9 Days Xinjiang Grand Discovery Tour

Today travel from Urumqi to Turpan, one of the most important Silk Road oasis cities in Xinjiang. Located in a desert basin surrounded by mountains, Turpan has been a center of trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange for thousands of years.

Your first visit is the Karez Irrigation System, an ancient underground water network that allowed local communities to develop agriculture in one of China’s driest regions. The Karez system demonstrates the remarkable knowledge and creativity of ancient people who adapted to the desert environment.

Continue to Jiaohe Ancient City, a well-preserved Silk Road settlement built on a natural earthen plateau. Walking through the ruins, you can imagine the city’s former importance as a political, commercial, and cultural center.

In the afternoon, visit Grape Valley, a green oasis famous for its vineyards and sweet grapes. Here you can learn about traditional Uyghur farming methods and experience the unique lifestyle of Turpan’s local communities.

Enjoy a halal lunch featuring specialties such as lamb kebabs, noodles, and pilaf before returning to Urumqi.

Take a domestic flight from Urumqi to Ili, the heart of the beautiful Ili Valley. Known as the “Jiangnan of Xinjiang” because of its fertile land, rivers, and green landscapes, Ili offers a completely different scenery from the deserts of eastern Xinjiang.

After arrival, explore the Ili Valley, a region famous for its vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and traditional pastoral culture. The area has long been home to Kazakh communities, whose lifestyles are closely connected with horses, livestock, and seasonal migration.

Later visit Liuxing Street (Six Star Street) in Ili, a historic neighborhood featuring colorful houses, traditional architecture, and a multicultural atmosphere. Walking through the streets, you can observe local daily life, taste regional snacks, and experience the cultural diversity that makes Ili one of Xinjiang’s most fascinating destinations.

Today explore Sayram Lake, one of Xinjiang’s most spectacular natural attractions. Located near the western border of Xinjiang and surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue water, alpine grasslands, and peaceful mountain scenery. Known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” the lake is considered one of the most beautiful highland lakes in China. Spend time enjoying the panoramic views, walking along the lakeside, and taking photos of the surrounding snow mountains and grasslands.

Along the way, visit the impressive Guozigou Bridge, which crosses a deep mountain valley and provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape. The region is also connected with Kazakh nomadic traditions, and travelers can learn more about traditional pastoral life and local customs.

Because Xinjiang covers an enormous area, today combines a domestic flight and private transportation to save travel time. Take a morning flight from Ili back to Urumqi, then continue by private vehicle toward northern Xinjiang and the Kanas region.

The journey passes through the vast Junggar Basin, one of China’s largest inland basins, where the scenery changes from open desert landscapes to grasslands and mountain areas. This route offers a good introduction to northern Xinjiang’s unique geography, where different natural environments exist within a single region.

Continue toward Burqin or the Kanas area, preparing for the next two days of mountain and forest scenery.

Today discover Kanas, one of northern Xinjiang’s most famous scenic areas. Located in the Altai Mountains, Kanas is known for its deep forests, snow-covered peaks, clear rivers, and beautiful alpine lake scenery.

Visit Kanas Lake, where the water changes colors depending on the season, weather, and sunlight. The peaceful landscape creates one of Xinjiang’s most unforgettable natural experiences.

Continue to a traditional Tuvan Village to learn about the lifestyle, architecture, and customs of this unique ethnic community. The Tuvan people have preserved many traditional practices connected with the surrounding forests and mountains, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s cultural diversity.

Continue exploring northern Xinjiang with a visit to Hemu Village, one of the most beautiful traditional villages in the Altai Mountains. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains, Hemu is famous for its wooden houses and peaceful rural atmosphere. The village is home to Tuvan and Kazakh communities, and visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of people who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.

After enjoying the scenery and village atmosphere, travel back toward Burqin and continue your journey to Urumqi by vehicle or flight depending on the schedule. This day provides a perfect contrast between Xinjiang’s remote mountain villages and its modern capital city.

Take a domestic flight from Urumqi to Kashgar, the cultural center of southern Xinjiang and one of the most important cities along the ancient Silk Road. Kashgar has been a major trading hub connecting China with Central Asia for centuries and remains one of the best places to experience Uyghur Muslim culture.

Explore Kashgar Old City, where traditional houses, narrow streets, handicraft workshops, and local markets preserve the atmosphere of an old Silk Road town. Visit the famous Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest and most important mosques in China, which has served as a religious and cultural center for local Muslims for generations.

In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Kashgar’s local market or night food streets, where you can taste authentic Xinjiang halal cuisine and experience the unique character of southern Xinjiang.

On the final day, travel from Kashgar toward the magnificent Pamir Mountains, one of the world’s most impressive high-altitude regions. The Pamir Plateau has been an important cultural crossroads between China and Central Asia for centuries.

Visit White Sand Lake (Baisha Lake), where white sand dunes meet turquoise water and snow-covered mountains, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes along the Karakoram Highway.

Continue to Karakul Lake, located near the famous Muztagh Ata Mountain. The reflection of the snow-covered peaks in the clear blue lake creates a breathtaking view and represents one of the highlights of southern Xinjiang travel.

After sightseeing, return to Kashgar Airport for your departure flight, ending your Muslim-friendly Xinjiang discovery journey.