Northern Xinjiang China Adventure 9 days Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake). Located about 110 km east of Urumqi in the Tian Shan mountains, this stunning alpine lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake or take a hike along its scenic trails.

After spending time at Tianchi Lake, have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants offering local cuisine. Then make your way back to Urumqi and visit Red Mountain (Hong Shan) for more breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

End your day with dinner at Eden Cafe, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Western-style dishes as well as local favorites.

Start your morning with a visit to Grand Bazaar (Erdaoqiao Market). This bustling market is one of the largest in Xinjiang and offers an array of goods including spices, dried fruits, textiles, and handicrafts. It's also an excellent place to experience Uyghur culture firsthand.

Have lunch at one of the many food stalls within the Grand Bazaar before heading over to Sha Yi Ba Er Mosque. This mosque is an important religious site for Muslims in Urumqi and showcases beautiful Islamic architecture.

For dinner, dine at Yasmin Restaurant, which offers an extensive menu featuring both Uyghur and international dishes.

Visit Southern Pasture in Nanshan Scenic Area located about 75 km south of Urumqi. This area is known for its picturesque grasslands dotted with yurts where you can experience traditional Kazakh culture.

Enjoy lunch at one of the yurts offering authentic Kazakh cuisine before returning to Urumqi city center to visit Xinjiang Silk Road Museum. The museum provides insights into Xinjiang's role as a key region along the ancient Silk Road trade route.

Conclude your day with dinner at Qi Tai Lao Zhang Ji Shao Kao, famous for its grilled skewers and other mouth-watering barbecue dishes.

Start your final day in Urumqi with a visit to Tianshan Grand Canyon. This natural wonder offers stunning views of dramatic cliffs and rock formations. It's a great place for hiking and taking in the beauty of Xinjiang's landscape.

After exploring the canyon, head back to Urumqi for lunch at Kariz Restaurant, known for its delicious Uyghur dishes and friendly atmosphere. Then visit Urumqi Botanical Garden to enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by diverse plant species and beautiful gardens.

For your last evening in Urumqi, dine at Silk Road Restaurant, which offers a variety of traditional Xinjiang dishes. Reflect on your incredible journey through Northern Xinjiang as you savor the flavors of the region.

Start your day with a visit to the Jiaohe Ancient City. This ancient city, also known as Yarghul, is one of the world's largest and oldest surviving ancient cities made of raw earth. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region.

After exploring Jiaohe, head to the Karez Irrigation System. This ancient irrigation system is an engineering marvel that has sustained the region for centuries. Learn about its history and significance while enjoying a cool respite from the desert heat.

For dinner, enjoy local Uyghur cuisine at Makan Restaurant, known for its delicious kebabs and traditional dishes.

Begin your day with a visit to the Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda). This beautiful minaret is the tallest in China and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Its intricate brickwork and design are a testament to Islamic architecture.

Next, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. These caves are home to ancient Buddhist murals that date back over a thousand years. The artwork provides insight into the religious and cultural history of the region.

End your day with dinner at Turpan Night Market, where you can sample a variety of local street foods and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Travel to Karamay and start your day with a visit to World Devil City (Wuerhe Wind City). This unique geological formation is known for its eerie landscapes shaped by wind erosion. It's an excellent spot for photography and exploration.

After exploring World Devil City, have lunch at one of Karamay's local eateries before heading to Black Oil Mountain. This mountain is famous for its natural oil seeps and striking black rock formations.

For dinner, dine at Karamay International Hotel Restaurant, which offers a range of Chinese and international dishes in an elegant setting.

Begin your day with a visit to Kanas Lake. Located in Altay Prefecture, this stunning alpine lake is surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains. It's often referred to as 'the fairyland on earth' due to its breathtaking beauty.

Enjoy lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants before visiting Hemu Village. This traditional village is home to ethnic Kazakh people who live in wooden houses amidst picturesque scenery. Experience their unique culture and way of life.

Conclude your day with dinner at Altay Restaurant, known for its hearty Kazakh cuisine including lamb dishes and dairy products.