There are multiple options for the best three-day tour routes in Xinjiang. Here are two recommended routes:?
Route 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Yining Exploration Tour?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake. It is recommended to rent a car online in advance and choose a reliable car rental company. After about five hours of driving, arrive at Sayram Lake and take a self-driving tour around the lake to feel the magnificent scenery of nature. Accommodation is recommended in the new urban area for easy access to the highway the next day to continue the trip?
Day 2: Take a tour around Sayram Lake. It is recommended to drive in a counterclockwise direction to appreciate the lake and mountain scenery more deeply. The food in the restaurant within the scenic area is average, so it is recommended to bring your own food. In the evening, you can visit the Princess Jieyou Lavender Manor. Although the lavender is average, the other scenery within the manor is also worth visiting?
Day 3: Depart from Sayram Lake and head to Yining. The homestays in Yining are super beautiful and are popular accommodation options on the Ili loop. Here, you can visit various restaurants and courtyards to experience the local customs. The prices in Yining are relatively low, and you can taste dishes such as kettle meat, stomach-wrapped meat, and mutton kebabs?
Route 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Kumtag Desert Tour?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the history and culture of Xinjiang. Then head to the Yema Cultural Tourism Scenic Area to admire the world’s largest display base of Akhal-Teke horses. Return to Urumqi for accommodation in the evening?
Day 2: Drive to the Tianshan Heavenly Lake in Changji Prefecture to experience the magnificent scenery of the World Natural Heritage. Tianshan Heavenly Lake is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and a national geological park. It is recommended to find a local tour guide or escort to gain a deeper understanding of the scenic area?
Day 3: Depart from Urumqi and drive to the Shanshan Kumtag Desert to experience the desert closest to the city in the world. Then continue to the Turpan Flaming Mountain to feel the classic scenes in "Journey to the West". In the evening, you can visit the Karez Well and taste the grapes of Turpan?
These two routes respectively cover the natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Xinjiang. You can choose the suitable route according to your interests and preferences. During the trip, please pay attention to safe driving and protecting the environment, and enjoy a pleasant trip to Xinjiang!?