A week-long tour of Xinjiang can be rich and varied, covering natural scenery, cultural experiences, and food exploration. Here is a recommended one-week travel itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into the hotel to adapt to the environment. You can choose to visit the night market and taste local Xinjiang cuisine such as baked stuffed buns and meat cooked in a缸子 (a traditional cooking vessel).
Day 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake or Dushanzi Grand Canyon
You can choose to visit Tianshan Heavenly Lake to admire the lake and mountains, feeling the fairyland-like natural beauty.
Or head to Dushanzi Grand Canyon to experience the awe-inspiring work of nature.
Day 3: Urumqi/Yining – Kanas/Sayram Lake
Depart from Urumqi or Yining, heading towards Kanas or Sayram Lake. Kanas Lake is famous for its mysterious legend of lake monsters and magnificent natural scenery, while Sayram Lake is known as “the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean” with its clear and azure lake water, making it worth visiting.
Day 4: Kanas/Sayram Lake – Hemu Village
If you chose Kanas the previous day, you can visit Hemu Village this day to experience the primitive lifestyle of the Tuwa people, admire the beautiful scenery of the Hemu River, and take photos of the starry sky at night.
If you choose Sayram Lake, you can continue to explore the lakeside and enjoy the picturesque lake and mountains.
Day 5: Hemu Village/Sayram Lake – Burqin/Yining
Depart from Hemu Village or Sayram Lake, heading towards Burqin or Yining. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery, such as the Yadan landform at the Colorful Beach.
Upon arrival in Burqin, you can visit the Colorful Beach to feel the magical charm of nature.
Day 6: Burqin/Yining – Urumqi/Other Attractions
Return to Urumqi from Burqin or Yining, or choose to visit other attractions. If time permits, consider driving through the Duku Highway to experience the extreme rally track featured in the movie “Pegasus”, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way such as the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon and Bayinbrook Grassland.
Day 7: Urumqi – Return Trip
Free activities in Urumqi. You can stroll around the Grand Bazaar and purchase some local specialties and souvenirs from Xinjiang. Then take a plane or train back home to end your pleasant trip to Xinjiang.
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in Xinjiang, but the specific arrangements need to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. Meanwhile, Xinjiang has a large diurnal temperature variation and a dry climate. It is recommended that tourists take corresponding sunscreen and moisturizing measures, and carry necessary documents such as ID cards with them.