This 3-day tour explores Urumqi and Turpan's cultural and natural highlights. Day 1 visits UNESCO’s Tianchi Lake (1,910m alpine lake), Xinjiang Museum (40,000+ artifacts), and the illuminated International Grand Bazaar. Day 2 travels to Turpan by high-speed rail to see Flaming Mountains (47.8℃ summer heat), Tuyugou Canyon’s red cliffs, and 5th-century Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Day 3 includes the Karez Well irrigation system (ancient engineering), Jiaohe Ancient City (2,000-year-old adobe ruins), and Sugong Minaret (Islamic architecture). Travel tips: adjust for 2-hour time difference, pack layers for temperature swings (desert heat to mountain cool). Transportation: Urumqi’s Diwopu Airport and Turpan’s railway/airport connect to major cities.
- Tianchi Lake -- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum -- International Grand Bazaar
- 4-Stars Hotel
- Breakfast
In the morning, you will drive to Tianchi Lake， a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled at the northern foot of Bogda Peak in the eastern Tianshan Mountains, this natural alpine lake sits at an altitude of about 1,910 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, its crystal-clear blue waters offer cool summer retreats and transform into a natural ice rink in winter. Take the scenic shuttle bus to explore spots like Shimen Gorge and Longtan Lake, then arrive at the lakeshore. Optionally take a paid boat tour or stroll along the shore to admire the mountain-lake scenery and surrounding snow-capped peaks and forests.
Notes:
Altitude: Due to the high elevation, dress warmly, apply sunscreen, and avoid strenuous exercise. -
Environment: Protect the eco-system; no littering.
Weather: Mountain weather is changeable; bring rain gear and warm clothing.
In the afternoon, return to Urumqi from Tianchi Lake and visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum. Housing over 40,000 cultural relics and specimens, including nearly 400 national first-class relics (accounting for 60% of Xinjiang’s total first-class relics), highlights include the "Five Stars Rising in the East for China" silk armguard, Han-Tang silk fabrics, ancient woolen textiles, bronze wares with Scythian cultural features, and ancient mummy specimens. The museum’s exhibits span historical, folk customs, ancient corpse, revolutionary history, and special theme halls. In the evening, head to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, stunning under night lights. Climb the Silk Road Observation Tower for panoramic views of Urumqi and the bustling bazaar. Sample Xinjiang specialties like hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and nang bread in the food street, shop for handicrafts and dried fruits, and watch folk performances to experience Xinjiang’s warmth and vitality.
Xinjiang Cuisine Recommendations:
Hand-pulled rice, laghman noodles, baked buns, red willow lamb skewers, big plate chicken, spicy chicken, nang bread, and nut cake.
Travel Tips:
- Transportation: Strict speed limits apply in Xinjiang, with section speed monitoring on some roads. Avoid speeding if self-driving.
- Time Difference: Xinjiang is 2 hours behind Beijing Time; adjust your schedule accordingly.
- Network Signal: Good coverage in cities and scenic areas, but remote mountains and deserts may have no signal. Download offline maps and carry a power bank.
- Temperature: Large day-night temperature variations; pack warm clothing.
