There are multiple different routes to choose from for a 5-day trip to Xinjiang, each with its unique scenery and experiences. Here are a few recommended 5-day Xinjiang travel routes:
5-day Altay Circuit:
Itinerary Arrangement: Altay → Baihaba → Kanas → Hemu → Altay
Attraction Highlights:
Altay: Beautiful snowscapes, especially in winter, making it a top destination for winter travel.
Baihaba: It is a niche destination with few tourists and low consumption, suitable for slow-paced tourism. There are many small animals in the village, such as little dogs.
Kanas: In winter, there is beautiful mist on the surface of Kanas Lake, resembling a fairyland.
Hemu: Taking photos on the mountain top is very beautiful, and there are swings, but it is difficult to book a room, so it is recommended to book in advance.
Self-driving Tips: It is recommended to rent a car from Urumqi, as it will be much cheaper. Due to the vast size of Xinjiang, most of the time will be spent in the car, so it is advisable to rent a car with higher comfort.
5-day crossing trip of Tianshan Mountains:
Itinerary Arrangement:
Day 1: Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Lavender Farm → Liuxing Street
Day 2: Kurdening Primitive Spruce Forest
Day 3: Qiongkushitai Grassland
Day 4: Qiaxi Grassland
Day 5: Nalati Aerial Grassland
Attraction Highlights:
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the scenery around the lake is pleasant.
Guozigou Bridge: Standing on the viewing platform, the entire canyon scenery can be seen at a glance.
Lavender Farm: Immersed in a purple ocean, the whole world feels gentle.
Nalati Aerial Grassland: The scenery is breathtaking and beyond words.
5-day tour of Yili in Northern Xinjiang:
Itinerary Arrangement: Urumqi → Northern Section of the Duku Highway → Nalati → Tekes → Xiata Ancient Road → Yining → Guozigou Bridge → Sayram Lake → Bole/Jinghe → Mutar Desert → Urumqi
Itinerary Characteristics: Suitable for friends visiting Xinjiang for the first time. It is recommended to join a small, well-organized group or rent a car, as the drive is long and comfort is needed to enjoy the trip fully.
5-day, 4-night tour departing from Urumqi:
Itinerary Arrangement:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi and visit Hongshan Park and the International Bazaar
Day 2: Visit Tianshan Heavenly Lake
Day 3: Take a flight from Urumqi to Kanas and visit Kanas Lake
Day 4: Head to Hemu Village to experience the lifestyle of the Tuwa people, and then proceed to Burqin
Day 5: Visit Colorful Beach and then return to Urumqi
Attraction Highlights: Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Colorful Beach, etc.
When planning a 5-day trip to Xinjiang, you can choose a suitable route based on your preferences and travel time. Meanwhile, note that Xinjiang covers a vast area, with relatively long distances between attractions, so it is very important to reasonably arrange your itinerary and transportation. In addition, Xinjiang has a unique climate and geographical environment, so please make sure to be fully prepared and informed before traveling.
