A 9-day tour of Xinjiang can be rich and colorful, covering natural landscapes, human history, culinary experiences, and many other aspects. Here is a recommended 9-day travel itinerary for Xinjiang:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi?
Morning: Check in and take a short rest.?
Afternoon: Head to Tianshan Grand Canyon to feel the charm of Xinjiang’s nature, suitable for hiking and photography.?
Evening: Visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum to deeply understand the history, culture, and artistic heritage of Xinjiang.?
Day 2: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Jiadengyu?
Depart for Jiadengyu, passing through the S21 Desert Highway on the way to experience the desert scenery.?
After arriving, check in at Jiadengyu to prepare for the Kanas trip the next day.?
Day 3: Full-day play in Kanas?
Spend the whole day exploring Kanas scenic area, including famous attractions such as Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Terrace, and Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay).?
Stay overnight in the Kanas scenic area to experience idyllic life.?
Day 4: Hemu Village – Starry Sky Viewing?
Visit Hemu Village to feel the simplicity of the Tuwa people’s life and stroll around the ancient Hemu Village.?
Enjoy the starry sky in Hemu Village at night, which is a paradise for photographers.?
Day 5: Hemu – Devil’s City – Wuhe?
Depart from Hemu and visit Wuhe Devil’s City to experience the unique Yadan landform.?
After arriving in Wuhe, check in at the hotel.?
Day 6: Wuhe – Sayram Lake – Yining?
Head to Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", with crystal-clear water.?
Visit lavender fields on the way (adjusted according to the season).?
After arriving in Yining, check in at the hotel.?
Day 7: Yining – Nalati Grassland?
Depart from Yining and visit Nalati Grassland, known as the "Air Grassland", with an expansive view and picturesque scenery.?
Stay overnight in Nalati Town or nearby.?
Day 8: Nalati – Bayanbulak – Urumqi?
Visit Bayanbulak Grassland to admire the sunset at Nine-Bend-Eighteen-Turn River and Swan Lake.?
Return to Urumqi via the Duku Highway, experiencing the natural changes of "four seasons in a day, different skies every ten li".?
Day 9: Urumqi – Return?
Free activities in Urumqi city, where you can taste Xinjiang’s special cuisines such as roast whole lamb and hand-grabbed rice.?
End your pleasant trip to Xinjiang and return to your cozy home.?
In addition, there are some precautions and dressing suggestions:?
In some areas of Xinjiang, the signal may be poor, so it is recommended to bring cash for emergencies.?
The temperature difference between morning and night in Xinjiang is large, so remember to bring thick clothes to avoid getting a cold.?
Dressing suggestions should be adjusted according to the season. In summer, you can wear T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, etc., but sunscreen clothes, sun hats, and sports shoes are essential.?
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in Xinjiang, but the specific itinerary can be adjusted appropriately according to personal interests and time.?