5-Day Xinjiang Travel Guide

Xinjiang is the largest provincial-level administrative region in China, with unique natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Here is a 5-day Xinjiang travel guide to help you plan your trip. ### Day 1: Urumqi **Morning: Arrive in Urumqi** - After arriving in Urumqi, it is recommended to go to the hotel to settle your luggage first, and then head to the city center. **Afternoon: Tianchi Lake** - Drive about 1.5 hours from Urumqi to Tianchi Lake. Tianchi Lake is an alpine lake with clear water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a great place for photography and relaxation. You can choose to take a boat ride or hike along the lake. **Evening: Urumqi Night Market** - After returning to Urumqi, head to the International Grand Bazaar Night Market to taste Xinjiang specialties, such as grilled lamb skewers, naan, and various dried fruits. You can also buy some local handicrafts as souvenirs. ### Day 2: Kanas Lake **Morning: Head to Kanas** - Get up early and take a flight or long-distance bus to Kanas (it is recommended to choose a flight to save time). After arriving in Kanas, head to Kanas Lake Scenic Area. **Afternoon: Kanas Lake** - Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lake. You can choose to climb the Guanyu Pavilion to overlook the lake and the surrounding mountains. You may also have the opportunity to see the traditional nomadic life of the Kazakh people. **Evening: Stay in Kanas** - Stay in a hotel or homestay near Kanas and enjoy a quiet night by the lake. ### Day 3: Kanas - Hemu Village **Morning: Hemu Village** - After breakfast, head to Hemu Village, a typical Tuva village with unique wooden structures. You can experience the local folk culture. **Afternoon: Hemu Village** - Hike in Hemu Village and enjoy the surrounding mountains and virgin forests. You can choose to ride a horse or hike into nature. **Evening: Stay in Hemu Village** - Spend the night in Hemu Village and enjoy the tranquility under the stars. ### Day 4: Hemu - Changji **Morning: Return to Changji** - After breakfast, head to Changji from Hemu and enjoy the natural scenery along the way. **Afternoon: Changji Museum** - After arriving in Changji, visit Changji Museum to learn about the local history and culture. **Evening: Changji Cuisine** - Taste local delicacies in Changji, such as pilaf and lamb soup, and experience a different food flavor from Urumqi. ### Day 5: Return to Urumqi **Morning: Urumqi Grand Bazaar** - After returning to Urumqi, you can go to the Grand Bazaar again to buy some Xinjiang specialties, such as dried fruits, red dates, grapes, etc. **Afternoon: Xinjiang Museum** - Visit the Xinjiang Museum to learn about Xinjiang's rich history, culture, and multi-ethnic characteristics. **Evening: End of the Trip** - Arrive at the airport in advance according to the return flight time and end your pleasant trip to Xinjiang. ### Tips: 1. **Transportation**: Xinjiang is vast, so it is recommended to choose a plane or highway. 2. **Climate**: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, so pay attention to wearing appropriate clothing. 3. **Food**: Xinjiang has a rich variety of food, so try local specialties, but pay attention to food hygiene. 4. **Culture**: Respect local ethnic customs, especially in ethnic minority villages. I hope this guide will help you have an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!