Recommended 8-day travel itinerary in Xinjiang is as follows:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi?
Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, to rest and adjust to the time difference. You can choose to stay at a hotel in the city center with convenient transportation for subsequent travel.?
In the evening, visit the International Bazaar to feel the strong Islamic atmosphere and taste Xinjiang’s specialty snacks such as roasted buns and mutton skewers.?
Day 2: Urumqi – Tianchi Lake, Tianshan Mountains?
In the morning, drive to Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains to admire the beautiful scenery composed of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and forests.?
Spend the afternoon strolling along Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains, taking photos and enjoying peaceful moments.?
Return to downtown Urumqi in the evening for dinner, recommending trying local restaurants with good reviews to experience authentic Xinjiang cuisine.?
Day 3: Urumqi – Kanas or Turpan?
Option 1: Head to Kanas, enjoying the primitive forests and grassland scenery of Northern Xinjiang along the way. Upon arrival, visit Kanas Lake and take a boat ride to admire the scenic beauty of the lake and mountains.?
Option 2: Head to Turpan to visit Flaming Mountain, explore Grape Valley, taste sweet grapes, and experience ethnic home visits and roasted whole sheep.?
Day 4: Kanas / Turpan – Hemu Village / Hami?
Option 1 (Kanas Route): Head to Hemu Village to admire the traditional wooden houses of the Tuvans and the peaceful rural scenery.?
Option 2 (Turpan Route): Head to Hami, enjoying the unique desert scenery of Xinjiang and visiting the Hami Market to taste Hami melons.?
Day 5: Hemu Village / Hami – Nalati Grasslands?
Regardless of whether you stayed in Hemu Village or Hami the previous night, you can drive to the Nalati Grasslands on the fifth day to embrace the vast green world and experience grassland activities such as horseback riding.?
Day 6: Nalati Grasslands – Yining?
Continue free activities on the Nalati Grasslands, with options such as hiking, photography, or experiencing folk activities. In the afternoon, drive to Yining, passing by the Guozigou Bridge for a photo opportunity.?
Day 7: Yining – Sayram Lake / Turpan – Urumqi?
Option 1 (Yining Route): Head to Sayram Lake to admire the scenic beauty of the lake and mountains. Known as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", Sayram Lake is crystal clear and refreshing.?
Option 2 (Turpan Route): Return to Urumqi from Turpan, with the opportunity to visit the Duku Highway and experience the magical feeling of passing through four seasons in a single day.?
Day 8: Urumqi – Return Trip?
Make final preparations and do some shopping in Urumqi, purchasing some local specialties and souvenirs such as dried fruits and carpets.?
Then head to the airport or train station to end this delightful trip to Xinjiang.?
The above itinerary can be flexibly adjusted according to personal preferences and schedule to ensure a pleasant and fulfilling journey.?