Xinjiang Travel Itinerary from 2 to 14 Days

Xinjiang, this vast land acclaimed as the Land of Song and Dance, the Home of Melons and Fruits, and the Realm of Gold and Jade, is a concentrated expression of the allure of the Western Regions. As an important link along the ancient Silk Road, it carries a profound historical and cultural legacy while also gathering nature's most magnificent gifts—towering snow-capped mountains, pristine glaciers, mirror-like lakes, expansive grasslands, verdant forests, colorful Danxia landforms, and boundless deserts. Scattered among them are ancient city ruins and rich ethnic traditions, together composing breathtaking tableaux of natural and human landscapes.

Want to truly experience the depth and diversity of this land? Follow this guide to explore pastoral songs on the grasslands, villages beneath snow peaks, the tranquility at the edges of glaciers, breezes by the lakes, shifting light and shadow in the forests, the splendor of Danxia formations, the desolation of the desert heartland, and the ancient sites that quietly tell stories of the past. Here, every step reveals a view, and every glance becomes a legend. Step into this mysterious and captivating land of the Western Regions and feel its vastness, purity, and soul-stirring power.

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Xinjiang itinerary, please contact us.

Three Major Area of Xinjiang

Tianshan Tianchi

Xinjiang is mainly divided into three regions: Northern Xinjiang, Southern Xinjiang, and Eastern Xinjiang. The area south of the Tianshan Mountains and north of the Kunlun mountain range is known as Southern Xinjiang; the area north of the Tianshan Mountains is commonly referred to as Northern Xinjiang; while the Hami–Turpan Basin is generally classified as Eastern Xinjiang.

Northern Xinjiang is renowned for its natural scenery, featuring magnificent snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, forests, and desert landscapes. Classic destinations include Kanas, the Ili grasslands, and Sayram Lake. With its rich layers of scenery and constantly changing landscapes, it is the top choice for many first-time visitors to Xinjiang.

Southern Xinjiang is richer in human history and ethnic culture and is the core region of Uyghur culture. Places such as Kashgar and Hotan preserve a large number of traditional buildings and ways of life. Compared with Northern Xinjiang, public transportation and tourism infrastructure in Southern Xinjiang are less developed, making it more challenging for first-time travelers.

Eastern Xinjiang, represented by Turpan, is characterized by unique desert and Gobi landscapes and historical sites, such as the Flaming Mountains and the Karez irrigation system.

2-day or 3-day Xinjiang Itinerary

Kanas

Xinjiang covers a vast area, and distances between attractions in different regions are considerable. As a result, short trips of two or three days usually focus on a single area. For example, in Northern Xinjiang, travelers often concentrate on the Kanas Scenic Area or the Ili River Valley; in Southern Xinjiang, on the Kashgar region and the Pamir Plateau. Eastern Xinjiang is generally combined with the regional capital, Urumqi, which allows for a more efficient and enjoyable way to explore Xinjiang.

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4-day or 5-day Xinjiang Itinerary

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

If you plan to explore multiple regions in one trip, you will also discover lesser-known treasures along the way as you travel between destinations. Between Altay and Ili lies the mysterious World Ghost City; between the Ancient City of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau is the tranquil Baisha Lake; between Kuqa and Bayanbulak is the beautiful Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon; and between Turpan and Hami stretches the vast Kumtag Desert. These sights along the route are in no way inferior to the major highlight attractions.

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7-day or 8-day Xinjiang Itinerary

Sayram Lake

If you have about a week, choosing the Northern Xinjiang loop or the central Silk Road route would be ideal. On the Northern Xinjiang loop, Koktokay, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, the Ili River Valley, Nalati Grassland, and Bayanbulak Grassland are all shining gems. Along the Silk Road route, places such as Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, and Kashgar are best places to experience the cultural heritage in Xinjiang. Of course, traveling east from Urumqi along the Eastern Xinjiang loop is also a good option.

Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi and visit the Grand Bazaar.

Day 2: Head to Kanas Lake and explore the surrounding area.

Day 3: Visit Hemu Village and experience the traditional way of life.

Day 4: Explore the Sayram Lake and surrounding grasslands.

Day 5: Visit the Kuitun Grand Canyon and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Day 6: Take a day trip to the Tianshan Mountains and hike to the Tianchi Lake.

Day 7: Depart from Urumqi.

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10-day or 14-day Xinjiang Itinerary

Taklimakan desert

If time is very ample, you can explore Northern Xinjiang, Southern Xinjiang, and Eastern Xinjiang alike—essentially completing the grand loop of Xinjiang. You can also try more meaningful experiences, such as crossing the largest desert in China, the Taklamakan, living and experiencing daily life with local Uyghur herders, or getting up close to a world of ice and snow in Altay during winter.

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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.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Xinjiang Tour, please visit our Xinjiang Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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