For a ten-day tour of Xinjiang, you can choose the following itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi.
Upon arrival, take a good rest to adapt to the time difference. In the evening, you can visit the Dabaza Night Market to taste Xinjiang’s specialty foods, such as grilled mutton skewers and big plate chicken, and experience the rich ethnic customs of Xinjiang.
Day 2: Urumqi—Tianshan Tianchi.
After breakfast, head to Tianshan Tianchi to enjoy the stunning scenery of azure water surrounding the snowy mountains. The lake water is clear and green, surrounded by a sea of spruce trees, with the distant Bogda Snowy Mountain covered in snow, creating a breathtaking view.
. Afterward, you can stay overnight in Fuyun.
Day 3: Fuyun—Koktokay—Colorful Beach—Burqin.
Head to Koktokay and Colorful Beach to appreciate the magnificent scenery of northern Xinjiang. Colorful Beach is known as the palette overturned by God, and you can stay overnight in Burqin.
Day 4: Burqin—Kanas—Hemu.
Enter the Kanas scenic area to visit the famous Three Bays—Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. Afterward, head to Hemu. The sunset and chimney smoke from the viewing platform in Hemu are scenic views not to be missed.
Day 5: Hemu—Devil City—Kuitun/Karamay.
Get up early to hike up to the viewing platform to watch the sunrise, and then head to the Devil City. The giant gobi stone pillars in the Devil City are strange and unique, making it an excellent place for photos. You can stay overnight in Kuitun or Karamay.
Day 6: Kuitun/Karamay—Sayram Lake—Yining.
Visit Sayram Lake, where the lake water is azure, and you may encounter swans if you’re lucky. Afterward, head to Yining, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Guozigou Bridge along the way.
Day 7: Yining—Qiongkushitai—Karajun Grassland—Tekes.
Visit Qiongkushitai in Yining, and then head to Karajun Grassland. The cattle and sheep on the grassland resemble pearls scattered on a green carpet, presenting a splendid view of the grassland beyond the Great Wall. You can stay overnight in Tekes.
Day 8: Tekes—Xinyuan/Nalati.
Departing from Tekes, you can pass through the Xiata Ancient Road and visit Tianma Bathing River before arriving in Xinyuan or Nalati. In Xinyuan or Nalati, you can visit Nalati Aerial Grassland and Bayinbuluke.
Day 9: Xinyuan/Nalati—Duku Highway—Urumqi.
The Duku Highway connects northern and southern Xinjiang, with four seasons in a single day and different weather conditions within just ten miles. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent work of nature, and then return to Urumqi.
Day 10: Return from Urumqi.
Wake up naturally, buy some local specialties, and then take a flight back home.
This route covers many famous attractions in Xinjiang, including Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, etc., allowing tourists to fully appreciate the natural scenery and ethnic customs of Xinjiang. Of course, the specific itinerary can also be adjusted according to personal interests and actual situations.