One week is not enough to see all of Xinjiang – the region is massive (it’s bigger than Western Europe). But if you only have 7 days, this itinerary covers the highlights: Ürümqi, Tianchi Lake, and the north-south loop.
This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want a mix of nature, culture, and history. It’s a road trip (you’ll need a car or driver), but you can also do it by train + bus with some adjustments.
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Itinerary Overview
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|—–|————-|————|
| 1 | Arrive in Ürümqi | Xinjiang Museum, Grand Bazaar |
| 2 | Tianchi Lake | Heavenly Lake, boat ride |
| 3 | Drive to Turpan | Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley |
| 4 | Turpan | Jiaohe Ruins, Karez wells |
| 5 | Return to Ürümqi | Hongshan Park, shopping |
| 6 | Day trip to Nanshan | Grassland, Kazakh yurts |
| 7 | Depart from Ürümqi | Souvenir shopping, flight home |
Total distance: ~800 km
Driving time: ~12 hours total
Best time: June-September
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ürümqi
Morning/Afternoon:
– Arrive at Ürümqi Diwopu Airport
– Check into hotel
– Rest and adjust to the time zone
Late Afternoon:
– Visit Xinjiang Regional Museum (free, closed on Mondays)
– See the 3,800-year-old mummies
– Learn about Uyghur culture
– Allow 2-3 hours
Evening:
– Dinner at Grand Bazaar (international bazaar)
– Try Uyghur food: laghman, mutton skewers, naan
– Shop for souvenirs (carpets, knives, dried fruit)
– Allow 2-3 hours
Overnight: Ürümqi
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Day 2: Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake)
Morning (8:00-9:30):
– Drive from Ürümqi to Tianchi Lake (110 km, 1.5 hours)
Late Morning/Afternoon (9:30-17:00):
– Explore Tianchi Lake
– Walk around the lake (2-3 hours)
– Boat ride (30-45 minutes)
– Hike to Maya Mountain (2-3 hours, optional)
– Lunch at lakefront restaurant
Evening (17:00-18:30):
– Drive back to Ürümqi
Overnight: Ürümqi
Alternative: Stay overnight at Tianchi (see where to stay in our Tianchi Lake guide).
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Day 3: Drive to Turpan
Morning (8:00-12:00):
– Drive from Ürümqi to Turpan (200 km, 3 hours)
– Stop at Flaming Mountains (火焰山) for photos
– Entrance fee: ¥40
– Allow 30 minutes
Afternoon (12:00-18:00):
– Visit Grape Valley (葡萄沟)
– Entrance fee: ¥75
– See grape vineyards, Uyghur houses, museums
– Allow 2-3 hours
Evening:
– Dinner in Turpan city
– Rest
Overnight: Turpan
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Day 4: Turpan
Morning (9:00-12:00):
– Visit Jiaohe Ruins (交河故城)
– Ancient city ruins, 2,300 years old
– Entrance fee: ¥70
– Allow 2 hours
Afternoon (12:00-15:00):
– Visit Karez Wells (坎儿井)
– Ancient irrigation system
– Entrance fee: ¥40
– Allow 1 hour
Late Afternoon (15:00-18:00):
– Visit Emin Minaret (苏公塔)
– Beautiful Islamic architecture
– Entrance fee: ¥30
– Allow 1 hour
Evening:
– Dinner in Turpan
– Explore the city
Overnight: Turpan
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Day 5: Return to Ürümqi
Morning (8:00-12:00):
– Drive from Turpan back to Ürümqi (200 km, 3 hours)
Afternoon (12:00-18:00):
– Visit Hongshan Park (Red Mountain Park)
– City landmark, great views
– Free entrance
– Allow 1-2 hours
– Shopping at Nanmen Bazaar
– Local market, less touristy than Grand Bazaar
– Buy dried fruit, nuts, spices
– Allow 1-2 hours
Evening:
– Farewell dinner in Ürümqi
Overnight: Ürümqi
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Day 6: Day Trip to Nanshan Pasture
Morning (9:00-10:30):
– Drive from Ürümqi to Nanshan Pasture (60 km, 1.5 hours)
Late Morning/Afternoon (10:30-17:00):
– Explore Nanshan Pasture
– Hike in the grassland (2-3 hours)
– Visit a Kazakh yurt (drink milk tea, eat cheese)
– Horse riding (optional, ¥80-150/hour)
– Picnic lunch
Evening (17:00-18:30):
– Drive back to Ürümqi
Overnight: Ürümqi
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Day 7: Depart from Ürümqi
Morning:
– Last-minute souvenir shopping
– Grand Bazaar or Nanmen Bazaar
– Buy: dried fruit, nuts, spices, carpets, knives
Afternoon:
– Transfer to Ürümqi Diwopu Airport
– Depart
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Alternative Itineraries
Option A: Northern Xinjiang Loop (7 Days)
If you prefer nature over culture, do this loop:
1. Ürümqi → Tianchi Lake
2. Drive to Kanas Lake (overnight in Burqin)
3. Kanas Lake (full day)
4. Drive to Sayram Lake (overnight in Yining)
5. Sayram Lake + Nalati Grassland
6. Return to Ürümqi
7. Depart
Option B: Southern Xinjiang Loop (7 Days)
If you’re interested in Silk Road culture:
1. Ürümqi → Fly to Kashgar
2. Kashgar Old City
3. Sunday Market + Apak Hoja Mausoleum
4. Drive to Taxkorgan (Karakoram Highway)
5. Return to Kashgar
6. Fly back to Ürümqi
7. Depart
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Practical Tips
Transportation
– Rent a car: ¥200-400/day + gas
– Hire a driver: ¥600-1,000/day (including waiting time)
– Train + bus: Possible but less flexible
Budget
Mid-range budget: ¥4,000-7,000 per person (excluding flights)
– Accommodation: ¥200-500/night
– Food: ¥100-200/day
– Transportation: ¥1,500-3,000 total
– Entrance fees: ¥500-800 total
Best Time
– June-September: Best weather, all attractions open
– Avoid Chinese holidays: Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Spring Festival
What to Pack
See our What to Pack for Xinjiang Travel guide.
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Final Thoughts
Seven days in Xinjiang is a whirlwind tour, but it’s enough to get a taste of the region’s diversity – from the alpine lake of Tianchi to the desert heat of Turpan, from the modern city of Ürümqi to the ancient ruins of Jiaohe.
If you have more time, extend to 10-14 days and add Kanas Lake or Kashgar. But if you only have a week, this itinerary covers the essentials.
More Xinjiang travel planning:
– Best Time to Visit Xinjiang
– How to Get to Xinjiang
– Where to Stay in Xinjiang