An 8-day trip to Xinjiang can be arranged to be very fulfilling and colorful. Here is a recommended 8-day itinerary for Xinjiang **:
Day 1:
Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, and adapt to the environment. You can choose to visit the International Bazaar to feel the rich Uyghur culture, take photos with Afanti and the little donkey, stroll through Xinjiang Folk Street, and taste local specialty foods such as kebabs and hand-grabbed rice
Day 2:
Departing from Urumqi, head to Sayram Lake. It is recommended to enter from the East Gate and exit through the South Gate, traveling counterclockwise around the lake, and setting aside time to climb up Songshutou for an overhead view of the entire Sayram Lake. Afterwards, proceed to Yining
Another option is to visit Tianshan Tianchi, a national 5A-level scenic area, and feel its mystery and beauty
Day 3:
Departing from Yining, head to the Xiata Scenic Area. It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area gate before 8 am for a better travel experience. Afterwards, you can proceed to Zhaosu or Tekes
Or choose to visit Kanas Scenic Area and explore attractions such as Guanyu Platform and Kanas Lake
Day 4:
Visit the Qiongkushitai Historic and Cultural Village and feel its unique charm, surrounded by mountains on all sides and built along the water. Afterwards, return to Tekes
Another option is to continue exploring Kanas Scenic Area or head to Hemu Village
Day 5:
Departing from Tekes, visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland. You can choose to stay overnight in Nalati Town
Or visit the World Ghost City to feel the historical沉积 and unique natural landscapes
Day 6:
Visit the Kongnais Bingdaban or other nearby attractions, and then proceed to Hejing
Another option is to visit the northern section of the Duku Highway, spanning the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, and enjoy the steep and beautiful highway scenery
Day 7:
Departing from Hejing, visit the scenery of Gangou, and then proceed to Tuyugou or Shanshan. You can choose to stay overnight in Shanshan and prepare for the next day’s desert tour
Or head to Flaming Mountain, visit grape vineyards, taste various seasonal fruits, and enjoy Uyghur folk songs and dances
Day 8:
Visit the Kumtag Desert to feel its grandeur and mystery. Afterwards, return to Urumqi to end your unforgettable trip to Xinjiang
Another option is to visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and then head to Urumqi for airport transfer
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in Xinjiang, but specific arrangements need to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. I hope this itinerary can provide a useful reference for your trip to Xinjiang!