8-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour from Urumqi: A Detailed Guide You Can't Miss

Don't waste time on your Xinjiang trip! This guide will help you plan an 8-day tour of Northern Xinjiang from Urumqi, with the best routes and must-see attractions. / 🌟Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi 🛬— Check in to your hotel and start your Xinjiang adventure! Day 2: Visit the Ghost City of the Sea Scenic Area and explore the unique Yardang landform. Day 3: Visit Kanas Scenic Area and Kanas Lake to enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Day 4: Visit the Three Bays of Kanas, Hemu Scenic Area, and Hemu Viewing Platform to see the highlights of Kanas in one day. Day 5: Visit the Hemu Aid Xinjiang Bridge and Hemu River to learn about the aid to Xinjiang and enjoy the tranquility of the river. Day 6: Visit Sayram Lake and Sayram Lake Point General Platform to experience the purity of the plateau lake and the weight of history. Day 7: Visit the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park Akhal-Teke Horse Base to see the mysterious Akhal-Teke horses up close. Day 8: End your tour in Urumqi 🛫 and return home with wonderful memories! / Attraction Recommendations: Sayram Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: G30, Bole, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00–23:00 🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 days The clear blue lake is a great place for photos. The surrounding grasslands are covered with colorful wildflowers, creating a picturesque scene. Kanas Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: S232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang ⏰Opening Hours: All day 🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 days This mysterious place is famous for its lake monster legend and the lake's changing colors. The natural scenery is breathtaking. Hemu Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Hemu Village, Hemu Hanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang ⏰Opening Hours: All day 🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 days The rustic and quiet log cabins here feel like a paradise, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park Akhal-Teke Horse Base ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Liyu Mountain, behind Wild Horse Building, 158 Kunming Road, Xinshi District, Urumqi ⏰Opening Hours: All day 🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 2–3 hours This place has great cultural significance for the Belt and Road Initiative and offers a chance to see the precious Akhal-Teke horses. It's a perfect blend of culture and nature. Kanas Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: S232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00–20:00 🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 2–3 hours The beautiful Kanas Lake is surrounded by forests and grasslands, adding a touch of wildness and natural charm. / **Travel Essentials**: 👕 **Clothing** Northern Xinjiang is cold in December, so bring a down jacket and a windbreaker. Sweaters, long pants, and thermal underwear are also important. Wear non-slip, waterproof shoes, such as snow boots. 🎒 **Accessories** Hats, scarves, and gloves are essential for keeping warm. Sunglasses protect your eyes, and sunscreen is also important. Choose a large backpack to carry all your travel essentials. 📲 **Electronics** Bring a phone, camera, and power bank to record your trip. Bring charging cables and chargers to keep your devices powered. Bring extra memory cards to store all the beautiful scenery. 💳 **Documents and Money** Bring your ID card, driver's license, cash, and cards. Some cash is also important for emergencies. 💊 **Medicine** Bring cold medicine, painkillers, and other common medicines. Bring band-aids and disinfectant wipes for minor injuries. Bring medicine for altitude sickness just in case. / Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Northern Xinjiang and don't forget to leave your footprints and stories. See you next time! 👋