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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Xinjiang [2025]
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Sayram Lake
4.7
/5
13053 reviews
9.1
From 60.89 BYN
Based on 92 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609097659990
Address: Sayram Lake, Bole, Bortala, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No. 14 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
79 km cycling & scenery
Enjoy the lake scenery on a 79 km cycling tour around the lake
Saved by 377 users11439 positive reviews
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You can see Sailimu Lake when passing by on the highway. Some friends think there is no need to go in to see it, but I think it is better to watch it up close. I specially chose a sunny day. It is really beautiful. Walking around the lake, the color of the lake surface will be different under different angles of sunlight. What you see with your naked eyes is the most real beauty.
Best Time to Travel:
May-August: Summer is traditionally the peak season, boasting cooler temperatures, lush flora, and stunning scenery.
December-February: Winter is ideal for viewing unique sights such as blue ice, ice bubbles, and ice cracks, and the snowy landscape is truly spectacular.
Main Activities:
Lakeside Tour: A must-do, each season offers a unique experience.
Photo Spots: Popular photo spots include the Generals' Terrace, the S-curve Road, the Swan Habitat, and the Genghis Khan Generals' Terrace.
Hiking and Cycling: Dedicated hiking and cycling trails surround the lake, allowing you to experience nature up close.
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Tianshan Tianchi
4.5
/5
12011 reviews
8.5
From 65.54 BYN
Based on 91 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864008706110
Address: Heavy Pond, Fukang, Changji, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 16 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy the Tianchi Snow Mountain scenery
Cable car: panoramic mountain views
Saved by 349 users7465 positive reviews
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Very useful! I bought it and used it immediately. I came to Tianchi purely for sentimental reasons. The weather was great today, Bogda Peak was very clear, and the sunlight shimmered on the water, making it sparkle. I mainly went to the Temple of the Queen Mother of the West and walked halfway around Tianchi. But to be honest, for us who come from Sichuan and are used to seeing the snow-capped mountains and lakes in western Sichuan, we didn't find it very amazing, but at least we fulfilled our wish.
Well-known scenic spots, crowded with people, although it has not yet entered the summer vacation peak, there are already various queues, but the scenery still makes our trip worthwhile, but the cable car fee is a bit too high, it feels like the most expensive fee in Xinjiang
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Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark
4.6
/5
10319 reviews
8.4
From 97.25 BYN
Based on 172 reviews
Kanas Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864001110906
Address: Burqin, Altay, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Featured in 2025 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
Highlights:
Panoramic view of Kanas Lake
Enjoy a 2-hour Boat Ride with Stunning Lake Views
Saved by 332 users7374 positive reviews
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My trip to Kanas was truly amazing! Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, and Shenxian Bay each have their own unique beauty, with a breathtaking view at every turn. Every photo could be a wallpaper. While the area is quite large and requires a sightseeing bus, the scenery along the way makes the wait worthwhile. My only regret is that I didn't have enough time to explore. I'll definitely be back next time!
Kanas is truly amazing! The scenery was breathtaking upon arrival. The lake was incredibly blue, surrounded by forests, and the air was filled with the fragrance of vegetation. Sitting on a boat, feeling the gentle breeze, it felt like all my worries had been cast away. This trip was so worth it, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
No.
4
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Hemu Scenic Area
4.5
/5
4670 reviews
8.2
From 31.72 BYN
Based on 74 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864001110906
Address: Hemu Village, Kanas Hemu Township, Burqin County, Altay Region 7 kilometers east
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 days
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Ski premium slopes in Altai
Kazakh & Tuvan cultural village
Saved by 316 users3680 positive reviews
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Hemu Village Review
Natural Scenery:
Hemu Village is a fairytale in every season. In autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, with birch trees and wooden houses shrouded in golden and crimson hues, and the morning mist lingers like a fairyland. In winter, the village is blanketed in snow, with the peaked wooden houses covered in powdery snow and the icy blue Hemu River forming a picture of ice and snow. In spring, wildflowers bloom, and in summer, the greenery is lush, each scene a masterpiece from "God's palette."
Cultural Experiences:
The Tuva log villages are quaint and tranquil, with curling smoke filling the air with the aroma of life. Horseback riding to watch the sunrise, strolling across the Hemu Bridge, savoring earthen hot pot, or gazing at the stars at night, all offer an immersive experience in the romance of "God's Private Reserve."
Practical Tips:
Accommodation: Book popular B&Bs in advance. Heyun Inn offers excellent value and a warm and comfortable stay.
Transportation: A round-trip horseback ride to the observation deck costs about 100 yuan. Depart early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Season: Autumn colors are stunning from September to October, while winter scenery is pristine after December, making Hemu a photography enthusiast's paradise.
Summary:
Hemu is a utopia tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Whether it's the stunning natural offerings or the soothing cultural and culinary delights, it's worth a repeat visit.
The Hemu Scenic Area is indeed very beautiful, with colorful vegetation, rushing colorful rivers, and mist-shrouded mountains. The beauty of nature is combined with the historical masterpieces of our ancestors: log houses with strong ethnic colors, and the ancient suspension bridge across the Hemu River. Climbing up to the observation deck next to the village, you can take in all the beautiful scenery... These beautiful scenery are all within a radius of no more than 1 kilometer around Hemu Village, but the tourist center is a few kilometers away. In addition to Hemu Village, even the surrounding Hemu Villa and most of the places that provide food and accommodation are included in the scenic area. If you want to stay overnight, you need to put your luggage on the shuttle bus into the scenic area, and then contact the hotel for pick-up. Hotels in the scenic area are generally expensive and very inconvenient... If you want to visit Hemu Village, it is recommended to plan your itinerary and try not to stay in the Hemu Scenic Area.
No.
5
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Narat Scenic Spot
4.5
/5
3196 reviews
7.9
From 57.09 BYN
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609995291888
Address: Nalatizhen, Xinyuan, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Kazakh nomadic life & horseback riding
Kazakh steppe summer activities
Saved by 203 users2043 positive reviews
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In-depth tours are recommended, such as to the Snow Lotus Valley, the windmill platform of Volta Jiaota, and the Eagle Platform. The scenery along the way to these locations is beautiful, and the view at the end point is wide and refreshing, which is worth a visit.
Nalati Grassland, a gem of Xinjiang's Ili River Valley, is the perfect epitome of the "Grassland in the Sky"! Here's a summary of its highlights and experiences:
🌿 Stunning Features:
1. Three-dimensional grassland landscape: Snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, river valleys, and meadows intertwine layer upon layer. The contrasting styles of the "Grassland in the Sky" and "Grassland in the River Valley" sections are particularly striking: the former is vast and majestic, while the latter is winding and gentle, almost like something you've stepped into your Windows desktop wallpaper!
2. Four-season beauty: Summer brings rolling green waves and wildflowers, autumn is a vibrant golden season, and winter is blanketed in snow, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
3. Folk Culture Experience: Stay in a Kazakh yurt, savor hand-pulled lamb and milk tea, and enjoy folk songs and dances at night, immersing you in the authentic nomadic culture.
⚠️ Notes:
· The scenic area is vast, so it's recommended to reserve 1-2 days for your visit, prioritizing the shuttle bus to visit key attractions like the Nomadic Homestead and Tianjie Terrace.
· Strong sunlight and large temperature fluctuations require sun protection, hats, and windproof jackets. A bit commercialized, so be sure to negotiate prices for activities like horseback riding in advance.
📌 Summary:
Although the entrance and transportation fees are high, the stunning natural scenery and unique cultural experiences are well worth it! Perfect for you!
No.
6
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World Mystery Town
4.3
/5
4696 reviews
7.8
From 26.22 BYN
Based on 25 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609906964701
Address: Urho, Karamay, Xinjiang, China, 834014
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Eroded rocks form a labyrinth
Photo spot from "Crouching Tiger"
3078 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
We drove from northern Xinjiang back to southern Xinjiang and passed by Kuitun. We stopped by and had a general experience. I don't think it's necessary to come here specifically to see it. The Yadan landform is not very spectacular.
I didn't have much hope at first, but when I got to the scenic spot, I was amazed. The service was well organized, the karst landforms were super photogenic, and the key point was that the prices of restaurants in the scenic area were the same as in the city. It's unbelievable. I really have to give a thumbs up to this.
No.
7
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Kalajun National Park
4.6
/5
2737 reviews
7.8
From 59.20 BYN
Based on 11 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609997765295
Address: Tekes, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
360° view of Koksu Canyon
Glass deck overlooks canyon beauty
Saved by 163 users2170 positive reviews
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In autumn, the Kalajun Grassland boasts snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deep forests, and cattle and sheep grazing on the hillsides. We drove up the mountain this morning, and the scenery along the winding road caught our eye: the yellow grass, shrouded in a hint of white frost, was truly delightful. We hiked 8 kilometers from the Flower Terrace to the Falcon Valley, following a path once trodden by cattle and horses. Autumn is worth visiting.
This is a wonderful grassland, just like a computer desktop, with flowers everywhere. It is so beautiful that it cannot be described in words. In comparison, the Grand Canyon seems very ordinary.
No.
8
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The Xinjiang Museum
4.8
/5
2117 reviews
7.5
Based on 250 reviews
The Xinjiang Museum/Youhao Road | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609914552826
Address: No. 581, Northwest Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
12 ethnic items & Xibe kang
Siberian hearth & 12 ethnic cultures
Saved by 279 users1460 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Admission is free by appointment. The first floor is under renovation, but the second and third floors are open. The second floor has seven exhibition halls, mainly showcasing Xinjiang's development history and the evolution of handicrafts, agriculture, mining, and culture. The third floor has four exhibition halls dedicated to cultural relics and Party building.
It was my first time in Xinjiang. The tour guide I booked was very nice. He contacted us in advance and informed us of the walking route, parking location, and tips for entering the museum. He also gave very good explanations and a wide range of knowledge. He combined our basic understanding of Xinjiang with a targeted introduction. He also had a very good grasp of the rhythm and the content of the explanation was easy to understand. It was a very good experience.
No.
9
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Rainbow Cliff
4.4
/5
1747 reviews
7.5
From 19.03 BYN
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609066325170
Address: Burqin, Altay, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No. 13 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang
1163 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Wucaitan Beach is located 24 kilometers northwest of Burqin City, adjacent to the Irtysh River, China's only river flowing into the Arctic Ocean. On one side of the river lies an oasis and desert, while on the other lies Xinjiang's most beautiful Yardang landform. The rock formations, due to the presence of various minerals, exhibit a vibrant array of colors, including red, yellow, ochre, and light green, which are particularly spectacular at sunset. The scenery is stunning, and the setting sun makes for stunning photos.
It borders the rippling Irtysh River, creating a dazzling contrast with the lush, verdant valley scenery on the opposite bank. It's a true example of "two worlds separated by a river." The fierce river's impact and wind erosion have shaped the cliff-like Yardang landforms on the north bank. The varying resistance of the riverbank rock layers to weathering creates a jagged pattern, while the varying mineral content creates a variety of colors, earning it the name "Five-Colored Beach." Meanwhile, the south bank boasts lush greenery, stretching into continuous forests, offering panoramic views of the winding mountains and Gobi Desert in the distance.
No.
10
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Keketuohai Scenic District
4.3
/5
3054 reviews
7.5
From 553.90 BYN
Based on 24 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609068781188
Address: Keketuohaizhen, Fuyun, Altay, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Soak in 102°F canyon hot springs
Hot springs & canyon adventure
1946 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The core area of Keketuohai National Geopark is dominated by granite landforms and canyon rivers. Iconic attractions include Shenzhong Mountain (with its massive granite peaks) and the Irtysh River Grand Canyon (with its clear, turquoise waters). The scenery changes with each season, and the vibrant colors of the forests in autumn are particularly stunning. Keketuohai National Geopark is a perfect spot for nature lovers, geological photography, and outdoor sports, offering both leisure and adventure. While transportation may be a bit inconvenient, the pristine, magnificent scenery and diverse activities are worth a special trip. It's recommended to avoid Golden Week and travel in autumn for a more enjoyable experience.
A 10-minute, 6-kilometer drive from Keketuohai Town takes you to the Keketuohai Scenic Area. (Minibuses and electric cars are available for shuttle service; you can also drive, but the roads are narrow and I personally don't recommend it. You can also hike along the Irtysh River, the only inland river in my country that flows into the Arctic Ocean.) The scenery is truly unique, but we visited during the off-season, so the lake view is a bit limited. Your experience will vary.
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