The best route for a seven-day tour of Xinjiang covers multiple famous attractions, ensuring that tourists can fully experience the natural scenery and ethnic culture of Xinjiang. Here is a recommended seven-day itinerary for Xinjiang **:?
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi?
Upon arrival, you have free time to experience the local customs. You can stroll around the downtown area, visit the Autonomous Region Museum to learn about the history and culture of Xinjiang. At the same time, taste Xinjiang’s specialty foods such as big plate chicken and grilled mutton skewers.?
Day 2: Urumqi – Sayram Lake?
Set out for Sayram Lake in the morning to admire the magnificent lake scenery. Take a self-drive tour around the lake or take the scenic area shuttle bus to experience the beauty of the lakeside scenery. For overnight stay, it is recommended to stay at an RV campsite near Sayram Lake, such as the Dianjiangtai Starry Sky Campsite, to experience the joy of being in close contact with nature.?
Day 3: Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Yining?
Get up early to admire the sunrise at Sayram Lake once again, then head to Guozigou, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and overlook the magnificent canyon scenery. In the afternoon, arrive in Yining City, visit Yining Old Town, and taste local delicacies such as seized rice and lung kebab.?
Day 4: Yining – Zhaosu/Tekes?
Head to Zhaosu or Tekes to visit Zhaosu Jade Lake (where you can admire the blue ice wonders in winter), and visit Tianma Bathing River to experience the charm of equestrian culture. Stay overnight at a hotel in Zhaosu or Tekes County.?
Day 5: Zhaosu/Tekes – Nalati?
Visit the Xiata Ancient Road (if not visited when heading to Zhaosu), and take in a distant view of the Muzart Glacier. Then proceed to Nalati Grassland, known as the "Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains", where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the grassland to your heart’s content. In the evening, you can choose to stay in Nalati Town to experience the peaceful night on the grassland.?
Day 6: Nalati – Bayinbuluke?
Head to Bayinbuluke to admire the magnificent scenery of the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends. The Tianshan grasslands and pastures here complement each other, making it a fantastic tourist destination.?
Day 7: Bayinbuluke – Urumqi?
Cross the Tianshan Mountains and return to Urumqi. Along the way, you can recall the beautiful memories of the entire journey. Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule, ending your pleasant journey.?
In addition, Xinjiang has many must-visit attractions and delicious foods worth trying, such as Kazanqi Folk Village, Qiaxi Forest Park, Duku Highway, as well as skewers, old yogurt, and hand-seized rice.?
During the trip, please be sure to pay attention to safety and environmental protection, and abide by local regulations and customs.?
Hope this itinerary can help you plan an unforgettable seven-day tour of Xinjiang!?