, horse riding, or just taking rest. After lunch, you will be transferred to Kanas Scenic Area where you will spend about two days so that you won’t miss out all the highlights. Kanas Lake Scenic Area is a perfect place for family resort, leisure sightseeing and photography in all seasons. It includes Kanas Lake, Three Bays and Fish-watching Tower, three separate scenic areas. In Mongolian, Kanas means “beautiful, rich and mysterious”. It is definitely what it is like. Today we will explore Kanas Lake area. Take a park bus directly to the lakeside of Kanas where a leisure hiking awaits you. There is a 5-kilometer-long plank road following the eastern lake shore of Kanas to the deep wild forest. It is a scenic and relaxing experience as well as a good way to escape from the tourist crowds. You will walk through Siberian spruce forest, Wall of Root Carving, Taiga moors and reach at Tuluke Rock Painting at the end of the plank road, then return the same way. Optional Kanas Lake Cruise – if you want to explore deeper area of Kanas, you can join the Cruise Program. The sightseeing ship sails to the heart area of the lake, then return to the lake shore, lasting about 45 minutes. Tell your guide if you get interested. After the lake tour, take a park bus back to your hotel. The rest time is your own to relax. Morning mist in Hemu Village in Autumn Taiga Trail along the lake shore of Kanas Lake Beautiful scenery along Taiga Trail hiking

Day 5 Kanas Three Bays (B, L) Today's highlights: Kanas Three Bays, Kanas Lake Panoramic View from Fish-watching Tower

Today you are going to explore the famous Three Bays - the essence of Kanas Scenic Area. Kanas River wriggles in valleys, and creates three zigzag bays with beautiful names - Recumbent Dragon Bay , Moon Bay and Celestial Bay . The water here is crystalline, gentle and lovely. Along the two sides of the three bays are forests with alternate colors of green, yellow and golden, changing with the seasons. The trees, sky and clouds together project in the river, and appear a colorful reflection. Looking far into the distance, you can see the imposing Altai Mountains Range. The visiting of the Three Bays can be interesting and relaxing. If you are lucky, you will see the illusory mist floating on the Kanas River in the early morning. You can walk on the well-paved plank road to the sightseeing platforms to enjoy the tranquil landscape, then walk from one bay to the next, or take park bus to save energy. After the Three Bays exploration, keep traveling to Fish-watching Tower - the highest location of Kanas Scenic Area. En route take stops to visit Yazehu (Duck Moor Lake) , a butterfly-lake lake, and Dianjiangtai where Genghis Khan once paraded his troops. The Fish-watching Tower is located at 2056 meters on a mountain at the outlet of Kanas Lake. One needs to walk about 1000 steps up to reach the tower, but the rewarding is handsome - a panoramic view of Kanas Lake , and stretching eyesight to the snow mountains of the Friendship Peak (4374m). After the lake tour, take a park bus back to your hotel. The rest time is your own to relax. Stunning Kanas River in August Fish-watching Tower - high location to enjoy panoramic view of Kanas Lake Beautiful Moon Bay of Kanas Lake, Shot by Our Customer Florian from France in October 2020

Day 6 Kanas - Karamay (B, L) Today's highlight: Wu’erhe Ghost City (Yardang Landform)

Have breakfast in your hotel, then drive to Karamay (about 460km/7 hrs), the city where the Ghost City locates in. It is the wealthiest city in China because of oil production. During the driving journey, you will take an excursion around sunset time to visit Wu’erhe Ghost City which is actually a jaw-dropping Geopark of wind-eroded Yardang Landform. It got its name from the sound of the howling wind when it passes through the rock formations. This area was a huge freshwater lake during the Cretaceous period about 100 million years ago. There used to lush plants growing on the lakeshore and many ancient animals living in the lake, such as Urhe Stegosaurus, Plesiosaurs, Dinosaurs, Junggar Pterosaurs, etc. Wu’erhe Ghost City was praised as the " No. 1 of the Three Most Beautiful Yardang Landform Geoparks in China " by China National Geographic because of its 5 kilometers long Yardang rock formations. Some of them look like the Liuhe Pagodas in Hangzhou, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Pyramids of Egypt, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, etc. Many great movies have been filmed here including the most famous “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”. You will ride a sightseeing train to transfer between the sites. Getting off the train, it is available to walk around the rock formations to take photos. Opposite side of the geopark are many pumpjacks which are drilling oils. Accommodate in Karamay city. Wu’erhe Ghost City's beautiful Yardang landform in the sunset

Day 7 Karamay - Bole (B, L) Today's highlights: Black Oil Mountain Park, Big Oil Bublle

Today, you are heading to Bole which is about 420 km (5 hours' drive) from Karamay City. It is the nearest city to Sayram Lake. Before hopping on the highway to Bole, you will go to visit two interesting attractions in Karamy City - Black Oil Mountain Park and Big Oil Bublle. Black Oil Mountain Park (黑油山) is a hill made of black asphalt. According to statistics, there are more than a hundred oil springs distributed at various heights on the mountain, forming numerous small oil marshes, with oil bubbles continuously emerging in the middle. The oil here is a valuable low-pour-point crude oil, characterized by a low wax content and a minimum solidification point of -70 degrees Celsius, which is why it flows continuously throughout the year. Geologists predict that Heiyoushan began to seep oil as early as 200 million years ago. The Big Oil Bubble (大油泡) is a polished stainless steel sculpture located in the Petroleum Memorial Square of Karamay City. Its design inspiration comes from the perennial self-overflowing oil bubbles in the oil pool of the Black Oil Mountain in Karamay. With a modern aesthetic and visual impact, the sculpture artistically represents an oil bubble standing above Well No. 1, symbolizing the continuous gush of oil from this site. It signifies Well No. 1 as the starting point of Karamay and, through the mirror reflection of the oil bubble, witnesses the development history of Karamay. After arriving at Bole City. Check in to your hotel. The rest time is free for you to relax and rest. Today, you are heading to Sayram Lake which is about 445 km (5 hours' drive) from Karamay City. The rest time after arrival is free for you to relax around the lake. Sayram Lake (2,073m) or Sailimu Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes, as well as the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang. It is about 20 km long from east to west, 30 km wide from north to south, covering an area of about 454 sq kilometers. The lake is the farthest place that the warm air of the Atlantic Ocean can reach, hence the romantic name “the last drop of the tears of the Atlantic”. Accommodation notice : staying a night around Sayram Lake allows you to spend more time enjoy the landscape, sunset and sunrise, but please note the choices of the hotels around Sayram Lake is limited. Only some basic guesthouses and yurts are provided. Cleanness is guaranteed, but hotel amenities are usually the basic standard. If you prefer a better accommodation, you can stay your night in Bole city which is about 85 km (1.5 hrs' drive) from Sayram Lake. --> Well-paved road in Sayram Lake Scenic Area

Day 8 Bole - Sayram Lake - Tekes (B, L) Today's highlight: Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge

Today, get up early and drive about 80 km (about 1 hr) to explore the natural charm of Sayram Lake . Sayram Lake (2,073m) or Sailimu Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes, as well as the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang. It is about 20 km long from east to west, 30 km wide from north to south, covering an area of about 454 sq kilometers. The lake is the farthest place that the warm air of the Atlantic Ocean can reach, hence the romantic name “the last drop of the tears of the Atlantic”. What makes Sayram Lake outstanding is its dark blue water and variety of ecosystem. In the bright days, the reflection of the blue sky makes the blue color of the water even darker like a giant diamond. Around the Sayram Lake is pleasant natural view stacked by vast grassland, flourishing alpine trees and lofty ranges of snow mountains. You can also find some yurts of local Mongol and Kazakh families lining at the lake shore. So please be prepared for the numerous photo opportunities. The visit of Sayram Lake is mainly about walking along the paved trails on the lake shore. Biking around the lake is also available (with extra cost). Let your guide know if you want to do the biking. Say goodbye to Sayram Lake, and drive about 50 km (about 1 hr) to visit Guozigou Bridge which is renowned for its picturesque scenery featuring lush greenery and mountainous landscapes. It is an impressive example of modern engineering blending with the natural landscape. After the bridge visiting, keep driving about 230 km (about 3 hrs) to Tekes County for accommodation . Tekes is a small historical town constructed by the shape of Chinese Ba Gua (eight tri-grams), which has a strong atmosphere of Taoism. Sayram Lake and Nearby Snow Mountains Colorful Grasslands around Sayram Lake

Day 9 Tekes - Karajun Grassland - Yining (B, L) Highlights of today: East Karajun Grassland, West Kaljun Grassland, Kuokesu Grand Canyon

Get up early for breakfast so that you can get to Karajun Grassland before the tourist groups. Located only about 26 km (about 40mins’ drive) from Tekes County, Karajun is a rare grassland wonder which is greatly different from those vast and plain grasslands in Inner Mongolia. With an altitude of 1305-3957 meters, it is a typical natural prairie of alpine & flower meadow, 89 kilometers from east to west, 32 kilometers from north to south. In the early 1980s, experts and officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations visited here, and after assessment, they considered it to be one of the few first-rate natural pastures in the world because the coverage rate of pasture occupies 90%-100% of the grassland, the height of the grass layer is 65-100 cm, and the grass yield and stocking capacity are among the best in the world. You will visit East Karajun Grassland , West Kaljun Grassland and Kuokesu Grand Canyon which are the core areas of the whole area. There will be park bus, cable car and boat to connect the scenic areas. Of course you will have a lot opportunities of hiking during the visit as Karajun Grassland is really vast. After the grassland exploration, drive about 150km (2~3 hrs) to Yining for accommodation. Karajun Grassland in July Beautiful Curves of Karajun Grassland in August

Day 10 Yining - Kuitun City (B, L) Highlights of today: Dushanzi Grand Canyon

Today you will drive about 450 km (about 5~6 hrs) to Kuitun city for accommodation, and visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon which is only about 40km from Kuitun City. The river of melted snow water flowed down from Tianshan Mountains into the Dushanzi plain, curved the plain like a sword and created a 200-meter-deep canyon. The river beds at the bottom of the canyon is 100~400 meters wide, while the widths of the shoulders of the canyons from one side to another are unbelievable 800m~1000m. Standing along the cliff side of the canyon, one can look down upon on the river winding in the canyon, also stretch eyesight from the vast plain to the towering snow mountains of Tianshan. It is truly a visual feast. (To enrich travelers’ experience, there are some outdoor activities are held in the scenic area, such as glass bridge, rope bridge, archery, etc. These activities need extra costs if you want to try.) Accommodate in Kuitun city. Incredible geographic wonder land - Dushanzi Grand Canyon

Day 11 Kuitun - Urumqi Departure (B) Urumqi airport/train station drop off

After breakfast, drive about 240 km (about 3 hrs) to Urumqi to catch your flight/train to next destination. Your memorable Xinjiang tour ends.

Recommended Add-on Options

Your Xinjiang tour is not complete without Kashgar. It is the best place in Xinjiang to experience authentic Xinjiang culture as well as ancient Silk Road atmosphere. In Kashgar, you can stroll leisurely around the Kashgar Bazaar to find the trading tradition that has lasted more than 1500 years on the Silk Road and experience the Livestock Market if you are in Kashgar on Sunday, explore the traditional living quarter of local Uyghur people and enjoy a relaxing tea time in the Ancient Tea House, drive out the town to enter into a magnificent world of landscape and adventure – Pamirs' beautiful Karakul Lake and Muztagh Ata, the “father of glaciers” .

Turpan surprises visitors with spectacular natural landscape - vast expansion of desert, lush and exuberant valleys of grape, tenacious desert plants, and Silk Road history. In Turpan, you can spend 1 day visiting the highlights in the city area, including Karez System – the brilliant irrigation project, Turpan Museum – the best place to discover Turpan from all perspectives and Jiaohe Ancient City – a disappearing city of earth. On the next day, you can explore surroundings Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves with precious murals, Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon with breathtaking landform and Mazar Village – an old Uyghur village. Besides, Kumtag Desert is also recommended if you love the wild desert view and desert activities.

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. 2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels. 3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025. 4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

What's included?

• Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
• Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary;
• Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
• Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
• Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
• All meals as listed(“B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
• Accident insurance;
• Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

• China visa;
• Personal expenses;
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
• Single Room Supplement;
• Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
• Recommended optional activities;
• Excess Baggage Charges;
• Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

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After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

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Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

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Most Important Xinjiang Trip Notes

Xinjiang can satisfy all your desires about different styles of travel, no matter you are seeking for nature fun, culture experience or some adventures. Generally speaking, Kashgar, Turpan and Urumqi are most popular as the Golden Triangle. They provide you Silk Road history and culture as well as Xinjiang featured scenery – beautiful lakes, gorges, mountains, etc. They are the best options for the first-timers, needing about 6~8 days. Kanas, with tranquil lake and bays, primitive villages and ethnic culture, is strongly recommended too. A trip to Kanas usually takes about 4~7 days. If you prefer natural landscape, the western Xinjiang offers you superb grassland, alpine like, wild flowers. Recommended places include Sayram Lake, Karajun Grassland, Naraty Grassland, etc. The southern Xinjiang has many hidden gems for an in-depth adventure, such as historical Silk Road cities, Takilamakan Desert, Hotan, Kuqa, etc. Such a trip usually costs over 10 days, but it is definitely worth your time and effort.

Xinjiang is far away from the sea with surrounding high mountains, forming an obvious temperate continental climate. The temperature difference is large; the sunshine time is sufficient; the ultraviolet ray is strong; the air is very dry. Since Xinjiang has a vast area, the climate differs a lot by regions. Generally speaking, the southern Xinjiang is hotter than northern Xinjiang; northern Xinjiang has more rainfall than the southern area. You can easily find different places to travel in different seasons.

♦ April to June: Ili Apricot Valley, Tianshan Tianchi Lake, Sayram Lake, Tashkurgan, Naraty Grassland, Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, etc.

♦ July to August: Urumqi, Sayram Lake, Karajun Grassland, Naraty Grassland, Kanas, Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, etc.

♦ September to early November: Kanas, Taklimakan Desert, Populus Euphratica in Tarim Basin, Kuqa Grand Canyon, Tashkurgan, Naraty Grassland, Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, etc.

♦ Mid November to March: Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Kanas, etc.

Getting there : it usually takes a longer time than other China cities to get to Xinjiang. Travelers usually arrive in Urumqi first by flight or train then transfer to other cities of Xinjiang. Currently, you can take flights to Urumqi from Beijing (about 4 hours), Xian (about 42.5 hours), Shanghai (about 5.5 hours), Guangzhou (about 5 hours), Chengdu (about 3.5 hours), etc., or high speed trains from Dunhuang (about 4.5 hours), Lanzhou (about 11 hours), Xining (about 9.5 hours), etc. Kashgar is the secondly-used arrival hub. It operates some domestic flights to Xian, Chengdu, etc.

Getting around : from Urumqi, you can keep traveling by flights to Kashgar, Kanas, Kuqa, Ili, etc. Actually, traveling by driving is more popular than taking flight and train, because the best scenery can usually be reached by car. But it's hard to travel by public bus to many remote scenic areas.So let a travel agency like China Discovery arrange transfer for you is the best choice.

Apart from a few major cities such as Urumqi, Kashgar and Turpan whose hotels have complete facilities and wifi. In many other places, especially in some remote scenic spots, accommodation is relatively simple and basic, such as Kanas, Sayram Lake, Naraty, Tashkurgan, etc. where you can stay in a guesthouse, a homestay or a local yurt. Also, during the busy season from June to October every year, hotel occupancy will be much higher than normal days, so it is necessary to book your hotel in advance.

China Discover has included accommodation in our every tour package so that you don’t have trouble with booking hotels on your own. All our hotels are well-selected, comfortable, well-equipped with friendly services.

● Remember to always follow your groups instead of heading to the heart regions by your own, or you may get lost. Cell phone signal may be weak or zero in the grassland or forest areas in Xinjiang, stay calm.

● Wear the harness correctly when enjoying horse riding and follow the direction to keep safe!

● More useful tips & packing list for desert travel in China >

Xinjiang’s Uyghur food and other local cuisine will be a memorable part of your trip. The local Uyghur food is famous throughout China and popular among travelers. There are not only Uyghur foods, but also traditional Chinese food, Hui food, Kazakh food, etc. Some hotels and restaurants in bigger cities, such as Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, Ili, etc., also provide western food and coffee.

We usually cover your breakfasts in your hotels and lunches during your trip. Dinner is your own chance to explore local food or other food you are interested in. Feel free to let your guide know your dinning interest and requirement in advance so that you can arrange meals accordingly.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Xinjiang 2024

Grasslands, lakes, deserts, valleys, and snow-capped mountains are scattered over the vast area of Xinjiang.

Xinjiang not only has the beautiful scenery, but also has rich ethnic culture. Xinjiang is the only province with 55 of the official 56 ethnic groups in China.

As an important transition zone on the Silk Road, Xinjiang is a good place to find some well-preserved ruins of the Silk Road era.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Xinjiang to seek out its charm.

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1. meet the most beautiful side of xinjiang in kanas, 2. recall the scenes in the film kite runner in kashgar old city, 3. take a visit to heavenly lake, 4. appreciate apricot flowers in ili's xinghua valley, 5. go skiing in winter, 6. explore jiaohe ruins in turpan — the ancient ruins on the silk road, 7. explore kashgar livestock market — full of xinjiang features, 8. enjoy the cool nalati grasslands, 9. pay a visit to karakuli lake, 10. enjoy xinjiang food at erdaoqiao bazaar.

With a crystal lake whose water changes with the seasons, magnificent glaciers, vast grasslands, deep primeval forests, and wooden houses that local people live in, Kanas shows picture-postcard-perfect views, especially in autumn and winter.

When it is time to pick cotton in September and October, you can experience this local cash generator (Xinjiang is now China's No. 1 cotton base).

In winter, Kanas boasts beautiful snow landscapes where you can engage in various winter activities. Encounter small animals and snow mushrooms in the woods and experience ancient fur skiing, horse-drawn sledding, and throwing snow into ice.

If you are intereted in a trip to Kanas, let us know your ideas and we'll tailor-make a tour uniquely suited to you.

Because of the war in Afghanistan, Kite Runner was shot in Kashgar where the style of architecture is very similar to Kabul's.

You can see beautiful Islamic and Uyghur architecture, and observe local life there : children playing on the streets, small shops selling food and souvenirs, and craftsmen making bronzeware.

Walking from the old city to Handicrafts Street, you can touch the semi-finished handicrafts and test the timbre of exotic musical instruments.

Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) is a half-moon shaped lake on the north side of Bogda Peak in the Heavenly Mountains (Tianshan). Its water is clear as emerald, as if it were a jewel inlaid there. The surrounding mountains are covered with tall and green spruce and pine trees, shading the slopes from the sun.

You can take a boat trip to see the magical colors reflected on the surface of the lake and feel its beauty when silhouetted against the blue sky.

You can also hike around the lake or up into the valleys and breathe in the fresh air.

Xinghua Valley has China's largest pristine wild almond forest growing since the Middle Ages, covering an area of 20 square kilometers (8 square miles).

Every April , the vast green valley is littered with countless charming apricot flowers. The pink and white apricot flowers mixed with the huge green carpet and the winding and rolling slopes make the whole picture more layered and elegant.

In winter, besides enjoying the beautiful snow scenery, skiing is also a highlight of winter in Xinjiang. Lying against magnificent mountains such as the Heavenly Mountains and the Altai Mountains, Xinjiang has many great ski resorts.

One of its three biggest ski resorts is Silk Road International Ski Resort, which is near Urumqi. It was the venue for the 13th National Winter Games in 2016 and is certified by the International Snow Federation to hold international events. The most challenging ski trail in China, Xuanzang Avenue, is in this ski resort.

The unique feature of this ski resort is that the slopes are hidden in the forest. You can not only experience the speed and passion of skiing, but also enjoy the snow scenery on the northern slopes of the Heavenly Mountains.

Contact us to create a Xinjiang winter tour.

Jiaohe is the oldest place name in Turpan. The Jiaohe Ruins are the world's largest, oldest, and best-preserved city of raw-earth buildings. It is also the most complete ancient city preserved for more than 2,000 years in China. This ancient walled city was dug out from Turpan's yellow desert siltstone.

It was built in the 2nd century BC. From the 9th century to the 14th century, due to successive wars, it gradually declined and was abandoned.

From the ruins, you can learn about the city's unbelievable construction methods as you appreciate the stark beauty of the ruined city.

The Livestock Market in Kashgar is one of the biggest features of Xinjiang. Cattle, sheep, camels, and other livestock are the main things traded there. Every Sunday, people take their livestock there for trade and shearing.

These livestock are not sold by weight there. When finding a suitable sheep, the buyer will observe its teeth to see how old it is, touch it, and hold it, and finally negotiate the price with the owner. If both parties are satisfied, they will shake hands to make a deal.

Nalati Grassland in Ili was once rated as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China by China National Geographic.

It is bounded to the southeast by the Nalati Mountains as a barrier, and to the northwest by the Gongnaisi River. There are many mountain springs and streams crisscrossing each other. River valleys, mountains, deep gorges and forests form a natural summer resort.

From June to September, all kinds of wildflowers bloom on the grassland with herds of cattle and sheep.

Karakuli Lake is located at the foot of Muztagh Ata Peak, 'the Father of Icebergs'. Karakuli means 'Black Sea'. Set off by icebergs and snow-capped peaks, Karakuli's water is dark blue, and in rainy weather, black as a pool of ink.

Start a hike to enjoy the beautiful sights, the lake beautifully reflected the white peaks, green grasslands, and lakeside herds. It is great place to take photos.

Many Khalkhas minority villages are dotted around Karakuli Lake scenic area, if you are interested in minority culture, you can visit a local family, enjoy the local meal and stay over night at the yurt near Karakuli Lake.

When coming to Xinjiang, don't miss the chance to try Xinjiang food. Xinjiang is famous for its fruits and mutton dishes because of its long hours of sunshine and good pastures.

Erdaoqiao Market with its strong Islamic style is a good place to see all kinds of special Xinjiang foods and handicrafts. There is a food street bringing together more than 50 kinds of special food in Xinjiang: Xinjiang yogurt, grilled fish, lamb kebabs…

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Top 10 Things to Do in Xinjiang

Covering about 1/6 of the country’s total land area, Xinjiang is the largest administrative division in China and is located in the Northwest. Given the vast territory it occupies, Xinjiang boasts many distinctive landscapes including snowy mountains, glaciers, forests, grasslands and gobi deserts, as well as relics on the ancient Silk Road. Xinjiang is also home to the Uygur people whose folk traditions can be widely observed. The famous local food is also highly recommended. While an in-depth travel of Xinjiang might require a dozen days, while hereunder are the top 10 things to do in Xinjiang in only a few days.

Heavenly Lake near Urumqi

Nalati Grassland in Ili

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

Ancient City of Jiaohe

Tasting Xinjiang Food

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Best 10 Days Northern Xinjiang Scenic Tour

• Includes & Excludes

Tour Overview

Xinjiang is a noble destination for travelers from home and abroad, enchanting people to pack bags with its name alone. This 10 days Northern Xinjiang scenic tour with a brilliant itinerary covering the sites in Northern Xinjiang takes you to experience the most scenic adventure along Silk Road. With local expert guide and driver’s considerable commentary as well as comfortable vehicles, you will discover beautiful lakes, rivers, hills, snowy mountains, desert, woods, grassland…in Burqin, Kanas, Karamay, Sayram, Naraty, Bayinbuluk and Korla.

Highlights of this tour:

Day-by-day itinerary.

Upon your arrival at Urumqi airport / train station, the local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer to downtown hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal. You can have a good rest at the hotel or freely explore the city.

Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

After breakfast at the hotel, you will officially start the Silk Road tour. Driving along the National Highway 216 through the Gurbantunggut Desert and feel the charm of wildlife paradise, Kalamaili Nature Reserve . If you are lucky, you may see wild donkeys and goats running on the Gobi desert.

Passing by Huoshaoshan Mountain , you will be amazed by the vast expanse of red sea. The rocks which were not red originally turned into red due to spontaneous combustion of the underlying coal seam. It looks as if the mountain is still burning. Pull over to take some beautiful pictures here would be perfect! Then, continue driving and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.

After dinner in Burqin, you can have some relaxing walk in Burqin Market to further enjoy the local snacks and culture.

Accommodation: Overnight in Burqin

The mesmerizing Kanas Nature Reserve is a must see for visitors to Xinjiang. After about 3 hours’ ride on the winding road, you will arrive at Jiadengyu for lunch, and then take the scenic shuttle bus to the legendary Kanas Lake . You may have never seen so beautiful mountain lake. As the seasons change, the lake bursts into different colors, crystal blue, dark green or even gray. Walking from one bay to another and taking some pictures, you will have a relaxing time immersing yourself in the idyllic beauty and embracing nature. Because the natural beauty is unspoiled and local people still keep the original simple lifestyle here, it is dubbed as “the pure land on earth” as well as "the oriental Switzerland”.

Strolling along the Kanas River, you will see the virgin forests, Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Wild Duck Lake which would be a perfect chance to take nice pictures! Finishing the relaxing sightseeing, you will check into the hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight in Kanas

Early bird will be rewarded with the amazing sunrise of Kanas Nature Reserve . After saying goodbye to the this amazing place, driving for 5-6 hours to the famous oil city, Karamay .

On the way, you will pay a visit to Urho Ghost City following the Gurbantunggut Desert. The Ghost City is also known as “Wind City” because of the howling winds throughout the year. The eerie landform is the joint result of intermittent torrential scouring and strong wind erosion. You can tour the whole Ghost City on a shuttle bus. After visiting this seemingly horrifying site, drive to Kuitun and check into a local hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight in Karamay

Get up early to enjoy sunrise in Urho Ghost City. Later, drive around 5 hours to  Sayram Lake. It definitely will be another highlight of your northern Xinjiang trip. The lake is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang with intoxicating scenery. It also has a nickname of “Atlantic Ocean’s last teardrop” because it is the last place that the warm and humid air of the Atlantic Ocean reaches. The lake water is limpid and pure. You can stroll along the lake and enjoy the colorful wild flowers and rolling grassland.

Besides, you will have opportunity to see the famous Guozigou Bridge before arriving at Sayram Lake, which is the largest and most important bridge in Xinjiang. You will see many impressing S-shaped curves and admire the most beautiful valley in northern Xinjiang.

Last, you will check in in a local wooden house in the Fruit Gully.

Accommodation: Overnight in Fruit Gully

In the morning, enjoy yourself in Fruit Gully which connects Sayram Lake at north end and Ili River Valley at south end, stretching about 28km. In the bottom and slops of gully, grow lots of wild apple trees, apricots, walnut trees and more, hence the name. The nice geographical environment and climates here attracts various animals to nestle, making it a beautiful natural paradise for plants and animals. The best time to visit it is from May to September when trees getting green and flowers blossoming.

Later, drive to Yining to enjoy the beautiful lavender garden with the glittering snowy mountains as the background.

After that, you will head to Naraty for overnight.

Accommodation: Overnight in Naraty 

Come to visit the beautiful Nalaty Prairie in the morning! Also named Ili Prairie, means “the place witnesses the sunrise firstly” by National Geographic, Nalaty Prairie impresses visitors with good quality of grass, colorful wild flowers in summer, snowy mountains and blue sky as background for the lovey animals wandering there. That’s a good place for people to approach and interact with nature.

In the afternoon, drive around 2.5 hours to Bayinbuluk, here you will visit Swan Lake -the Most Beautiful Myth of Bayanbulak. Swan Lake of Bayanbulak is the only natural reserve for swans in China, inhabited by Chinese largest wild swan population. Consisted of many interlinked small lakes, Swan Lake entertains the visitors with the inverted images of white clouds in these lakes, big or small. The swans also greet the visitors from the whole world with their elegant figures and beautiful dancing moves.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bayinbuluk

Today you will head to Korla via Tianshan Mountain , one of the 7 mountain systems in the world. Driving along the edge of the mountain, you will see the unique snow scenery since many part of the mountain is till covered with snow. If you are lucky, you will see lots of wild animals and plants on the way.

Arrival in Korla, follow your guide to find a nice restaurant to fill your stomach and have good rest for tomorrow’s exploration.

Accommodation: Overnight in Korla

After breakfast, pay a visit to Iron Gate Pass . Lying in the Iron Pass Valley, upstream the Kongque River, Iron Gate Pass is regarded as throat on the middle route of ancient Silk Road, connecting South and North Xinjiang. Passing the gate, you are welcomed by a narrow path meandering forth with murmuring stream flowing with jagged rocks of grotesque shapes standing alongside. Those great men like Zhang Qian, Ban Chao and Xuan Zang who created incredible contribution in history also left their footprints here.

After that, drive around 6 hours to Urumqi. Upon arrival, follow your guide to tick off Xinjiang International Bazaar , the largest bazaar in Urumqi. You will see all kinds of stuff such as fruits, clothes, crafts, knives, and rugs in the bustling market. You can buy some souvenirs or local dried fruits and nuts for your family and friends if you would like to.

The 10 days Northern Xinjiang tour will end by today. We will arrange an airport transfer for you and wish you a pleasant journey home! If you want to visit more places in Xinjiang or other Chinese cities, please feel free to contact us. We will be very happy to be helpful for you.

Accommodation: N/A

Tour Price Per Person

The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. please contact us for a specific price., price includes.

• 9-night accommodation in centrally located hotels with daily breakfast
• Entrance tickets as listed in itinerary
• Excellent English-speaking tour guide
• Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver
• Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
• Government taxes

Price Excludes

• China Visas/flights/trains
• Any optional activity/battery car/shuttle bus/horse rides/boat cruise inside the attractions
• Our package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase commercial travel insurance before your trip for any unforeseen circumstance
• Any item beyond "Price Includes"
• Gratuities to guide and driver (recommended if you are satisfied with their services)

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