There are multiple options for 3-day tourist routes in Xinjiang. Here are two recommended itineraries:?
Route 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Yining Exploration Tour?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi for Sayram Lake?
Morning: Upon arrival in Urumqi, you can choose to visit the Xinjiang Museum first to deeply understand the history and culture of Xinjiang (the museum is free, but reservations are required; recommended visit time: 2-3 hours).?
. Afterwards, head to the International Bazaar, the largest market in Xinjiang, where you can buy various Xinjiang specialties and taste authentic cuisine (recommended visit time: 2-3 hours; beware of overpriced dried fruit and sticky rice cakes).?
Afternoon: Rent a car and depart for Sayram Lake (about 5 hours’ drive), and stop by the Yili Hui Restaurant on the way to taste big plate chicken and pilaf.?
Evening: After arriving at Sayram Lake, check into the hotel and enjoy a peaceful night by the lake.?
Day 2: Sayram Lake Circuit Tour?
Morning to afternoon: Take a self-driving tour around the lake or use transportation within the scenic area to visit Sayram Lake, admire the lake and mountains, and take beautiful photos (it is recommended to drive counterclockwise around the lake; clockwise will take you closer to the lake; food at the scenic area restaurants is average, so it is recommended to bring your own food).?
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the Sayram Lake scenic area, taste Xinjiang’s special cuisine, and then you can choose to continue enjoying the night view of Sayram Lake.?
Day 3: Yining Exploration Tour?
Morning: Depart from Sayram Lake for Yining (travel time depends on specific conditions), and visit Princess Jieyou Lavender Manor or Yili Tianshan Flower Sea on the way (Lavender Manor offers a good experience, but the lavender is average; the lavender at Tianshan Flower Sea is more enchanting).?
Afternoon to evening: Upon arrival in Yining, visit local homestays and neighborhoods, such as Liuxing Street (the homestays are super beautiful and perfect for taking photos; Yining has low prices and abundant cuisine, such as kettle meat, stomach-wrapped meat, and mutton kebabs).?
. You can choose to stay in Yining in the evening, ending your pleasant trip.?
Route 2: Urumqi – Kanas – Hemu Village Adventure Tour?
Day 1: Direct flight from Urumqi to Kanas?
Morning: Fly directly from Urumqi to Kanas Airport (flight time around 1.5 hours).?
Morning to afternoon: Upon arrival, take a bus or coach to Kanas Scenic Area (bus ticket: 35 yuan/person, coach ticket: 100 yuan/person). Visit attractions such as the Fish Viewing Platform and Kanas Lake (scenic area ticket: 200 yuan, unlimited days; log cabin accommodation is convenient, with peak season prices around 1500 yuan).?
Day 2: Kanas – Hemu Village?
Morning: Visit Baihaba Village.?
Afternoon to evening: Take a bus to Hemu Village (ticket price: 100 yuan), and check into a wooden cabin (choose one near the commercial street). In the afternoon, you can go horseback riding or take photos. In the evening, enjoy the starry galaxy (wear a down jacket for warmth).?
Day 3: Hemu Village – Urumqi?
Morning: Head to the sunrise platform to enjoy the scenery.?
Morning to evening: Take the airport shuttle bus back to Urumqi (flight time around 20:40-21:55), ending the trip.?
Both routes cover the essential attractions and unique experiences of Xinjiang. You can choose the suitable itinerary according to your interests and time.?