Cultural Delights of Xinjiang: 10-Day Adventure Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Take a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, prepared by your guide.

After returning to the city, explore the Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowuguan), where you can learn about the history and culture of the region. Then, take a leisurely walk in the Nanshan Pasture, enjoying the wide-open spaces and the grazing livestock.

Dine at Silk Road Spices Restaurant, which offers a fusion of flavors inspired by the ancient trade route. After dinner, take a relaxing evening walk in Hongshan Park (Red Mountain Park), where you can see the city lights below.

Start your day with a visit to the Xinjiang Silk Road Museum, where you can explore the history of the Silk Road and its impact on the region. Then, enjoy a modern twist on Uyghur cuisine at Urumqi Noodle House, known for its innovative noodle dishes.

Spend your afternoon at the Urumqi International Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Huijia Caravanserai, an ancient inn that once hosted Silk Road travelers.

For dinner, experience the flavors of Xinjiang at Spicy Hot Pot House, where you can enjoy a communal hot pot meal with a variety of meats and vegetables. End the evening with a visit to a local teahouse, such as Yijinhuoluo Chenghuang Temple, where you can relax and enjoy traditional music and dance performances.

Embark on a private day tour from Urumqi to Turpan, visiting the Flaming Mountains (Huoyan Shan). Marvel at the unique red sandstone formations and learn about the region's geological history. Enjoy a packed lunch with a view of the mountains.

Continue your tour with a visit to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (Bosi Grottoes), where you can admire ancient Buddhist art and architecture. Then, explore the Turpan Water Museum (Tulupu Lake), learning about the traditional irrigation methods used in the desert.

Return to Urumqi and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at Silk Road Kitchen, which offers a modern take on Silk Road cuisine. Reflect on the day's adventures as you enjoy a variety of dishes inspired by the flavors of the ancient trade route.

Begin with a visit to the Turpan Ancient City (Jiaohe Ruins), exploring the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Silk Road city. Then, experience the unique landscape of the Turpan Grape Valley (Tulufan Putao Gou), where you can taste local grapes and learn about the region's viticulture.

Enjoy a traditional Uyghur lunch at Turpan Flavors Restaurant, which offers a range of local dishes in a relaxed setting. Afterward, visit the Karez System (Kan'erjing), an underground irrigation network that has sustained agriculture in the desert for centuries.

As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk in the Turpan Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta), also known as the Sugong Tower, and admire the unique Islamic architecture. Then, enjoy a delightful dinner at Turpan Oasis Restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of the desert oasis.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the Nanshan Ski Village, where you can take in the mountain views and, if visiting in winter, enjoy some skiing or snowboarding. Afterward, stop for a warm beverage at the on-site cafe.

Return to the city and visit the Urumqi People's Park (Renmin Gongyuan), a popular spot for locals to relax and socialize. Then, take a guided tour of the Urumqi Erdaoqiao International Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional Uyghur crafts and souvenirs.

For dinner, try the fusion cuisine at Modern Uyghur Kitchen, which combines traditional flavors with modern presentation. Afterward, pick up your Urumqi China (with VPN)/ Asia eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan from a local provider, ensuring you stay connected throughout your journey.

Start your day with a peaceful visit to the Hongshan Park (Red Mountain Park), where you can take a morning walk and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Then, have a leisurely breakfast at Urumqi Morning Bites, a local favorite for morning pastries and coffee.

Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Nanshan Pasture, surrounded by the beauty of the grasslands and distant mountains. You can opt for a horseback ride or simply enjoy a picnic lunch in the open air, provided by your guide.

Reflect on your journey over a special dinner at Turpan Sunset View Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the setting sun. Raise a toast to the experiences you've had and the memories you've made in Xinjiang.

Discover the lesser-known side of Urumqi with a visit to the Xinjiang University, where you can explore the campus and learn about the educational system in the region. Then, enjoy a casual breakfast at Urumqi Street Food Haven, sampling local street foods and snacks.

Visit the Urumqi Zoo (Xinjiang Wild Animal Park), home to a variety of animals native to the region. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Museum, gaining insight into the unique agricultural and economic system of Xinjiang.

Dine at Urumqi Fusion Cuisine House, which offers a blend of Uyghur, Han, and international flavors. After dinner, take a leisurely walk in the Urumqi People's Park (Renmin Gongyuan), enjoying the evening ambiance and perhaps catching a local performance.

Enjoy a final breakfast at Urumqi Modern Eats, where you can savor contemporary Uyghur dishes. Then, take a morning visit to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, delving deeper into the history and culture of the region before bidding Urumqi farewell.

As you prepare to depart, take a moment to relax at the Urumqi International Bazaar, picking up any last-minute souvenirs or mementos. For lunch, enjoy a casual meal at Urumqi Farewell Noodles, a fitting way to end your culinary journey in Xinjiang.

Reflect on your time in Urumqi over a farewell dinner at Urumqi Farewell Feast, where you can enjoy a variety of local specialties. Raise a toast to the memories made and the experiences shared before heading to your next destination.

Begin your day with a visit to Dahuangshan National Forest Park, where you can take a nature walk and enjoy the lush surroundings. Then, have breakfast at Urumqi Breakfast Nook, a local spot known for its morning delights.

Explore the Tianshan Tianchi National Park (Tian Shan Grand Canyon), marveling at the natural beauty and diverse landscapes. For lunch, stop at Urumqi Lunch Spot, which offers a range of local and international dishes to satisfy your appetite.

Conclude your trip with a memorable dinner at Urumqi Evening Eats, where you can enjoy a fusion of Uyghur and global flavors. Raise a glass to the adventures you've had and the new tastes you've discovered in Urumqi.