Five-day Xinjiang itinerary options can include the following plans:
Plan A (Complete southern Xinjiang itinerary):
Day1: Explore Kashgar Old Town. Upon arrival in Kashgar, visit the historic Kashgar Old Town first to feel the rich Uyghur cultural atmosphere, admire ethnic architecture and handicrafts within the town, and taste local specialty foods.
Day2: Fantastic journey of Baisha Lake. Visit Baisha Lake, known as ‘China’s Maldives’, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty brought by its blue lake and white sand beaches.
Day3: Magnificent盘龙 Gu Road (translated as ‘Dragon Coiled Road’). Head to Dragon Coiled Road and enjoy picturesque scenery along the way, traversing deserts, mountains, and valleys to feel the weight of history.
Day4: In-depth visit to Muztagh Glacier. Head to Karakul Lake to overlook its changing lake colors, distant snow-capped mountains, and nearby lakes, then visit Muztagh Glacier Park in the afternoon.
Day5: End of the journey. Conclude your southern Xinjiang trip and optionally transfer in Urumqi to relive the beauty of the journey.
Plan B (Urumqi and surrounding areas):
Day1: Explore Urumqi’s cultural tour. Visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum to learn about Uyghur culture, then head to the Grand Bazaar for shopping and to appreciate the rich cultural atmosphere.
Day2: Flaming Mountain, Kumtag Desert, and Tuyugou Mazhavillage. Visit the magnificent scenery of Flaming Mountain, experience the vastness and mystery of the Kumtag Desert, and explore Tuyugou Mazha Village, the oldest Uyghur village in Xinjiang.
Day3: One-day tour of Burqin. Savor the cold-water fish banquet in Burqin, stroll among Russian-style buildings as if in a fairy tale world, and visit the Colorful Beach scenic area in the afternoon.
Day4: Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge. Start early to visit Sayram Lake and admire the lake and mountains, then head to the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform to take in the spectacular scenery.
Day5: Return trip. Depending on your flight schedule, return to Urumqi from places like Shawan or Bole to end your Xinjiang journey.
Plan C (Tianshan Tianchi and Northern Xinjiang scenery):
Day1: Arrival in Urumqi. After being picked up by a shuttle, check into the hotel and enjoy some free time.
Day2: Tianshan Tianchi. Enjoy a relaxing visit to Tianshan Tianchi, admire the mirror-like lake, explore the divine needle, and finally unwind at Wujiang Hot Spring City.
Day3: Kumtag Desert and Flaming Mountain. Traverse the Kumtag Desert to feel its vastness and mystery, then visit the Flaming Mountain scenic area to experience its heat and grandeur.
Day4: Cultural attractions tour. Visit places such as the Sutong Tower, Kanerjing Folk Customs Park, and Jiaohe Ancient City to experience historical charm and folk customs.
Day5: Free activities. Explore the charm of Urumqi to your heart’s content, and then transfer to the airport for the return trip.
The above itinerary is for reference only. Specific arrangements can be adjusted according to personal interests and schedule. During the trip, please pay attention to safety and respect local customs and habits.