Top 10 Best Things to Do in Xinjiang

Top 1: Hike in Tianshan Tianchi

Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) is like a mirror nestled among the peaks. With gentle breezes, calm waves, and reflections of icy peaks, blue sky, and white clouds on its surface, it creates a breathtaking scene. For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, this is an unmissable destination. Many visitors enjoy hiking along the Qianlongyuan Trail, following the wooden boardwalk through dense pine forests. Others prefer a leisurely stroll around the lake on the 10-plus-kilometer loop trail for a 360° panoramic view of the lake's beauty.

The Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area in Urumqi offers several hiking routes to choose from. A shorter route suitable for beginner hikers is from the Tianchi entrance to Crescent Moon Spring, covering about 10 kilometers on relatively flat terrain. For more experienced hikers, the route from the Tianchi entrance to Nantian Gate is recommended. This 20-kilometer route traverses the high-altitude regions of the Tianshan Mountains.

As you walk slowly along the boardwalk of Tianchi, you can admire the Small and Large Tianchi and gaze at the Bogda Peak. If time permits, you can also descend along the waterfall and take a boat tour of the lake. Facing the ancient, clear green waters of the lake and the perpetually snow-covered mountains, one can't help but feel the brevity of life and the insignificance of human existence.

Top 2: Ski in Altay

Known as "China's Snow Capital", Altay City in Xinjiang boasts long snow seasons, excellent snow quality, significant vertical drops in ski slopes, and comfortable temperatures for skiing. These natural advantages, combined with the active development of local ice and snow resources, attract skiing enthusiasts from all over the country every winter season. They come to experience the winter charm of the "birthplace of human skiing" and enjoy the thrill of ice and snow sports.

Altay has three major ski resorts: Altay General Mountain Ski Resort, Koktokay Ski Resort, and Hemu Jikepulin Ski Resort. Each of these ski resorts has its unique features, offering a range of skiing experiences from beginner to advanced levels, catering to skiers of all skill levels. The General Mountain Ski Resort is particularly popular with visitors due to its convenient transportation and comprehensive facilities. Koktokay Ski Resort is renowned for its long snow season and excellent snow quality. Jikepulin Ski Resort offers a top-notch immersive skiing experience, making it a favorite among advanced skiers seeking a premium skiing adventure.

Top 3: Photograph in Nalati Grassland

The Nalati Grassland is part of the subalpine meadow plant area, one of the four largest grasslands in the world. It has been renowned as a famous pasture since ancient times. It offers vast expanses of grasslands, lakes, and mountains, combined with the unique Kazakh customs and culture, making it a paradise for countless photography enthusiasts. Whether it's the gentle light of dawn, the majestic sunset, or the freshness after the rain, you can always find a heartwarming moment here.

Entering Nalati, the first thing that catches your eye is the endless sea of green. Every moment here is a perfect time for photography, and every frame captures nature's deepest affection for this land. In Nalati, you can temporarily forget the worries of the world and let your soul soar freely in this vast expanse.

Top 4: Ride a Horse on Bayanbulak Grassland

Riding horses in Xinjiang is an experience not to be missed. Galloping across the vast grasslands, feeling the wind whistle past your ears, is a dream for many travelers. The Bayanbulak Grassland, known as a place where only horseback riding can truly immerse you in its beauty, offers numerous opportunities for this activity through the local herdsmen.

Initially, mounting the horse may take some time to get used to, but once you and the horse become familiar with each other, you can increase your speed and let the horse run freely. As you ride across the grassland, with blue skies, white clouds, green fields, and herds of cattle and sheep rushing past you, you will feel a genuine connection to nature, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life and crowded places, allowing you to fully embrace the serenity and beauty of the natural world.

Top 5: Camp at Sayram Lake

Sayram Lake Scenic Area centers around Sayram, featuring picturesque mountain forests and lakeside grasslands, forming a lake-type scenic spot. Sayram Lake has served as the venue for the Xinjiang station of the China International Camping Festival and is an excellent spot for camping and stargazing in Xinjiang, where the areas around West Sea Grassland are ideal for setting up tents. Camping at Sayram Lake allows visitors to enjoy the sunset and starry sky while experiencing the joys of camping. At night, the sky is filled with stars, and lights from the tents create a full atmosphere. The "last tear of the Atlantic" shimmers under the sunlight, and on rainy days, the lake surface resembles the sea.

Top 6: Visit Kashgar Old City

Kashgar Old City, long celebrated as a pearl of the Silk Road, is renowned for its more than two thousand years of history and diverse cultural heritage. The city's unique architectural style, blending Han, Uygur, Mongolian, and other ethnic influences, makes it one of the most representative historical and cultural cities in Xinjiang.

Within Kashgar Old City, numerous treasures await discovery by visitors. The Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in China, serves not only as a religious center but also as an architectural marvel. Its grand gatehouse and exquisite carvings are truly awe-inspiring. Walking through the ancient yellow-earth buildings of the Gaotai Ancient Homes feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Moreover, you can enjoy the graceful Uygur dances, savor the rich flavors of Xinjiang cuisine, and experience the leisurely charm that this ancient city offers.

Top 7: Drive across the Desert

Located in the southern part of Xinjiang, the Taklamakan Desert is the largest desert in China and the world's largest shifting sand desert. It features the world's most magnificent Luntai Poplar, towering sand dunes, and the eerie Yardang landforms. For a traveler, missing a journey across the Taklamakan Desert would be a great pity.

For a self-guided tour of the Taklamakan Desert, you can choose to follow routes along the desert's edge or venture into its interior. Korla, Yuli, or Luntai are ideal entry points into the desert. Along the desert highway, you can witness the majestic sand dunes, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the golden sand appears like rolling waves. In the distance, the tall populus euphratica sway gracefully in the sunlight, standing as a testament to life in this arid land. The desert highway offers not only the thrill of driving but also a profound spiritual experience and a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Top 8: Drift in Kalajun

The Kuerdai River Drifting Project is located within the Kuokesu Grand Canyon Scenic Area of the Kalajun International Ecotourism Zone. The drifting course spans 7 kilometers with a drop of about 40 meters, passing through four rapids that alternate between turbulent and calm waters, constantly challenging your adrenaline levels. The entire drifting journey takes approximately 40 minutes, making it the only canyon drifting experience in Ili, Xinjiang.

A summer without drifting is incomplete. Experiencing a drifting adventure in the heat of summer, playing and having fun with friends, offers an exhilarating experience. However, the journey is quite thrilling, so it's crucial to pay attention to safety throughout the drifting adventure.

Top 9: Stroll around Grand Bazaar

The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is the largest bazaar in the world. It's not only a shopping paradise but also a place where cultures converge. Walking into the grand bazaar feels like stepping into a colorful dream: you'll find various ethnic costumes, a plethora of handcrafted items, and the irresistible aroma of roasted lamb skewers—all exuding a strong Western region flavor. One of the most enjoyable activities when traveling to Urumqi is strolling through the grand bazaar on a summer evening. You can browse around, savor some skewers, drink a bowl of yogurt, and fully enjoy the uniquely laid-back nightlife that Xinjiang offers.

Top 10: Take a Hot Spring Bath in Wucai Bay

The Wucai Bay Guhai Hot Springs are located on the eastern edge of the Gurbantünggüt Desert in Jimsar County, Changji, Xinjiang. The hot springs' most remarkable features are their water temperature, quality, and surrounding scenery. The spring water can reach temperatures as high as 80°C, and it is clear and rich in minerals. Bathing in the vividly colored hot spring waters allows visitors to experience the warm embrace of nature, relieving all their fatigue. The landscape surrounding the hot springs is also uniquely captivating. Distant rolling mountains, lush vegetation, and clear streams create a picturesque setting, making visitors feel as if they are in a fairyland.

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