14 Days Xinjiang Itinerary

14 Days Xinjiang Travel Itinerary

Xinjiang is a magical and beautiful land, as well as a vast and abundant treasure trove. Across its expansive territory rise three great mountain ranges, while two immense basins lie in quiet repose. For thousands of years, the Silk Road has passed through here, bringing together diverse cultures and civilizations. If you have two weeks to explore Xinjiang, how can you make the most of your time and fully experience its allure? This guide will provide you with a detailed itinerary for an unforgettable fourteen-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Xinjiang to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.

14 Days Xinjiang Itinerary for Family with Kids

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

Day 1: After arriving in Urumqi, you can check in your hotel and have a rest. Walk in the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar after dinner, find a wide variety of distinctive goods and souvenirs and sample authentic Xinjiang snacks.

Day 2: Visit Tianshan Tianchi. The crystal-clear waters reflect Bogda Peak, surrounded by mountains covered with tall, verdant spruce and fir trees. Take a boat cruise on the lake to admire the scenery of mountains and water. Then take a train to Fuyun County.

Day 3: Explore Koktokay, an excellent destination for photography, where you may enjoy exhilarating skiing on powder-snow. In the evening, head to Beitun.

Day 4: Travel to Jiadengyu, then take in the views of the Kanas Lake by cruise. Then you can head to Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of the lake. In the evening, you can explore the old village of Kanas and stay overnight in a local homestay.

Day 5: Start your day early to catch the morning mist and sunrise over Kanas, then hike or drift along the three bays of Kanas Lake. Take a bus to the Hemu Village in the afternoon, where you can explore at your leisure.

Day 6: Visit the local museum, learning about the history of Tuva people. Then head to Jipukelin Ski Resort to enjoy skiing or go horseback riding on the Hemu Grassland.

Day 7: Head towards Habahe County, taking in the natural scenery along the way. In the afternoon, visit the Wucai Beach and capture its landscape under the sunlight.

Day 8: Visit the Ghost City in Karamay. This site features classic yardang landforms, with bizarrely shaped earthen mounds all around, cracked yellow soil underfoot, no vegetation in sight, and an atmosphere of stark desolation.

Day 9: Head to Ili to visit Sayram Lake, the Tears of the Atlantic. In the evening, you can camp beside the lake or turn to Huocheng County for accommodation.

Day 10: Visit the Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden, and then drive to Kalajun Grassland to enjoy your grassland picnic. In the evening, stay at Tekes and explore the Bagua City.

Day 11: Go to Nalati and visit the Nalati Grassland, and you can try to enjoy the scenery by a UAV. Stay overnight at Bayanbulak Town.

Day 12: Explore the Bayanbulak Grassland, visit the Swan Lake and Eighteen Binds. After that, cross the scenic Duku Highway and enjoy the sights of Dushanzi Grand Canyon along the way, and stay overnight at Kuytun City.

Day 13: Return to Urumqi, and head to visit Tianshan Grand Canyon. In the evening, turn back to the city center and explore the delicious food at Starlight Night Market.

Day 14: In the last day, you can sleep in this morning and wander around the city at your ease.

14 Days Xinjiang Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Pace

Kanas

Day 1: On the first day in Urumqi, stay at your hotel for a good rest. If you have enough energy, you can explore the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar.

Day 2: Visit the Xinjiang Museum, then you can visit Nanshan Park and Shuimogou Park. In the evening, if you still have energy, you can walk in the Erdaoqiao Pedestrian Street.

Day 3: Head to visit Tianshan Tianchi and stroll along the lakeside path while gazing at the snow-capped Bogda Peak in the distance. You can also take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the feeling of being immersed in a painting. In the evening, arrive in Mori County.

Day 4: Set out for Barkol, visit the Barkol Grassland. It is the second-largest grassland in Xinjiang, with robust cattle and sheep, lush pasture, fresh air, and carpets of green grass, an ideal place for relaxation and leisure.

Day 5: Travel to the Hami Yardang Dahaidao, crossing ancient trails through uninhabited areas, where you can admire Gobi Yardang landforms, desert canyons, stony beaches with poplar trees, natural asphalt, and more, finally arriving in Hami to rest.

Day 6: Head to the Baishitou Scenic Area to explore the sceneries. In the afternoon, go to the nearby Mingsha Mountain, then visit the Tianshan Temple to take in panoramic views of the Tianshan Mountains. Return to Hami in the evening.

Day 7: Travel to the Kumtag Desert, where you can enjoy camel riding and sand therapy and hot-air balloon sightseeing to fully embrace the grandeur of the desert.

Day 8: Arrive in Turpan to visit the Karez Folk Culture Park and Grape Valley at the foot of the Flaming Mountains. Then head toward the mountains to learn about the fascinating culture associated with Journey to the West.

Day 9: Visit the Aiding Lake, explore the lowest point in the Chinese mainland. After that, return to Urumqi and have a good rest.

Day 10: Take a flight to Kanas in the morning. Afterward, explore the Kanas Lake either by taking a sightseeing bus or by hiking around the area. In the evening, explore the Kanas Village and then enjoy a peaceful night.

Day 11: Start your day early to take a bus to Guanyu Platform, catching the morning mist and sunrise over Kanas. Then hike along the Kanas Lake trail, visiting scenic spots and three bays. Afterward, take a bus to Jiadengyu for relaxing.

Day 12: Drive to Hemu Village, where you can pick out local crafts and specialties in the workshops. After lunch, head to Hemu Grassland, and enjoy the view of the Hemu River and the wooden houses from the surrounding hills. In the evening, stay in the homestay.

Day 13: In the morning, take a peaceful walk through the birch forest. Afterward, enjoy a horseback ride to Mount Meili, then return to the Hemu Sunset Viewing Platform to watch the golden rays of the sunset. After dinner, head back to Jiadengyu.

Day 14: Drive to Baihaba Village, take a leisurely stroll through the village and buy some souvenirs in Baihaba workshop. In the afternoon, return to Kanas.

14 Days Xinjiang Itinerary for Young Travelers

Ghost City

Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, explore the International Grand Bazaar, experiencing the charm of Xinjiang. You can also head to the Starlight Night Market for local delicacy.

Day 2: Travel along Xinjiang Provincial Highway 101, taking in the beauty of the Tianshan Mountains along the way. Arrive at Dushanzi Grand Canyon and step into the hidden realm of Duku to admire geological wonders sculpted by time. Stay overnight at Dushanzi.

Day 3: Drive along the Duku Highway to Bayanbulag and visit the Bayanbulak Grassland, viewing the Swan Lake and the Eighteen Bends on the platform.

Day 4: Visit the Nalati Sky Grassland and experience the exhilaration of riding fine horses across open fields. In the afternoon, head to Tekes to rest, and you can also visit the Bagua City to appreciate Chinese unique urban aesthetics.

Day 5: Head to Zhaosu and visit the Xiate Scenic Area, explore the ancient trails, gorges, wetlands, glaciers, and other natural wonders. In the afternoon, go to the Tekes River section to watch the performance of horses bathing in the river or thousands of steeds galloping.

Day 6: Travel to Yining and visit Huocheng, China's largest lavender production base. In the afternoon, cross the Guozigou Road to enter the Ili Valley and camp by Sayram Lake.

Day 7: Have a full loop tour around Sayram Lake to enjoy panoramic views of the Last Tear of the Atlantic. Then travel via Jinghe County to Karamay for rest and relaxation.

Day 8: Visit the mysterious Ghost City, known for its rare wind-eroded landforms where, when strong winds rise, the sounds resemble wailing ghosts and howling spirits. In the evening, arrive in Burqin County.

Day 9: Head to Kanas, hike around Kanas Lake and take in the stunning views of the lake and mountains by cruise. You can also go up to Guanyu Platform to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and witness the sunset.

Day 10: Explore the Hemu Village, encounter local herdsmen and experience the joy of horseback riding. Then explore the serene beauty of the nearby birch forests. If in winter, you can head to the Jipukelin Ski Resort instead. In the evening, return to Jiadengyu.

Day 11: Continue exploring Kanas and depart in the afternoon, then return to Burqin to watch the sunset at the Five-Colored Beach. In the evening, explore local food at the riverside night market.

Day 12: Travel to Beitun City to explore Keketuohai and admire the enchanting scenery of a wetland kingdom of the grasslands.

Day 13: Head to Tianshan Tianchi, enjoy a boat cruise on the lake and admire the scenery of mountains and water and experience the charm of nature. Then arrive in Urumqi.

Day 14: In the last day you can take a citywalk and enjoy your free time.

14 Days Xinjiang cultural Immersion Itinerary

Sayram Lake

Day 1: Stroll leisurely around the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, viewing the strong Islamic-style architecture and a wide array of Uyghur specialty goods.

Day 2: Visit the Xinjiang Museum to gain an in-depth understanding of Xinjiang and the cultural history of the ancient Silk Road. Then head to the Xinjiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum to experience how to make the handcrafts.

Day 3: Travel to Kuqa, explore the Grand Naan City to learn about the development and heritage of Xinjiang's naan culture.

Day 4: Visit the Kuqa Grand Mosque and the Kuqa Royal Palace. In the afternoon, head to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, that is an artistic treasure, renowned for their exquisite murals. Overnight stay in Wensu County.

Day 5: Visit the ruined Kader Royal Tomb and explore Aksu City. In the afternoon, travel to Kashgar, stopping in Bachu County along the way to see the ruins of Tangwang City, once part of the ancient Weitou Kingdom. In Kashgar, take a leisurely walk at Abakh Khoja Tomb, enjoy the characteristic architecture of the Uyghur people while taking a break.

Day 6: Visit the Ancient City of Kashgar early to watch the Opening Ceremony, and head to Kashgar's landmark, the Id Kah Mosque. If in a Sunday, be sure not to miss the Kashgar Livestock Bazaar, the largest live-animal trading market in Xinjiang and even in Asia, filled with the raw vitality of traditional trade and the rich atmosphere of Uyghur culture.

Day 7: Visit the Kashgar Museum, feeling the culture and development the historical city. After that, head to the Gaotai Residence to feel the pulse and rhythm of life in Kashgar.

Day 8: Depart for Tashkurgan, exploring the Baisha Lake on the Pamir Plateau along the way, and viewing Muztagh Ata from afar at Karakul Lake, the world's highest plateau lake. Overnight stay in Tashkurgan County.

Day 9: Drive onto the Panlong Road to experience the thrill of navigating winding curves, cross the mountains to Waqia Township. Then pass several ancient sites, and reach the banks of the Tashkurgan River, finally return to Tashkurgan.

Day 10: Travel to Yarkand, stroll through Yarkand Old City to experience the vibrant clash of colors, and explore the royal mausoleums of the Yarkand Khanate to learn about the city's history and cultural heritage.

Day 11: Arrive in Hotan and learn about the famous Hotan jade in China. As night falls, sample Xinjiang's local specialties at the Hotan Night Market.

Day 12: Travel to Minfeng County to search for the thousand-year-lost Jingjue Kingdom, known as the Pompeii of the East, and stay overnight in Minfeng.

Day 13: Cross the first desert highway through the Taklamakan Desert, enjoy the desert scenery along the way, then head north directly to Luntai County to see the poplar forests.

Day 14: Go to Korla and visit the Bayingol Museum, and stop by the Jiamai Mosque and Dafang Mosque in Korla to admire Islamic architecture. Then return to Urumqi.

Customize Your Unique Xinjiang Silk Road Tour

If you are interested in one of the Xinjiang itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

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Informative Articles for Your Xinjiang Trip

Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar

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• Cultural immersions: hands-on activities to spotlight your trip
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• Xinjiang Tours: tailor-made Xinjiang Tours for your reference