An 8-day tour of Xinjiang can be very enriching. Here is a recommended itinerary covering many famous attractions in Xinjiang:?
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi?
Upon arrival in Urumqi, you can take a self-guided tour of the Xinjiang International Bazaar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum, Hongshan Park, and more in the downtown area, feeling the bustling and historical charm of Urumqi.?
Day 2: Tour around Urumqi?
Head to Tianshan Tianchi to admire the azure lake and the distant Bogda Peak in the distance.?
Or choose to visit the S21 Desert Highway and General Mountain Ski Resort (recommended in winter) to experience different natural landscapes.?
Day 3: Scenery of Northern Xinjiang?
Head to Kanas Scenic Area to visit Kanas Lake and Hemu Scenic Area, immersing yourself in the tranquility and primitive charm of northern Xinjiang.?
If choosing to visit in winter, you can experience unique landscapes like Altay’s rime fog scenery and snow mushrooms.?
Day 4: In-depth tour of Hemu and Kanas?
Experience the "place where immortals reside" in Hemu Village, slow down, and interact with local residents.?
Stroll along Kanas Lake or choose special activities like Hemu photo shoots and tea boiling around a stove.?
Day 5: Head to Turpan?
Pass through the Duku Highway (partial sections) and head to Turpan to visit famous attractions like Kanarez Wells and Flaming Mountain, and feel the cultural charm of the Uyghurs.?
Day 6: Turpan and Changji?
Visit the Kumtag Desert to experience its grandeur and mystery.?
Head to Changji and optionally visit attractions like Qianhui Western Regions to understand Xinjiang’s multiculturalism.?
Day 7: Yining and Nalati?
Head to Yining to visit lavender fields (seasonal), the Nalati Aerial Grasslands, and more, to appreciate nature’s bounty.?
Gallop on horseback across the Nalati Grasslands to unleash your soul.?
Day 8: Return to Urumqi?
Return to Urumqi. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you can choose to stroll around the downtown area or head directly to the airport/train station to end your pleasant journey.?
This itinerary covers many famous attractions and special activities in Xinjiang, but specific arrangements need to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. Meanwhile, Xinjiang has a vast territory with long distances between attractions. It is recommended to plan transportation and accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth trip.?