Xinjiang's Best for First-Timers

As China's largest province and the western end of China's Silk Road, Xinjiang is the homeland of enthusiastic Uyghurs and several other minorities. Xinjiang offers diverse landscapes, a mix of cultures, fascinating music, joyful dance, and sweet fruits for you to discover and enjoy.

This is a recommended Xinjiang tour for first-time visitors. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the marvelous landscapes, learn about Xinjiang's history and its significance on the Silk Road, and interact with the locals.

Urumqi-Turpan-Kashgar Tour Map

Tour 'Wow' Points

Fall in Love with Heavenly Mountain and Heavenly Lake Colors

The blue lake, green grassland, dark green forest, and white peaks of Tianshan (the 'Heavenly Mountains') create a lovely landscape of picture-perfect Xinjiang.

Experience Exotic Charm in the Westernmost City of China

Experience the region's religion in Xinjiang's biggest mosque. Enjoy the beauty of Islamic architecture in a quiet atmosphere.

Enjoy a Xinjiang Afternoon Tea with Some Locals

Experience the typical social life of the town as you listen to folk music played by the Uyghur seniors.

Explore the Cultural Relics of the Silk Road

Wander around the peculiar ancient clifftop city of Jiaohe. Visit the oldest Uyghur village with a history of 1,700 years.

Be immersive with the finest Buddhist arts of Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are famous for their brightly colored murals, which depict a wide variety of Buddhist subjects.

Catch a Glimpse of the Great Pamirs

Drive along the China-Pakistan Highway. View the impressive Baisha ('White Sand') Lake and Karakul ('Black Lake'). Snow-capped Muztag Ata and other very tall mountains look like a row of strong guards protecting this land.

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1Urumqi Arrival

When you land in Urumqi, your personal tour guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals area and will be ready to transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 2Urumqi to Turpan | Turpan's Essence

Drive from Urumqi to Turpan. Visit Tuyugou Village in the morning. It is a place where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Uyghurs. You may have a chance here to chat with local Uyghur people.

The Bezeklik Caves have been carved into the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains in western China. They date back to the 5th century and are filled with vibrant murals depicting Buddhist scenes and figures. Though some the murals have been damaged, they are still UNESCO sites that worth visiting.

The next stop is the Astana-Karakhoja Tombs, also known as the "Underground Museum". The well-preserved artifacts there offer a window into the lives of the people who lived in Gaochang Kindom 1,500 years ago.

DAY 3Turpan to Urumqi | A Key Silk Road City

Visit Emin Minaret in the morning. A beautiful shadow is cast across the walls in the morning sunlight.

Then, you will visit the ruins of the ancient city of Jiaohe. This city was built by digging down instead of building up from the ground. After lunch, you will venture underground to explore the Karez Well System and experience the wisdom behind this ancient irrigation system.

Drive back to Urumqi in the afternoon

DAY 4Urumqi to Kashgar | Heavenly Mountain and Heavenly Lake

After breakfast, visit Heavenly Lake at the Tianshan Mountains. The mountain lake lies at 1,980 meters above sea level and features picturesque scenery that includes snowcapped peaks. It is nice to walk along the plank path to enjoy the scenery around the Lake. See the magical colors reflected on the surface of the lake and listen to many beautiful myths and legends.

Fly to Kashgar in the evening.

DAY 5Kashgar | Exotic Charm of the Kashgar Old Town

Have a relaxing walk in Kashgar Old City where you can see green lianas climbing on mud buildings and children chasing each other. Visit the biggest mosque in Xinjiang and appreciate the beauty of Islamic architecture in a quiet tomb of a great Uyghur poet.

Later, go to the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, which is famous throughout Asia. This ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries, such as Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.

If you go there on a Sunday, you will have the opportunity to see the livestock market, which is where people take their livestock for trade and shearing.

Walk from the old city to the Handicrafts Street. Go into the shops, touch the semi-finished handicrafts, and test the timbre of exotic musical instruments.

Have a break at the ancient teahouse, which has a history of over 100 years. Many locals gather there to chat, enjoy a tea break, play music, and dance, spending a whole afternoon there.

DAY 6Kashgar | Great Pamirs

Drive along the China-Pakistan Highway. Enjoy the seldom-seen scenery of the westernmost point of China.

The Baisha Lake is surrounded with a mix of white sand dunes, lush grasslands, and poplar forests. The stark contrast between the white sand dunes and the blue water of the lake create a sense of tranquility and peacefulness.

See one of the best-kept secrets in China: Karakul Lake, a sparkling glacial lake. During the 3-hour drive, you may want to ask the driver to stop so that you can take photos as the scenery is breathtaking. The scenery and lake will draw out your inner photographer.

Snow-capped Muztag Ata and other very tall mountains look like a row of strong guards protecting this land.

DAY 7Kashgar Departure

Your guide and driver will take you to Kashgar Airport to catch a flight, and will make sure that your check-in goes smoothly.