Xinjiang is rich in tourism resources. Across this expansive land, glaciers and snow-capped mountains coexist with deserts and wilderness. The plateau landscapes are found among world-famous mountains such as the Tianshan, Altai, and Kunlun, featuring numerous snowfields, glaciers, layered peaks, cascading waterfalls, and rare wildlife. Here lies the world’s second-highest peak at 8,600 meters above sea level, as well as China’s lowest point, 154 meters below sea level. There are rivers that rush thousands of miles, vast grasslands with endless green, surreal desert mirages, and mysterious desert wonders. Well-preserved pristine flora and fauna further highlight the region’s unique natural beauty.
[Xinjiang Travel Guide] Must-Visit Attractions in Xinjiang | Recommended Xinjiang Tour Routes
Tourist Attractions Across Different Regions of Xinjiang
Exploring Xinjiang: Urumqi
Urumqi, translated from Mongolian, means “beautiful pasture.” It is a key transportation hub and a cultural exchange center along the Silk Road. The openness and boldness of Urumqi are endearing, drawing countless visitors to experience its distinctive cultural heritage. The city offers numerous scenic spots worth exploring. The magical Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, known as the “Jade Pool,” resembles a fairyland, dreamlike and ethereal. The Shuimogou Park scenic area boasts a wealth of natural landscapes and cultural relics, all gifted by the park’s unique natural environment. Other must-visit attractions in Urumqi include the Xinjiang Salt Lake, Bogda Peak, and Hongshan Park.
Exploring Xinjiang: Turpan
Turpan is a basin region in Xinjiang, home to a wealth of classic scenic beauty. It preserves numerous remnants of the Silk Road, offering valuable insights into its history. The area’s unique ethnic charm is another highlight, with distinctive music, dance, and traditional attire fascinating visitors. Grape Valley is famed for its grape production. In Turpan’s central region, the Flaming Mountains emit intense heat in summer, and their red-hued rocky terrain makes it seem as if a volcano might erupt at any moment. Jiaohe Ancient City, Kumtag Desert, the Karez Folk Custom Park, and the Silk Road are all highly recommended sites.
Exploring Xinjiang: Ili
Ili is an autonomous prefecture in northwestern Xinjiang, home to a significant number of ethnic minorities. Its unique mountainous landscapes, adorned with lush greenery and blooming flowers, create a paradise on earth. The Kuodeng Scenic Area captivates visitors with its distinctive peaks and dense forests. The Nalati Grassland is Ili’s most breathtaking sight, its vast openness bringing a sense of freedom and clearing the mind of worries. Other scenic highlights in Ili include Sayram Lake, the Ili River, Nalati National Forest Park, and the Wild Walnut Valley.
Exploring Xinjiang: Kashgar
Kashgar, meaning “a place as precious as jade,” is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. The region enjoys a unique climate with ample rainfall, making it abundant in produce and fragrant fruits. In autumn, the Golden Lake Populus Euphratica National Forest Park transforms as vast stands of poplar trees turn golden, offering breathtaking views from near and far. Key cultural attractions include the Tomb of Xiangfei, the Kashgar Bazaar, and the Old Town of Kashgar.
Must-Visit Attractions in Xinjiang
Barkol Grassland – Nestled Within a Basin
Nearby Attractions: Tomb of the Hui King, Gaisi Tomb, Mingsha Mountain, White Stone, etc.
Driving along the 312 National Highway along the Silk Road into Xinjiang, the first destination is the Hami region—the very place famous for producing Hami melons. Barkol Grassland is located here. Unlike the boundless grasslands of Inner Mongolia, Barkol lies within a basin, surrounded by continuous mountain ranges. The mountaintops are capped with white glaciers, while their slopes are covered in lush greenery. Among the expansive grasslands, you’ll also find unique sights like the solitary Mingsha Mountain (Singing Sand Dune) and the striking White Stone Mountain.
Flaming Mountains – Where Car Hoods Can Fry “Fried Eggs”
Nearby Attractions: Karez Wells, Sugong Pagoda, Aydingkol Lake, Grape Valley, Jiaohe Ancient City, Tuoyugou, etc.
The “800-li Flaming Mountains” mentioned in Journey to the West are located here. Locals call it “Red Mountain,” composed of reddish sandstone, conglomerate, and mudstone. In summer, the intense sunlight beating down on the red cliffs creates rolling heat waves. Just how hot is it? Legend has it that cracking a raw egg onto a car hood will cook it into a “fried egg.” A 12-meter-high thermometer stands here, resembling Sun Wukong’s golden cudgel.
International Grand Bazaar – Find All Xinjiang Specialties Here
Nearby Attractions: Xinjiang Museum, Red Hill, Erdaoqiao Night Market, Baiyanggou, etc.
The word “bazaar” comes from the Uyghur language, meaning “market.” Located in Urumqi, the International Grand Bazaar gathers all kinds of Xinjiang specialties. These include well-known items like raisins, snow lotus, Hetian jade, lavender, essential oils, carpets, and caterpillar fungus, as well as handicrafts from Central Asia and Pakistan. It serves as a “Window to Xinjiang,” a “Window to Central Asia,” and a “Window to the World.” The bazaar features strong Islamic architectural styles and, as the “Land of Song and Dance,” also hosts vibrant performance stages.
Heavenly Lake – A Concentrated Essence of the Tianshan Mountains
In Urumqi, on a clear day, you can see the majestic Bogda Peak. Heavenly Lake is situated halfway up Bogda Peak, about 110 kilometers from Urumqi city. Nestled at an altitude of 1,980 meters, the alpine lake is so crystal-clear it’s likened to a treasure mirror in the legend of the Queen Mother of the West. Combining a high-altitude lake, spruce forests, and snow-capped mountains, it encapsulates the essence of the Tianshan range and is hailed as the “Pearl of the Tianshan.”
Colorful City – Where Wild Donkeys and Gazelles Roam Near the Road
Nearby Attractions: Kalameili Nature Reserve for Ungulate Wildlife, Gurbantünggüt Desert, etc.
Colorful City is located in China’s second-largest desert, the Gurbantünggüt Desert. Over millennia, layers of coal, sand, and minerals have been shaped by wind erosion, rain, sunlight, and thunderstorms into a surreal “Yadan landform” dominated by earthen red hues, interspersed with yellow, white, black, and green. From afar or up close, it resembles a castle. Nearby is the Kalameili Nature Reserve, which has drawn recent international attention. On road trips here, you might spot wild donkeys, argali sheep, and goitered gazelles.
Kanas Lake – The Switzerland of the East
Nearby Attractions: Ulungur Lake, Irtysh River, Alashan Hot Springs, Baihaba, etc.
Xinjiang boasts countless breathtaking landscapes, and if you had to choose the most beautiful spot, many would undoubtedly pick Kanas Lake. Known as the "Switzerland of the East," Kanas features vegetation and scenery reminiscent of the European Alps due to its unique geographical location. The diverse plant communities here are layered and vibrant in color. Kanas Lake resembles a colorful gem, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Visiting Kanas also offers a chance to see the oldest indigenous people, the Tuwa.
Devil’s City – A “Castle” Carved by the Wind
Nearby Attractions: Karamay No. 1 Oilfield
Both Mongolian and Kazakh languages refer to this place as "Devil’s City." However, Devil’s City is not an actual castle but rather a rare wind-eroded landform in China. It consists of various "structures" shaped by the wind, some resembling Hangzhou’s Leifeng Pagoda, others Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, Egypt’s Pyramids, or Cambodia’s Angkor Wat... The most eerie time to visit Devil’s City is at night when fierce winds howl, creating an unsettling atmosphere with the sound of flying sand and stones. But during the day, you might even find gleaming, beautiful agate stones.
Sayram Lake – Where You Can See10The Lakebed 10 Meters Below
Nearby Attractions: Strange Stone Valley, Alashankou, etc.
Some compare Xinjiang’s Sayram Lake to Tibet’s Namtso Lake, as Sayram is also a high-altitude lake—the highest and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. Known as the "Pure Sea," Sayram Lake allows visibility down to 10 meters below the surface. The most beautiful time to visit is in late spring to early summer when the lakeside is blanketed with alpine wildflowers. Every July, local Mongolians hold the traditional "Naadam" festival on the lakeside grasslands.
Nalati Grassland – The Lushest Grassland for Livestock
Nearby Attractions: Ili River, Guozigou, Gongnaisi Grassland, Tangbula Grassland, etc.
The Ili River region is home to many grasslands, but the most famous is Nalati Grassland. It is also the most developed and tourist-friendly grassland, hosting thousands of visitors daily. With grass over half a meter tall and frequent rainfall, the livestock here are particularly plump. Historically known as the "Deer Park," Nalati Grassland is also called the "Sky Grassland" due to its high elevation.
Muztagh Ata – The Father of Glaciers
Nearby Attractions: Id Kah Mosque, Xiangfei Tomb, Tashkurgan Stone City, etc.
Starting from Kashgar, the largest city in southern Xinjiang, and driving toward Khunjerab Pass on the China-Pakistan border, you’ll be treated to endless views of snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Before you know it, you’ll reach an altitude of over 3,000 meters, where a massive glacier-covered peak looms nearby—Muztagh Ata, known as the "Father of Glaciers." Resembling a creamy cake, it stands in contrast to K2, the world’s second-highest peak at 8,611 meters, located just across the border.
Desert Highway – Roam Freely Through the Desert
Nearby Attractions: Tarim River, Populus Euphratica Forest Nature Reserve
The Desert Highway cuts through China’s largest desert, the Taklamakan, which spans over 330,000 square kilometers and has long been considered a "no-man’s land." Tourists rarely venture deep into its heart—until now. With the opening of the Desert Highway, self-driving adventurers can traverse it. Stretching 446 kilometers, it’s currently the longest road built in a shifting desert. The drive typically takes five to six hours, so ensure your vehicle is stocked with ample water before setting off.
8 Scenic Routes in Xinjiang[Click to View Large Xinjiang Travel Map]
Xinjiang Travel Guide & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Xinjiang
The best travel season is June to October. During this period, temperatures are pleasant (some attractions close in winter), June is ideal for viewing lavender fields in Ili, July and August showcase lush, expansive grasslands, and September to October offer the golden beauty of autumn in Kanas. However, be prepared for significant temperature differences between day and night, especially in Kanas, where the annual average temperature is just 4°C—a true case of "wearing cotton in the morning and gauze in the afternoon, eating watermelon by the stove."
Transportation in Xinjiang
Located in northwestern China, Xinjiang is vast, but fortunately, transportation is convenient. For air travel, most visitors first fly into Urumqi, where they can rest and prepare for their adventures. By train, some regions may require transfers, making the journey longer. It’s best to book intermediate tickets in advance and collect them upon arrival to avoid delays. Road travel is more strenuous and time-consuming, but the Gobi scenery is uniquely scenic—seeing it from this perspective is an experience in itself.
Accommodation in Xinjiang
Finding accommodations in Urumqi, autonomous prefectures, counties, and major cities is no problem, with options ranging from high-end international hotels to budget-friendly inns, all well-equipped and conveniently located. In Turpan, staying near vineyards offers a unique charm, with choices like Turpan Hotel and Oasis Hotel. Ili, known as the "Jiangnan of the Frontier," boasts hotels with beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities. Kashgar has a wide range of modern hotels with strong local ethnic characteristics, such as Qiniwak Hotel and Sino-Pak Friendship Building, which serves Pakistani cuisine. Budget-friendly guesthouses are also widely available, priced between 25 and 50 yuan. However, in sparsely populated areas, accommodations are limited. Some remote spots lack hotels or guesthouses, with no residents—visitors must bring their own vehicles or tents.
Food in Xinjiang
Xinjiang’s cuisine is diverse and rich in ethnic flavors. Meat, especially lamb and beef, dominates the menu, with bold seasonings like chili and cumin. Unique dining styles, such as hearty hand-pulled rice, are also popular. Xinjiang’s fruits, like Turpan grapes and Hami melons, are famously sweet and delicious. One tip: when visiting remote areas, it’s wise to carry some snacks, as finding familiar or preferred food can sometimes be a matter of luck.
Shopping for Souvenirs in Xinjiang
Shopping in Xinjiang mainly involves ethnic handicrafts and local specialties, which are steeped in history, diverse in variety, and rich in unique ethnic styles—beloved by travelers from around the world. Items worth buying include hadas (prayer scarves), commemorative pins, Mongolian and Kazakh clothing and accessories, Uyghur clothing and accessories, wood carvings (bowls, spoons, vases), jade carvings, gold and silver jewelry, Xibo-style incense bags (smoking pouches), imitation "Naadam" leather flasks, Kazakh carpets, and tapestries.
Xinjiang Hetian jade is a national treasure of the Chinese nation and has been nominated several times as China’s “national stone.” As early as the Neolithic Age, the ancestors living near Kunlun Mountain discovered Hetian jade and transported and exchanged it as a precious commodity and a medium of friendship to the East and West, forming China’s oldest jade transport route—the “Jade Road”—which later became the precursor to the “Silk Road.”
When buying Hetian jade, you’ll need a keen eye.
Travel Tips for Xinjiang
1. The main ethnic minorities in northern Xinjiang are the Uyghur and Kazakh peoples. The region is home to many ethnic groups with strong religious traditions. For those who follow Islam, pork is strictly forbidden and represents their biggest taboo in daily life—never offend this. In areas with dense ethnic minority populations, try to be friendly. If you’re unsure about an item, don’t haggle casually. Be sure to learn about and respect certain taboos of different ethnicities.
2. Due to Xinjiang’s dry climate, it is strongly recommended not to wear contact lenses. Especially in some areas where accommodation conditions may not be ideal, basic amenities like rinsing may not be convenient.
3. Additionally, there is a large temperature difference between day and night in northern Xinjiang. When sleeping at night, set the air conditioning to a moderate level. Avoid setting it too cold or sleeping without a cotton quilt, which could cause discomfort. Local fruits and melons are abundant, and enjoying them is a delightful experience—but take care to prevent diarrhea.
4. Clothing should be simple, elegant, and breathable. Try to wear long-sleeved clothes to avoid prolonged direct sun exposure. If you want to ride a horse, never wear sandals barefoot—the stirrup will rub your feet raw in no time. Also, opt for loose, cotton pants when possible.
5. About security checks: Security in Xinjiang is very strict. At airports, you must empty your pockets, take off your shoes, and have the soles of your feet scanned. There is also a secondary security check at the boarding gate.
Travel Tips for Xinjiang (Short Version)
1. If you're really scared, then don’t go—don’t make things hard on yourself.
2. If you go, remember to respect local customs and don’t do foolish things like trying to barge into a mosque.
3. According to western customs, starting to bargain means you’ve decided to buy.
4. If you need to ask for directions in southern Xinjiang, just ask kids—adults might not understand Mandarin.
5. Eat lots of fruit!! Eat lots of lamb!! These delicious things aren’t available back in inland China. Xinjiang fruits have too much sugar to transport well, and after eating them, the “sweet fruits” back home will be, at best, just not sour or astringent. Meow haha.
6. Don’t buy jade—it’s all fake; don’t buy knives—you can’t bring them back.
7. Xinjiang and Beijing have a time difference. Daily life uses Urumqi time, but trains and other services use Beijing time. Be sure to calculate clearly to avoid missing your ride.
8. If you want to buy Hetian dates, raisins, Hami melons, or various handmade local specialties, it’s recommended to go directly to the locals in southern Xinjiang. If they don’t speak Mandarin, ask their grandkids to translate—and give the kid a little pocket money, everyone will be happy. The specialties bought this way are both cheap and authentic, way better than what Han vendors sell.
9. Bring your ID card. Without it, you really can’t go anywhere in Xinjiang.
10. Everything in Xinjiang is sold by the kilogram—be careful not to buy too much.
11. People from eastern China may get diarrhea from eating various Xinjiang lamb and dairy products—they’re too fresh, and that has downsides, meow haha. Similarly, fruits have far more sugar than inland ones—don’t eat too much at once.