This one-day Xinjiang tour offers a rich blend of nature and culture. Begin your journey at Heavenly Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the Tianshan range. After a scenic ride and optional boat cruise, return to Urumqi to explore the Xinjiang Regional Museum, home to rare artifacts and ancient mummies. End your day at the vibrant International Grand Bazaar, where you can taste local delicacies, shop for ethnic crafts, and enjoy traditional performances. This itinerary captures the essence of Xinjiang’s history, diversity, and natural beauty.
Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)--Xinjiang Regional Museum--International Grand Bazaar
4+ stars Hotels
In the morning, you will drive to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled on the northern slope of the Bogda Peak in the eastern Tianshan Mountains. Sitting at an altitude of around 1,910 meters, Tianchi is a pristine alpine lake known for its clear turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is cool and refreshing in summer, and in winter, the frozen lake transforms into a natural ice rink. A scenic shuttle bus will take you through breathtaking landscapes, with stops at iconic spots such as Stone Gate Pass and Dragon Pool Under the Moon, before reaching the lake. Once there, you may choose to take a boat ride on the lake (optional, at your own expense) or simply stroll along the shore, taking in the tranquil scenery and majestic views of the surrounding forests and peaks.
Reminders:
Altitude: The area sits at a high elevation; be sure to dress warmly, wear sun protection, and avoid intense physical activity.
Eco-protection: Please help preserve the environment by not littering.
Weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly—bring rain gear and warm clothing.
In the afternoon, return to Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, which houses over 40,000 cultural relics and specimens. Nearly 400 are classified as Grade I national treasures, accounting for about 60% of all such items in Xinjiang. The museum showcases unique artifacts such as the “Five Stars Rise in the East” armband, Han and Tang dynasty textiles, ancient wool and cotton fabrics, manuscripts, bamboo slips, bronze ware with Scythian features, as well as fossils and well-preserved mummies. The museum includes multiple galleries: History Hall, Ethnography Hall, Mummy Hall, Revolutionary History Hall, and other themed exhibitions, making it a comprehensive cultural institution.
In the evening, head to the dazzling International Grand Bazaar, lit beautifully at night and full of vibrant energy. First, ascend the Silk Road Sightseeing Tower for panoramic views of Urumqi and the bustling bazaar below. Then explore the bazaar’s food street, where you can sample a wide range of Xinjiang specialties, shop for handicrafts, dried fruits, and other local products, and enjoy traditional performances that showcase the region’s rich folk culture.
Recommended Xinjiang Dishes:
Polu (hand-grabbed rice), Laghman (noodles), baked buns, red willow skewers, big plate chicken, spicy chicken, naan bread, nut cakes.
Travel Tips for Xinjiang:
Traffic: Speed limits are strictly enforced in Xinjiang, especially on highways with average speed checks. If you’re self-driving, stay within the limits.
Time Zone: There’s a two-hour difference from Beijing Time. Daily routines are generally delayed, so adjust your schedule accordingly.
Connectivity: While cities and main attractions have good signal coverage, mountains and deserts may have no reception. Download offline maps in advance and carry a power bank.
Temperature: The temperature difference between day and night is significant—bring appropriate warm clothing.
Major Transportation Tip:
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is the largest air hub in Xinjiang and a key international gateway in Northwest China, serving both domestic and Central Asian routes. Urumqi is also well connected to many cities across China by train. For further assistance, feel free to consult an Intoexplore advisor.
