Here is a recommended 3-day travel itinerary for Xinjiang:?
Day 1: Exploring Urumqi City?
Hongshan Park: Arrive around 8 am to enjoy the fresh air and appreciate the natural landscape in the center of Urumqi. You can also go jogging to exercise. The park features attractions such as Hongshan Tower and Yuantiao Pavilion, which are great places for taking photos.?
International Bazaar: Within walking distance of just over ten minutes, you’ll find a variety of unique products, delicacies, and handicrafts. It is recommended to spend 1-2 hours exploring and picking up some souvenirs to take home. Avoid peak times.?
Xinjiang Folk Street: Suitable for taking photos, with a unique architectural style that integrates Islamic flavor and modern design. It’s less crowded here, making it ideal for photography. Every photo you take will be great.?
Lingguan Lane: A famous snack street in Urumqi where you can try local specialties such as baked naan and grilled meat.?
Day 2: A Blend of Culture and Nature?
Xinjiang Museum: Make a reservation in advance to visit the mummy specimens, ancient clothing exhibitions, and restored caves from the Kizil Grottoes. The museum is particularly large with 32,000 collections. It is recommended to rent an audio guide to find exhibits more easily.?
Yamalik Mountain Forest Park: Free admission, suitable for hiking and scenic viewing. It is recommended to visit in the evening when the light is softer and you can capture better classic photos of the city and snow-capped mountains. When hiking, remember to wear a thick jacket as the temperature at the top of the mountain is low.?
Restaurants near the entrance of Hongliu Spring: Taste local cuisine such as big plate chicken, grilled mutton skewers, and hand-grabbed rice. The grilled mutton skewers at roadside stalls, paired with beer, are highly recommended.?
Day 3: Tian Chi in Mount Tianshan and Tianshan Grand Canyon?
Tian Chi in Mount Tianshan: Departing from Urumqi city center, you can rent a car and drive to Tian Chi in Mount Tianshan, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The combined ticket price for entry and the uphill bus is 155 yuan, and it can be purchased online in advance. The scenery of Tian Chi changes with the weather. On sunny days, the color of the lake water changes with the angle of the sunlight, while on cloudy days, the clouds are constantly changing. It is recommended to visit on a sunny day with little cloud cover.?
Tianshan Grand Canyon: If time permits, you can continue to explore the Tianshan Grand Canyon. The natural scenery here is equally spectacular, making it a great place for hiking and photography [Note: Although the detailed itinerary of the Tianshan Grand Canyon is not directly mentioned in the original text, based on Xinjiang’s tourism resources, it can be added as a supplementary attraction for the third day].?
During the trip, please note that the climate is changeable and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Make sure to take proper measures for warmth and sunscreen. Additionally, Xinjiang’s roads are vast, so it’s best to plan your itinerary ahead of time and be cautious about self-driving during winter. I hope this guide can help you enjoy an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!?