A 10-day trip to Xinjiang can be arranged to be diverse, covering natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and food experiences. Here is a recommended 10-day travel plan for Xinjiang:?
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi?
After arriving in Urumqi, check into the hotel, adjust to the time difference, and enjoy Xinjiang’s long sunshine hours. In the evening, you can taste local kebabs to store energy for the upcoming journey?
Day 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi?
Head to Tianshan Tianchi to admire the stunning scenery of the alpine lake. Tianshan Tianchi, at an altitude of 1980 meters, is a famous natural scenic spot in Xinjiang.?
The ticket price is 120 yuan per person.?
Return to Urumqi in the evening and choose to take a walk in the downtown area to experience the nightlife of Xinjiang.?
Day 3: Urumqi – Koktokay?
Cross the desert highway to Koktokay. Although there is no sea here, there is the beautiful Irtysh River and the "forest growing on rocks".?
Visit the Koktokay scenic area to admire the jagged natural landscape.?
Day 4: Koktokay – Colorful Beach – Burqin?
Drive to Colorful Beach to feel the dazzling colorful hills under the blazing sun.?
Stay overnight in the small town of Burqin to experience its nighttime treasures.?
Day 5: Burqin – Kanas – Jiadengyu?
Head to Kanas, known as the "Last Pure Land", to admire the beauty of the world.?
Stay overnight in Jiadengyu to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu Village.?
Day 6: Jiadengyu – Hemu Village?
Head to Hemu Village, which is the prototype of the wooden cabins in the TV series "My Altay". The starry night sky and fairy-tale-like wooden cabins are captivating.?
Spend a full day in Hemu Village, enjoying the beauty of the birch forest and wandering through the village full of wooden cabins.?
Day 7: Hemu Village – Wuerhe Devil City?
Leave Hemu Village and head to Wuerhe Devil City. Take the scenic train to take in the desolation of the northwest and the magnificent work of nature.?
You can choose to stay overnight in Wuerhe or Karamay.?
Day 8: Wuerhe/Karamay – Duku Highway – Nalati?
Embark on a journey on the Duku Highway, crossing the Tianshan Mountains to arrive at Nalati Grassland. The scenery of Nalati Grassland not only includes grasslands, but also continuous snow-capped mountains and forests.?
Play with sheep on the Nalati Grassland and take a leisurely horse ride towards the forest.?
Day 9: Nalati – Sayram Lake?
Head to Sayram Lake, known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", with a mesmerizing blue color.?
Take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the lush pine forests, wildflowers everywhere, and meadows.?
Day 10: Sayram Lake – Urumqi – Return?
Return to Urumqi from Sayram Lake, ending a pleasant trip to Xinjiang.?
Free activities in Urumqi downtown, shop for souvenirs, and then return.?
Food Recommendations?
During your trip in Xinjiang, don’t miss the local cuisine. Such as big plate chicken, roasted mutton, roasted steamed stuffed bun, pilaf, and noodles with fried meat.?
Especially Xinjiang’s roasted whole sheep and handmade ice cream are representatives of Xinjiang’s specialty cuisine.?
Precautions?
Xinjiang’s attractions are scattered and transportation is inconvenient. It is recommended that first-time tourists find a reliable local tour group. A 10-day pure play package with accommodation, meals, and tickets costs about 3600 yuan. It is safe, provides good accommodation, and you don’t have to worry about luggage and transportation issues.?
If you choose to travel freely, be sure to travel in groups and find some partners who can drive, otherwise driving hundreds of kilometers to one attraction will be very tiring.?
This 10-day Xinjiang travel plan covers the classic attractions and culinary experiences of Xinjiang, hoping to provide a useful reference for your trip to Xinjiang.?