7 Days Xinjiang Tour

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.

Day1 Arrive in Urumqi

Arrive in Urumqi and check in at the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore local Xinjiang cuisine and experience the lively atmosphere of this Silk Road city before starting your journey.

Day2 Urumqi – Sailboat Experience at Sayram Lake – Overnight near Sayram Lake Scenic Area

Travel from Urumqi to the breathtaking Sayram Lake, Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake. Enjoy a relaxing sailboat ride across its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by rolling grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Take in the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere before spending the night near the scenic area, where you can admire a beautiful sunset over the lake.

Day3Second entry to Sayram Lake for a Self-drive full lake circuit – Yining Liuxing Street Travel Photography Experience – Overnight in Yining

Re-enter Sayram Lake and enjoy a scenic self-drive journey around the entire lake, taking in breathtaking views of alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear waters. Continue to Liuxing Street in Yining, a vibrant neighborhood known for its colorful architecture and rich multicultural atmosphere. Enjoy a travel photography experience as you wander through its charming streets, capturing unique local scenes and cultural highlights. Overnight in Yining.

Day4Yining – Self-drive exploration of Xiata Scenic Area – Overnight in Zhaosu

Depart from Yining and drive through the stunning landscapes of the Ili Valley to Xiata Scenic Area. Explore this hidden gem at your own pace, surrounded by dramatic canyons, snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and pristine rivers. Once an important section of the ancient Silk Road, Xiata offers breathtaking scenery and a true sense of wilderness. Continue to Zhaosu for an overnight stay.

Day5Zhaosu – Self-drive through Kalajun Grassland (the highlight of the UNESCO-listed Tianshan World Heritage Site) – Overnight in Xinyuan

Depart from Zhaosu and enjoy a spectacular self-drive journey through Kalajun Grassland, one of the highlights of the UNESCO-listed Xinjiang Tianshan. Admire rolling green hills, vast flower-filled meadows, grazing horses, and panoramic mountain views that showcase the beauty of Xinjiang’s natural landscapes. After exploring this breathtaking grassland, continue to Xinyuan for an overnight stay.

Day6Xinyuan – Self-drive exploration of Nalati Sky Grassland & River Valley Grassland – Overnight in Nalati

Drive from Xinyuan to Nalati Grassland, one of Xinjiang’s most iconic natural landscapes. Explore both the breathtaking Sky Grassland, where vast alpine meadows stretch beneath the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, and the picturesque River Valley Grassland, known for its winding streams, dense forests, and traditional Kazakh pastures. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive adventure while taking in some of the most spectacular scenery along the ancient Silk Road. Overnight in Nalati.

Day7Nalati Town – Drive along G218 Highway, passing Baluntai and the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – Return to Urumqi – Overnight in Urumqi

Depart from Nalati and embark on a scenic drive along the famous G218 Highway, one of Xinjiang’s most spectacular routes. Pass through the mountain town of Baluntai and journey across the majestic Tianshan Mountains via the impressive Tianshan Shengli Tunnel. Along the way, enjoy ever-changing landscapes ranging from grasslands and forests to rugged mountain scenery. Arrive in Urumqi in the evening and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in the city.

Day 8Urumqi – Transfer to Airport / Railway Station – Departure for your next destination

After breakfast, enjoy some free time at your leisure before your scheduled transfer to the airport or railway station. As your Xinjiang adventure comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and remarkable experiences along the ancient Silk Road. We wish you a pleasant journey and look forward to welcoming you back to China in the future.