I recommend a classic 9-day itinerary for Xinjiang **:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, free activities. You can visit the Grand Bazaar to experience the exotic flavor of Xinjiang and taste local cuisine.
Day 2: Urumqi – Sayram Lake. Sayram Lake is known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean". The beautiful scenery of the lake is enchanting. You can take a walk around the lake and take photos throughout the day.
Day 3: Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Lavender Manor – Kazanqi – Yining. Admire the spectacular view of Guozigou Bridge, explore the romance of Lavender Manor, and experience the folk customs of Kazanqi.
Day 4: Yining – Nalati Grassland. The scenery of Nalati Grassland is beautiful, where you can experience nomadic customs and enjoy horse riding.
Day 5: Nalati – Bayinbrook. Bayinbrook Grassland is another major grassland in Xinjiang with unique scenery. You can see wild animals such as swans.
Day 6: Bayinbrook – Duku Highway – Urumqi. The Duku Highway is known as "China’s Most Beautiful Highway", along which you can enjoy various landscapes such as canyons, deserts, snowfields, snowy peaks, and lakes.
Day 7: Urumqi – Kanas. Kanas Scenic Area is a famous attraction in Xinjiang, including multiple beautiful spots such as Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Terrace, and Three Bays.
Day 8: Kanas – Hemu. Hemu Village is known as China’s First Village. With warm sunshine and small cabins everywhere, you can stroll through the ancient village and enjoy leisurely times. In the evening, you can also admire the dazzling starry sky.
Day 9: Hemu -乌尔禾 Ghost Town – Urumqi – Return trip. Urho Ghost Town is a typical Yadan landform with a magical and mysterious atmosphere. It is a great place for photos. Afterwards, return to Urumqi to end your pleasant journey.
This itinerary covers multiple classic attractions and unique landscapes in Xinjiang, but Xinjiang is vast and the distances between attractions are far. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and choose a suitable mode of transportation, such as renting a car or joining a tour group.
. Meanwhile, pay attention to the climate and time difference in Xinjiang, and bring corresponding sunscreen and warm clothing, as well as essential items such as cash.