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Sayram Lake
2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Sayram Lake

9
4.7/5
18.8k reviews

[Sayram Lake introduction] Sayram Lake is located at the southwestern end of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, at the northern foot of the western Tianshan Mountains. This alpine lake and grassland national scenic area features natural landscapes including lakes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. Its main activities include sightseeing, eco-tourism, exploring the historical culture of the ancient Silk Road's northern route, and experiencing the ethnic customs of Mongolian and Kazakh minorities. Sayram Lake transforms with the seasons. In spring and summer, flower fields bloom in abundance, while golden fall brings a striking contrast between sky and water. Winter turns the lake into a dreamscape, with dancing ice crystals, pillars, curtains, and coral formations. Ice roses bloom freely, and mysterious blue ice eyes appear in ever-changing forms. Throughout the day, the lake presents shifting spectacles - morning glow, sunset hues, rain mist, sea of clouds, lightning, rainbows, and mist cascades. Sayram Lake covers a vast area, with a circular road around the lake spanning approx. 90 km. The lakeside scenery is exceptionally beautiful. Most visitors depart from Urumqi and arrive at the lake in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset before staying overnight. The next day, they can admire the sunrise and daytime lakeside views before heading to Huocheng, Ili, and other destinations. During the lake loop, you'll also encounter cultural relics such asGenghis Khan's Command Platform, Film and Television City, etc.These cultural structures stand quietly by the lakeside on the plateau, evoking a profound sense of melancholy and timeless grandeur. Quick guide to touring Sayram Lake

China · Bole
Tianshan Tianchi
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Xinjiang

Tianshan Tianchi

8.4
4.6/5
14.7k reviews

Tianshan Tianchi, also known as Tianchi National Geological Park and called "Yaochi" in ancient times, is located in Fukang, Changji Prefecture, on the northern side of Bogda Peak. It is approx. 110 km from Ürümqi and is a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang. In ancient Chinese mythology, Tianchi was also the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West. Tianchi Lake sits at an altitude of 1910 m, with a maximum depth of 105 m. The lake reflects the Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery. The attraction encompasses natural views such as alpine lakes, wetland meadows, and forested canyons. In 2013, it was designated as a national geological park. When visiting Tianchi, don't just explore the lakeshore—you'll miss many surprising sub-attractions. Recommended hiking routes, lakeside pier - Haixi beach, lakeside pier - East small heavenly pool (Flying dragon pool) The Tianchi attraction features three water bodies: the main lake plus two others on its eastern and western sides. The eastern one is "East Xiaotianchi," also called Heilong Pool, located 500 m east of Tianchi. Below the pool lies a sheer cliff where a waterfall plunges down like a rainbow, giving the site its name "Hanging spring and jade rainbow." On the west side lies "West Xiaotianchi," also known as Jade Maiden Pool, located approx. 2 km northwest of Tianchi Lake. The pool, shaped like a full moon and encircled by towering pines, earned its poetic name "Dragon Pool under the jade moon" from the serene moonlit reflections on its surface. A waterfall cascades beside the pool, plunging dozens of meters like a silver river descending from heaven, dubbed the "Jade belt with silver curtain." Above the pool stands the Sound of Waves Pavilion, offering a unique vantage point to admire the waterfall. All attractions within the scenic area are connected by boardwalks, accessible on foot. On the eastern shore of Tianchi Lake stands the Temple of the Queen Mother of the West, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty. The current structure was reconstructed in 1999 on the original temple site, dedicated to the worship of the Queen Mother of the West, hence also known as the "Queen Mother Temple". It can be reached by hiking along the lakeside boardwalk (approx. 2 hrs) or by taking a cruise. The temple offers excellent views of Tianchi Lake. Maya Mountain requires taking a shuttle bus + cable car. The towering cliffs and numerous stone peaks present a breathtaking sight; from afar, they resemble a row of horse teeth, while looking up, they appear as if jagged rocks are competing in grandeur and stacked cliffs are vying in beauty, creating a mesmerizing view. This view of Maya Mountain is formed by rock weathering.The summit of Maya Mountain is relatively flat, featuring lush grasslands covered with butter grass in summer and dotted with colorful flowers. Standing here, you can take in the panoramic view of Heaven Lake to the north, while the Bogda Peak to the east and the snow-capped mountains to the south seem within reach. To the west, the farmlands on the outskirts of Urumqi are also clearly visible.

China · Fukang
Kanas Scenic Area
2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Kanas Scenic Area

8.4
4.6/5
12.4k reviews

The Kanas Scenic Area is located in the dense forests of Burqin County in the Altay region,It is one of the renowned scenic areas in Xinjiang. The renowned three bays in the attraction — Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay — are must-see core views. Shenxian Bay is famous for its morning mist spectacle, Moon Bay features a graceful S-shaped curve, and Wolong Bay offers tranquil and serene waters. By this beautiful, fertile, and mysterious lake (the meaning of "Kanasi" in Mongolian), you can see the clear and tranquil water that often changes color with the seasons and weather. The lakeshore is surrounded by primeval forests of spruce, fir, and Siberian larch, while the sunny slopes are covered with dense grass. Distinct layers of different plant communities create a stunning display in fall, with golden yellow, crimson, and dark green hues each shining in their own way. When visiting the attraction, you can also climb the fish-watching platform with a relative height of 600 m, where you can overlook the lake and the distant layers of green mountains shrouded in mist as well as the snow-capped peaks. You can also take a cruise to enjoy the lake scenery. There are also many ancient legends here, the most famous being the "lake monster." Over the past few decades, numerous travelers and scientists have reported sightings of "giant strange fish." Some claim it to be a massive taimen (a type of fish), while others believe it to be a prehistoric creature. Stay To protect the natural environment here, the attraction closed many lakeside hotels. There are mountain villas within the attraction, as well as local Tuvan houses and tents available for stay. Many visitors also choose to stay on the outskirts of the attraction for easier access to the next day's tour. If you want to get up early to see the morning mist at Fairy Bay, staying within the attraction is a good choice. Diet The attraction is located in a remote border area with sparse population and high logistics costs. The food in the attraction is mainly halal, with more beef and mutton and fewer vegetables. Some visitors from inland areas may find it unaccustomed, so they can prepare some dry food and drinking water by themselves.

China · Burqin
Nalati Scenic Area
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Northern Xinjiang

Nalati Scenic Area

7.9
4.5/5
3.8k reviews

Nalati Scenic Area is located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Ili River Valley, a subalpine meadow grassland formed on ancient alluvial deposits. Legend has it that when the westward-expanding Mongol army crossed mountains to reach this place, they suddenly saw a sunlit plain carpeted with flowers. The soldiers exclaimed "Nalati," which means "the place with sunlight" in Mongolian, giving the area its enduring name. The attraction integrates snow-capped mountains, forests, valleys, meadows, and rivers, primarily divided into several sections: the River Valley Grassland, Sky Grassland, Panlong Valley Trail, and Wolta Jiaota. Along the River Valley Grassland by the Gongnaisi River, visitors can find Tawusani (meaning "beautiful mountain valley" in Kazakh), ancient tombs from the Wusun people of the Han dynasties, and the Grassland Tribe recreating Wusun tribal life. Following the uphill ride on the mountain road leads to the Sky Grassland, a high-altitude meadow suspended among peaks. The Tianjie Terrace at the boundary between the valley and grassland offers expansive views, while Snow Lotus Valley at the trail's end is often shrouded in mist, with snow lotuses blooming in midsummer. The Panlong Valley Trail is a forest loop without backtracking, flanked by towering Tianshan spruces. The Wolta Jiaota section is ideal for hiking, with the Tianxian Terrace providing stunning views of sunrise above sea of clouds. From June to September each year, the grassland enters its golden season, with lush green pastures and blooming wildflowers everywhere. Kazakh herders drive herds of cattle, sheep, and horses into summer pastures, where scattered yurts and curling smoke create a picturesque scene. Visiting the attraction during this time allows you to ride horses, try archery, and dress in traditional ethnic costumes. You might also encounter traditional equestrian activities like horse racing, kokpar (goat grabbing), and kyz kuu (girl chasing), experiencing the authentic Kazakh nomadic culture between snow-capped mountains and meadows.

China · Xinyuan
World Mystery Town
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Northern Xinjiang

World Mystery Town

7.7
4.3/5
5.7k reviews

World Mystery Town is located in the Gobi Desert on the northwestern edge of the Junggar Basin, and most travelers on the Northern Xinjiang loop route stop here along the way. This is a typical yardang landform, where prolonged wind erosion and water erosion have carved the Gobi into giant earth mounds of varying heights and shapes, resembling an abandoned ancient city from afar. The attraction sits right in a wind gap and is windy year-round, which is why locals also call it "Urho Wind City." There is even a saying: "One wind a year, blowing from spring to winter"—when strong winds pass through the crisscrossing gaps between the mounds, they emit shrill howls that sound like ghosts wailing at night, and this is how the name "Mystery Town" came about. In 2005, when *Chinese National Geography* held its "Beauty of China" selection for yardang landforms, this site was listed alongside the yardangs of Dunhuang and Lop Nur, making it one of the representative yardang views in China. The earthen mounds across the gobi resemble castle towers, while others look like people or animals. The attraction has given names to the most distinctive mounds, and the "sphinx" is one of the most popular sights among them. The attraction is quite large, and sightseeing is mainly done by riding the sightseeing mini train, which stops along the way at the sphinx, the filming location of "Seven Swords," the shooting spot of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Dinosaur Valley, and other stops, with a guide on board. Both the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and the TV series "Seven Swords" were filmed here, and the stops retain sculptures restored according to movie scenes, so film fans can go stop by stop to find familiar images; Dinosaur Valley was built based on dinosaur fossils such as the Junggar pterosaur unearthed in Urho, and together with the oilfield experience area that reflects the history of local oil development, these two are content rarely found in other yardang attractions, and visitors can also experience riding a camel and taking photos in the attraction. The stay at each stop is limited, so if you have not taken enough photos, there is no need to rush for the train; just wait for the next one, and a full loop takes about two or three hours. At sunset, the slanting rays dye the earthen mound a warm gold, with distinct layers of light and shadow—the golden hour for photography. However, the Gobi has strong winds and sand, plus intense sunlight, so remember to bring windproof and sun protection gear and drinking water.

China · Karamay
The Xinjiang Museum
No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Xinjiang

The Xinjiang Museum

7.7
4.8/5
2.4k reviews

The Xinjiang Museum is a comprehensive autonomous region-level museum in Xinjiang, located in downtown Urumqi. The building was fully unveiled in 2022 following renovation and expansion, with an architectural floor plan shaped like the Chinese character "he" (union). The museum's collection is noted for its textiles, paper documents, painted clay sculptures, and ancient mummy specimens. Permanent exhibitions include the "Exhibition of historical relics of Xinjiang," "The dead across a millennium—exhibition of ancient mummies in Xinjiang," "Treasures of the vast sea—exhibition of exquisite ancient costumes in Xinjiang," and "Historical records of China—exhibition of unearthed documents in Xinjiang." The main exhibition halls are concentrated on the second floor, while the third floor features special exhibitions such as musical instruments of the Silk Road. The museum has two signature highlights. First is the Han dynasty brocade armguard unearthed from the Niya ruins in Hotan, inscribed with the phrase "Five stars rise in the east, benefiting China," interspersed with cloud and animal motifs. This artifact is considered one of the masterpieces of Han dynasty brocade craftsmanship and is listed among China's prohibited overseas exhibition relics. Second is the mummy display: thanks to Xinjiang's arid climate, ancient corpses have been preserved for millennia without decay. Among them, the 3,800-year-old "Beauty of Loulan" is particularly famous. The same hall also displays the "Princess of Xiaohe" and the remains of General Zhang Xiong, a high-ranking military officer from the Gaochang Kingdom. Such permanent exhibitions are quite rare in domestic museums. You can start your visit with the historical artifacts exhibition on the second floor, which traces thousands of years of Xinjiang's history in chronological order, from the pre-Qin period through the Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties, to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The exhibition hall covering the period from the Han to the Sui and Tang dynasties features a relatively concentrated collection of treasures. In the clothing exhibition, the red wool robe with human, animal, and tree patterns from the Yingpan cemetery displays a Hellenistic artistic style. The painted wooden figurine of the Heavenly King is carved and assembled from over thirty pieces of wood, with even the teeth being removable. The Old Uyghur "Maitreya-samiti-nataka" in the literature exhibition is also worth a close look. If you are sensitive to the subject of mummies or are visiting with children, you may want to check the exhibition content in advance and plan accordingly. The museum is a modern three-story building that also incorporates Xinjiang's architectural styles such as arched windows and domes, giving it distinctive features. It houses several permanent exhibition halls. The first floor features the Xinjiang ethnic customs exhibition and the ancient historical relics exhibition of Xinjiang. The second floor is divided into left and right sections: the left side contains the historical textiles exhibition hall and the "Forever with the Motherland" themed exhibition, while the right side displays ancient mummies and a white jade exhibition hall. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and displays, which are worth visiting if available. The Xinjiang ethnic culture exhibition hall is located on the first floor, showcasing the folk customs of 12 major ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including the Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, and Xibe peoples. Visitors can see displays of their musical instruments, daily necessities, yurts, and houses, as well as characteristic clothing like hats and scarves, most of which feature vibrant colors, embodying the distinctive ethnic charm of Xinjiang. A notable highlight is the Xibe people's houses. Since this ethnic group migrated from northeast China, their dwellings still feature the traditional northeastern heated brick bed (kang). Additionally, the furniture and tableware with Russian ethnic influences are also quite distinctive. The ancient historical artifacts exhibition of Xinjiang showcases a variety of unearthed relics from the Silk Road, spanning from ancient times to the present. It includes many Central Plains artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties, which are highly characteristic of ancient Chinese culture. There are also numerous artifacts from the Western Regions, featuring murals with angelic figures and many objects unique to the Western Regions. These highlight Xinjiang's distinctive role as a bridge between East and West, making it an exhibition not to be missed. The mummy exhibition and the "Forever with the Motherland" exhibition on the second floor are the highlights of the museum. The mummy hall displays ancient corpses from thousands of years ago. Thanks to Xinjiang's arid climate, these bodies have been preserved from decay and are extremely precious. Among them, the "Loulan Beauty" mummy is one of the museum's top treasures. The "Forever with the Motherland" exhibition features precious cultural relics such as the "Five stars from the east" brocade and the seal of the Han-appointed Qiang chieftain. The "Five stars from the east" brocade is particularly valuable, and its legendary story is fascinating—definitely worth learning about.

China · Urumqi
Kalajun National Park

Kalajun National Park

7.3
4.6/5
3.7k reviews

Kalajun Attraction is located in the southeast of Tekes County, Yili, about 30 kilometers away from the county seat. It is one of the famous grasslands in Xinjiang and a famous attraction that tourists cannot miss when visiting Xinjiang West Line (Yili Loop Line). Kalajun grassland is in the shape of continuous hills, backed by towering snow-capped mountains. There are also forests, flowers and other landscapes on the grassland. The scenery is vast and beautiful, making it a great place for sightseeing and photography. Kalajun in a broad sense refers to the Kalajun Ecological Tourism Area, which includes the East and West Kalajun, Koksu Grand Canyon, Zhongtianshan Snow Peak and Tianlai Forest. Each Attraction sells tickets separately and is far away from each other. The Kalajun Grassland generally refers to the East and West Kalajun Attraction, which is also the main destination for tourists to visit the Kalajun Grassland. The East and West Kalajun Attraction sell tickets together and use the same shuttle bus. It takes about 1-2 days to visit, and you can choose to stay on the grassland for one night in the middle. You can also come in the morning and return to Tekes County to stay in the evening. The gate of the Attraction is located in the Kushitai Comprehensive Service Area, which is also the place where chartered or self-driving vehicles need to stop. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the area after that. If tourists come from Tekes County by Bus to the Attraction , they can also go directly to the Bulaq Ticket Station After arriving at the Bulaq Ticket Station, you need to buy tickets and sightseeing bus tickets in the Attraction, and then take the sightseeing bus to play. The area in the Attraction is very large. The sightseeing bus will first circle the West Kalajun Attraction, and then go to the East Kalajun. The One-way journey takes about 1 hour. The junction of East and West Kalajun is located at the World Heritage Exhibition Center. Generally, tourists start to visit the Attraction at noon. You can visit West Kalajun on the first day, get off at the World Heritage Exhibition Center, return to the World Heritage Exhibition Center on the second day, and take a bus to visit the East Kalajun Attraction before leaving. The main scenic spots in Xikalajun Attraction include Wangyutai, Marmot Habitat, Liangyitai, Dielanggu, Shiquan, Yinmawan, Yikeshu, etc. You can take a bus to visit them one by one. Liangyitai, Dielanggu and Shiquan are still some distance away from the shuttle bus stop, and it takes about half an hour to walk from the stop. Xikalajun Scenic Attraction is dominated by rolling hills. Dielanggu is a typical hilly grassland. In summer, it is a good place for photography with layers of green. Dongkalajun is located deep in the grassland and is also the essence of the entire grassland. The characteristic attractions here include the Five-Flower Meadow, Flower Platform, Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon, Sanji Planation Observation Deck and Falcon Platform Observation Deck. There are snow-capped mountains, grassland scenery, forest canyons, etc. The scenery is diverse and very beautiful. However, the five attractions are a little far from the parking spot of the sightseeing bus. You can reach them by hiking from the parking spot for about 0.5-1 hour. The Five-Flower Meadow and Flower Platform are the wonderful attractions. One is an open meadow full of colorful wild flowers, and the other is where you can take pictures of the snow-capped mountains behind the grassland. They are all very beautiful and are the essence of the Attraction that cannot be missed.

China · Tekes County
Ancient City of Kashi
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Southern Xinjiang

Ancient City of Kashi

7.3
4.7/5
1.1k reviews

The Ancient City of Kashi is located in the center of Kashgar City. Known in ancient times as Shule, it was an important trading port on the ancient Silk Road, boasts a history of over 2,000 years, and is one of the best-preserved labyrinthine districts in the ancient Western Regions style in China. The movie "The Kite Runner" was filmed here, and the earthy yellow rooftops where children ran chasing kites in the film are just ordinary street scenes of the ancient city. Unlike most attractions, the ancient city is still inhabited by residents today, with Atlas silk drying in the sun and seniors playing chess at the alley entrances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of daily life everywhere. The essence of the ancient town lies in its streets and alleys. Centered around the square in front of the Id Kah Mosque, over twenty crisscrossing lanes feature earth-yellow walls, carved wooden doors, arched windows, and overhead bridges, sketching a classic Central Asian streetscape. Along the approx. 600 m-long Arheyah Road, bazaars like the Flowerpot Bazaar, Kettmen Bazaar (Blacksmith Street), Doppa Bazaar, and Uyghur Medicine Bazaar unfold one after another—"bazaar" means market in Uyghur. Bread bakers, potters, and woodturners often craft their wares right at their shopfronts, allowing visitors to watch the process while strolling. The adjacent Kumdarwaza Road, also called Artisan Street, gathers traditional workshops for musical instruments, copperware, and more. When tired, stop by the century-old teahouse on Ostangboyi Road for a pot of tea, paired with street views and the Maixirap folk dances of regular patrons. The morning gate-opening ceremony at the east gate is the first stop for many travelers. After watching the welcome dance performance, stroll slowly inward along the main street. Rainbow Lane, Cloth Bag Lane, and the Hanging Gardens are popular photo spots, but expect narrow alleys and crowds requiring patient queuing. In fact, turning into lesser-known side lanes often leads to quieter corners perfect for photos. Kashgar operates on a roughly two-hour time difference from inland China, with late sunsets. The slanting evening light on adobe walls creates ideal photo conditions, and it's never too late to visit Han Bazaar Food Street at night for baked buns, stewed meat in jars, and hand-churned ice cream. If time permits, the ancient dwellings on the high cliff east of the old town are worth a visit, featuring clusters of traditional earthen houses built along the cliff; across the Tuman River, the grand bazaar is packed with stalls selling dried fruits and atlas silk, offering a glimpse into the enduring bazaar tradition.

China · Kashgar City

Traveller favourites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Xinjiang

Featured Outdoor & sports in Xinjiang

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[Departing from Urumqi] Xinjiang Tianshan Tianchi day tour: Discover the alpine pearl beneath Bogda Peak
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5.0/5
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Duration: 12.1 hrs
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One-Day Tour to Dawakun Desert from Kashgar, Xinjiang - Experience the Azure Waves Amidst the Sands
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2.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 4 hrs
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Northern Xinjiang ski trip | General mountain/Keketuohai | Private ski instructor
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Turpan Flaming Mountains + Karez Wells + Kumtag Desert one-day tour: visit a world irrigation heritage site
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Duration: 8.7 hrs
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Turpan flaming mountains + Karez wells + Tuyugou one-day tour - Red cliffs ablaze in the desert
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One-day tour to Pamir Plateau, White Sand Mountain, and Karakul Lake from Kashgar - sacred land of snow mountains and blue lakes
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Kashgar to Dawakol Desert 1-Day Tour: Experience the Blue Jewel Amidst the Sands
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Duration: 9 hrs
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Featured Day tours in Xinjiang

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Alluring Kashgar: 1-Day Tour to Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, & Baishan Lake
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews· 100 booked
Duration: 11.7 hrs
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Urumqi's Backyard! One-Day Tour to Nanshan Ranch, Shenbulake Waterfall, and Wulastai
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4.6/5
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Turpan/Urumqi Departure - Karez Well & Flaming Mountain Chinese Group Day Tour
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3.8/5
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Discover the Enchanting Kashgar: One-Day Tour to Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, and White Sand Lake Scenic Area
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· 1 review· 32 booked
Duration: 12.1 hrs
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[Departing from Kashgar] Pamir Plateau + Baisha Mountain + Karakul Lake one-day tour
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Duration: 11.3 hrs
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What travellers say about Xinjiang

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东北名模 大苗苗13 November 2026
5.0
Sayram Lake is truly beautiful, a perfect trip! The weather was exceptionally good the day I went, no fog, and I entered the scenic area early in the morning to photograph the sunrise. Be sure to dress warmly; it's very windy at Sayram Lake, so remember to wear a mask, hat, and scarf. Wear brightly colored clothes—red, orange, or white pants and skirts—these colors produce great photos. I encountered wild foxes as soon as I entered the scenic area in the morning. The foxes weren't afraid of people and interacted with you, but I suggest not feeding them; please respect wildlife. When visiting Sayram Lake, you absolutely must take photos of the snow-capped mountains and the "Dry Land Rising" scene. Off-season prices are very cheap; group deals are around one video per ticket. The videos taken by professional photographers are so much better than your own shots, and they're incredibly breathtaking. You'll regret not taking them; I highly recommend you do. If time permits, be sure to climb to the top of Songshutou to see the truly awe-inspiring Guozigou Bridge. Sayram Lake is truly a sight to behold, especially with the distant snow-capped mountains; it's like a fairyland. Before leaving, I asked the staff if a ticket allowed multiple entries within 48 hours, including for people and vehicles. You can also ask the staff again before entering to confirm. A perfect trip! I'm so happy!

Sayram Lake

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320***817 November 2026
4.0
Tianchi Lake in Tianshan is indeed less impressive compared to Tianchi Lake in Changbai Mountain. You don't need luck to see the entire lake, so the element of chance and anticipation isn't as strong. However, the scenery is undeniably beautiful and worth the ticket price. Even though it wasn't a holiday, it was still very crowded; there were queues for the shuttle bus, boat rides, and taking photos. There are also plenty of reasonably priced and delicious restaurants near the scenic area.

Tianshan Tianchi

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Anonymous user7 November 2026
4.0
999998888888999988888888888888888888999988888888888888888888888888888888888888887 is still pretty good.

Kanas Scenic Area

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139***6229 October 2026
5.0
It snowed a few days ago, and it was beautiful. Some online reviews said that accommodation and food here are very expensive, but I came this season and felt that prices were reasonable, not outrageously high, just normal tourist area prices.

Hemu Scenic Area

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luck dog in31 October 2026
5.0
Narat Scenic Area, nestled deep in the Tianshan Mountains of Yili, Xinjiang, is a national 5A-level scenic area and a world-renowned alpine valley grassland. Its name in Mongolian means "the place where the sun first shines." The entire scenic area is mainly divided into three sections: the Sky Grassland, the River Valley Grassland, and the Panlong Valley. Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, streams, and rolling meadows blend perfectly, creating a rich tapestry of landscapes where every snapshot is a magnificent scene. The Sky Grassland is expansive; from the Tianjietai (Heavenly Platform), one can see snow-capped peaks stretching to the horizon, scattered yurts, and grazing cattle and sheep. The River Valley Grassland is gentle and lush; from Tawusani, one can enjoy panoramic views of four different mountain ranges. The Panlong Valley trail winds through a deep forest, its ever-changing light and shadow creating a poetic atmosphere. The area is home to the Kazakh people, who have preserved their authentic nomadic customs, offering a variety of experiences including horseback riding, family visits, and camping. Wildflowers bloom everywhere from June to August, making it a great place to escape the summer heat; in autumn, the forests turn golden, creating another breathtaking scene. The scenic area is vast, so it's recommended to allow at least one day, pack warm clothes, and slowly savor the unique vastness and romance of the Tianshan grasslands. It's a must-see stop when visiting Yili.

Nalati Scenic Area

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Karen晓喵29 October 2026
4.0
Located in Urho, Karamay, the World Devil City boasts unique and magnificent Yardang landforms, but opinions on this attraction seem to vary. We felt the overall experience was alright, and riding the little train through it at sunset was quite enjoyable.

World Mystery Town

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M26***6326 September 2026
5.0
The guided tour experience at the Xinjiang Museum was top-notch! ✨ The guides were professional and engaging, providing a wealth of information and vividly recounting the history of the Silk Road. They explained the museum's most prized artifacts in detail, revealing many background stories not found in books. It was far more rewarding than visiting on your own. A guided tour is a must when visiting Xinjiang!

The Xinjiang Museum

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M30***1525 October 2026
5.0
The Grape Valley in Turpan was truly worth the trip! Vast, dense grapevines provided ample shade, with bunches of plump grapes hanging from the vines, a verdant sight that offered a welcome respite from the sweltering heat of Turpan. Visitors could tour the unique drying houses to learn about the raisin-drying process and sample sweet fresh grapes and various dried fruits. The area boasts rich Uyghur folk customs, with folk displays and song and dance performances; the locals are incredibly hospitable. The scenic roads were smooth and easy to walk on, making for a comfortable and worthwhile experience. Finally seeing the Grape Valley I'd only read about in textbooks was a real treat! Full of Western Region charm, it's definitely worth a visit. A trip to Turpan isn't complete without experiencing the unique charm of this fruit-growing region.

Grape Valley

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迭部正德皇帝17 October 2026
5.0
It was definitely the right choice to come! The scenic area is better than I expected. There are plenty of shuttle buses, and the area is so pristine – the air is fresh, there's lots of green grass, cattle and sheep graze freely, and the views are expansive. I didn't get enough of it!

Kalajun National Park

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HAB462 September 2026
5.0
The Ancient City of Kashi is probably the main attraction in the city of Kashgar, one of the most illustrious destinations along the Silk Route. By way of preservation of traditional art forms, cuisines and crafts, fashion and architecture, the ancient city offers a look into the past of this part of the region. Many travelers would consider this spot a must-visit, as an important historical site where there are a number of world intangible cultural heritage projects involving many crafts from the city's history, such as Uyghur pottery and clay-molding, and medicinal food therapy. More than just a scenic area, this ancient city is a combination of older and newer elements, and has many interesting experiences in store for visitors.

Ancient City of Kashi

Trip Moments in Xinjiang

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Xinjiang?

Don't miss these attractions in Xinjiang: Sayram Lake, Tianshan Tianchi, and Kanas Scenic Area. If you like Food & drink, try Urumqi cultural 1-day tour | Akhal-Teke horse show + Xinjiang museum + Grand bazaar. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try [Departing from Urumqi] Xinjiang Tianshan Tianchi day tour: Discover the alpine pearl beneath Bogda Peak.

You can give Urumqi cultural 1-day tour | Akhal-Teke horse show + Xinjiang museum + Grand bazaar and [Xinjiang] International Grand Bazaar "Silk Road: Millennium Impression" Show/Concert Ticket + Bazaar Food Buffet Ticket a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Alluring Kashgar: 1-Day Tour to Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, & Baishan Lake, Urumqi's Backyard! One-Day Tour to Nanshan Ranch, Shenbulake Waterfall, and Wulastai, and Turpan/Urumqi Departure - Karez Well & Flaming Mountain Chinese Group Day Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Xinjiang is around SGD 59.23 – SGD 82.92. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.