Xinjiang / 新疆
Xinjiang is an autonomous region in northwest China, known for its deserts, mountains, grasslands, lakes, and diverse cultures. It is a great destination for visitors who want to enjoy beautiful natural scenery, experience local ethnic traditions, and explore the ancient Silk Road. Xinjiang is suitable for adults, families, photographers, hikers, road trip travelers, and visitors interested in history and culture because many attractions are spread across different cities.
Highlights:
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Heavenly Lake (天山天池) – A beautiful alpine lake surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains.
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Kashgar Old City (喀什古城) – A historic town with traditional Uyghur architecture, markets, and local culture.
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Nalati Grassland (那拉提草原) – One of China's most beautiful grasslands, popular for horse riding and nature tours.
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Flaming Mountains (火焰山) – A famous red mountain range near Turpan, known for its hot climate and connection to the Chinese novel Journey to the West.
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Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠) – One of the world's largest deserts, offering unique desert landscapes and adventure experiences.
Best Time to Visit:
May to October (spring to autumn) - Weather is warm and most scenic area are open, also comfortable temperatures.
Note: Summer best season for grasslands, lakes, and mountain scenery. But winter with snow activity better in northern Xinjiang.
Ideal Stay:
7 days and 6 night
Note: Xinjiang its more suitable to visit for long period and not as city transit to visit. Because xinjiang offer diversity of nature.
Suitable For:
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All ages
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Visitors that love all kind of nature.
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Visitors that interest on photographers, hikers, and road trip.
Airport Name (distance to city centre):
Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (乌鲁木齐天山国际机场), 26 km to the city centre, 30 minutes by cars and 1 hours 30 minutes by metro.
Train Station Name (distance to city centre):
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Ürümqi Railway Station (乌鲁木齐站) 12 km to the city centre, 20 minutes by car and 1 hours 10 minutes by public bus
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Ürümqi South Railway Station (乌鲁木齐南站), 5,8 km to the city centre, 12 minutes by cars and 40 minutes by public bus
Where to go
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum / 新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆
Dabancheng White Water Town / 达坂城白水镇
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar / 新疆国际大巴扎
Hongshan Dried Fruit Market / 红山干果市场
Tianshan Wildlife Park / 天山野生动物园
Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) / 天山天池
CCMALL Times Square / CCMALL时代广场
Hongguang Mountain Big Buddha Temple / 红光山大佛寺
Shuimogou Park (Shuimo Valley) / 水磨沟公园
Shaanxi Grand Mosque (Shaanxi Grand Temple) / 陕西大寺
Red Hill Park (Hongshan Park) / 红山公园
No. 1 Glacier (Tianshan Glacier) / 一号冰川
Nanshan Pasture / 南山牧场
Tianshan Grand Canyon / 天山大峡谷
Jinquan Shopping Mall / 金泉商城
Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park / Khan Blood Horse Base / 新疆古生态园·汗血马基地
People's Park / 人民公园
Erdaoqiao Mosque / 二道桥清真寺
Amailong Fantasy Land / 阿唛龙幻想乐园
What to eat
Alizati Pilaf Restaurant / 艾力扎提抓饭
One of Kashgar best-known halal restaurants, specializing in authentic Uyghur pilaf (抓饭), prepared using fragrant rice, tender lamb, carrots, raisins, and traditional spices. A must-visit for anyone wanting to try one of Xinjiang's signature dishes.
Century-old Teahouse / 百年老茶馆
Located in Kashgar Ancient City, this historic teahouse offers one of the most authentic Uyghur dining experiences in Xinjiang. Guests can enjoy traditional tea, local dishes, and live Uyghur cultural performances while soaking in the atmosphere of the Silk Road.
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar / 新疆国际大巴扎
The most famous food destination in Xinjiang and one of the largest bazaars in Central Asia. Filled with hundreds of halal food stalls, local snacks, dried fruits, spices, and traditional Uyghur delicacies, it's the perfect place to experience the vibrant flavors and culture of Xinjiang.
Silk Road Restaurant / 丝路有约·新疆菜
A stylish restaurant inspired by the ancient Silk Road, offering refined Xinjiang cuisine in an elegant setting. It blends traditional Uyghur recipes with modern presentation, making it one of the best restaurants for visitors seeking a premium dining experience in Urumqi.
Kashgar Ancient City Food Street / 喀什古城美食街
The most authentic street food destination in southern Xinjiang. Located inside the historic Kashgar Ancient City, this lively food street is packed with traditional Uyghur vendors serving freshly grilled kebabs, naan, pilaf, handmade noodles, and local desserts. Walking through the old alleys while sampling street food is one of the most memorable experiences in Xinjiang.
Haierbag Restaurant / 海尔巴格餐饮
One of the most famous Uyghur restaurants in Xinjiang and a must-visit in Urumqi. Beautifully decorated with traditional Uyghur architecture, Haierbag serves authentic Xinjiang cuisine using premium local ingredients. It is highly recommended by both locals and travelers for its flavorful grilled lamb, handmade noodles, and festive cultural atmosphere.