Cultural Delights of Xinjiang in 11 Days Itinerary

Enjoy a breakfast at Tianshan Tea City, a local favorite. Then, embark on a full-day private tour to the breathtaking Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine scenery. Take a boat ride on the lake and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Have a picnic lunch at the lake, prepared by your tour guide. After returning to Urumqi, visit the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area (Tianchi) to learn about the natural history and geological significance of this stunning location.

For dinner, experience the flavors of the Silk Road at Silk Road Kitchen. Then, unwind with a traditional Uighur music and dance performance at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, where you can also shop for souvenirs.

Begin with a breakfast at Tianshan Tea City. Then, set out on a day trip to the nearby city of Turpan. Visit the Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins, an impressive archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the ancient Silk Road civilization.

Enjoy a traditional Uighur lunch at Desert Rose Restaurant in Turpan. Afterward, explore the unique landscape of the Flaming Mountains (Huoyan Shan), where the red sandstone cliffs create a surreal and fiery vista.

Return to Urumqi and dine at Uighur Flavors Restaurant, where you can sample a variety of local dishes. Reflect on the day's adventures as you enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Red Hill (Hong Shan), a sacred site with historical significance.

Start your day with a visit to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), an innovative agricultural and industrial complex. Learn about the unique economic and social development model of this region.

Enjoy a modern lunch at Metro Cafe, a popular spot for both locals and expats. Spend your afternoon exploring the Xinjiang University, where you can observe the blend of traditional and modern education in Xinjiang.

Dine at Tianshan International Grand Bazaar, an iconic venue that offers a wide range of international and local cuisines. After dinner, take a relaxing walk around the bazaar and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Begin your day with a visit to the Xinjiang Silk Road Museum, where you can explore the history and cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Tianshan Tea City.

Head to the Urumqi People's Park (Renmin Gongyuan) for a peaceful afternoon. You can have lunch at the park's restaurant, Peaceful Pavilion, and then take a stroll to admire the traditional architecture and beautiful gardens.

For dinner, try the international cuisine at Blue Sky Restaurant. Afterward, enjoy a performance at the Xinjiang Song and Dance Ensemble, where you can witness the vibrant cultural expressions of the region.

Have a breakfast at Tianshan Tea City before heading to the Nanshan Pasture (Nanshan Grassland). Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the pastoral scenery, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some grazing yaks.

Lunch will be served at the Nanshan Ski Resort, where you can also take a ride on the chairlift to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, visit the Xinjiang Regional Library to explore its extensive collection and architectural beauty.

Dine at Tianshan International Grand Bazaar and then take a relaxing walk around the Urumqi Waterwheel, a symbol of the city's history and development.

Start your day with a visit to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and diverse ethnic groups of Xinjiang. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Uighur breakfast at Uighur Flavors Restaurant.

Explore the Urumqi South Mosque (Xinjiang Grand Mosque), one of the largest mosques in China. Then, have lunch at Silk Road Kitchen, which offers a variety of Silk Road-inspired dishes. After lunch, take a walk around the Nanhu Square, a modern urban space with fountains and sculptures.

Dine at Heavenly Lake Restaurant and enjoy the serene atmosphere. After dinner, take a relaxing evening cruise on the Urumqi Sailimu Lake, where you can admire the city lights and the surrounding mountains.

Begin your day with a visit to the Urumqi Botanical Garden, where you can explore a wide variety of plants from the region. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Peaceful Pavilion in Urumqi People's Park.

Spend your afternoon at the Xinjiang International Expo Garden, where you can learn about the economic and cultural exchanges between China and the countries along the Silk Road. Have lunch at Desert Rose Restaurant, which offers a range of Uighur delicacies.

Dine at Ningya Porridge Bar and enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional Xinjiang porridge. After dinner, take a walk around the Urumqi Night Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Begin your day with a visit to the Turpan Ancient City, a well-preserved historical site that offers insights into the ancient Silk Road civilization. After exploring the city, enjoy a traditional Uighur breakfast at Desert Rose Restaurant.

Visit the Turpan Gaochang Ancient City Ruins, another testament to the region's rich history. For lunch, indulge in the local flavors at Heavenly Lake Restaurant. Afterward, take a tour of the Turpan Grape Valley (Tulufan Putao Gou), where you can learn about the unique viticulture of the area and taste some delicious grapes.

Dine at Silk Road Kitchen and savor the fusion of Silk Road flavors. After dinner, take a peaceful walk around the Turpan Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta), the tallest minaret in China, and admire the architectural beauty.

Enjoy a breakfast at Heavenly Lake Restaurant before heading to the Turpan Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins, an impressive archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the ancient Silk Road civilization. Explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the history of the region.

Have a picnic lunch at the Turpan Flaming Mountains (Huoyan Shan), prepared by your tour guide. Afterward, visit the Turpan Karez Well (Kan Er Jing) and learn about this ancient irrigation system that has sustained the region for centuries.

Dine at Desert Rose Restaurant and enjoy the unique flavors of Uighur cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing walk around the Turpan International Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Enjoy a final breakfast at Ningya Porridge Bar and reminisce about your journey through Xinjiang. Take a morning walk around the Red Hill (Hong Shan) to soak in the last views of the city and reflect on the cultural experiences you've had.

If time allows, visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum once more to revisit your favorite exhibits. For lunch, enjoy a variety of international cuisines at Tianshan International Grand Bazaar.

As the sun sets on your trip, dine at Silk Road Restaurant and savor the flavors of the Silk Road one last time. Reflect on your journey over a leisurely dinner and raise a toast to the memories made in Xinjiang.