Xinjiang is one of China’s most fascinating regions—where snow-capped mountains, endless grasslands, ancient Silk Road towns, and blue-green lakes stretch across a land larger than most countries. For first-time travelers, Urumqi is the perfect starting point. As Xinjiang’s capital and transportation hub, it connects you easily to deserts, mountains, oases, and ethnic cultural centers across the region.
This guide covers 12 must-visit attractions from Urumqi, plus essential tips on weather, transportation, and where to stay—so you can plan your Xinjiang trip with confidence.
Top 12 Must-Visit Places from Urumqi
1. Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
One of Xinjiang’s classic postcard views. Surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, Heavenly Lake is known for its mirror-like water, alpine forests, and panoramic hiking trails.
Distance from Urumqi: 1.5 hours
Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
2. Kanas Lake
Often called “China’s Switzerland,” Kanas is famous for turquoise lakes, birch forests, and the legendary “lake monster.” Autumn is especially stunning with golden valleys.
Best for: photographers, nature lovers
Distance: 9–10 hours by car or 1-hour flight to Altay + 2-hour drive
Kanas Lake
3. Hemu Village
A tranquil wooden village home to the Tuva ethnic group. Known for sunrise views over misty valleys and traditional log houses.
Often visited together with: Kanas
Hemu Village
4. Sayram Lake
The “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” Sayram features sapphire-blue water, rolling grasslands, and summer wildflowers.
Best season: May–September
Distance: 5–6 hours by car
Sayram Lake
5. Nalati Grassland
An emerald-green prairie dotted with rivers, pine forests, and Kazakh nomad camps. Horseback riding is a highlight.
Tip: Visit in June–August for the best pastures.
Nalati Grassland
>>9-Day Xinjiang Duku Highway Tour
6. Apricot Valley in Turgen (Seasonal)
Every April, Turgen becomes Xinjiang’s most colorful valley, covered in pink apricot blossoms against snow mountains.
Distance: 3–4 hours from Yining (reachable from Urumqi by high-speed rail or flight)
7. Karakul Lake
A high-altitude lake beneath Muztagh Ata (7,509m), with breathtaking reflections.
Located on: The Karakoram Highway
Starting point: Kashgar (flight from Urumqi)
Karakul Lake
8. Kashgar Old Town
The heart of Uygur culture, with maze-like alleys, artisan shops, mosques, and lively bazaars.
Don’t miss: Id Kah Mosque, Handicraft Street, Sunday Livestock Market
Travel: 2-hour flight from Urumqi
Kashgar Old City
9. Jiaohe Ancient City (Turpan)
A 2,300-year-old mud-built city preserved in astonishing detail.
Other Turpan highlights: Flaming Mountains, Karez Underground Irrigation System, Grape Valley
Distance: 3 hours via high-speed train or car
Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins
10. Kumtag Desert
A vast, accessible desert where dunes rise dramatically near Shanshan.
Activities: ATV, camel rides, sandboarding
Distance: 1 hour from Turpan
Kumtag Desert
11. Tashkurgan & the Stone Fortress
Home to the Tajik people, Tashkurgan features vast grasslands and snow peaks.
Must-see: Golden Grassland at sunset
Travel: From Kashgar via Karakoram Highway
Tashkurgan Stone City
12. Koktokay Scenic Area (Altay)
Famous for clear rivers, granite canyons, blue lakes, and geological formations.
Good for: hiking, geology lovers
Travel: 1-hour flight to Fuyun + short drive
Altay
Xinjiang Weather Guide: What to Expect Each Season
Xinjiang’s climate varies dramatically due to its size and geography.
Spring (March–May)
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South warms earlier than the north
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Perfect for blossoms (Ili, Turpan, Kashgar)
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Day/Night difference can be 15–20°C
Summer (June–August)
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Best time for grasslands, lakes, and mountains
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Very hot in Turpan (up to 45°C)
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Cool and comfortable in Altay & Ili
Autumn (September–October)
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Peak season
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Kanas autumn colors are world-famous
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Dry, clear skies ideal for photography
Winter (November–February)
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Cold, especially in Altay
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Amazing blue-ice scenery and skiing
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Few crowds and lower prices
Transport Guide: How to Travel from Urumqi
By High-Speed Train
Urumqi now connects to major Xinjiang cities:
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Urumqi → Turpan: 1–1.5 hours
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Urumqi → Korla: 3–4 hours
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Urumqi → Yining: 8–10 hours
Trains are comfortable, reliable, and cheaper than flights.
By Air
Fastest option for long-distance travel.
Direct flights from Urumqi to:
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Kashgar (2 hours)
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Altay (1 hour)
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Hotan (2 hours)
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Ili / Yining (1.5 hours)
Useful for big-region itineraries.
By Car / Private Tour
The most flexible choice for nature-heavy routes like:
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Sayram Lake
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Naraty
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Kanas & Hemu
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Altay & Koktokay
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Karakoram Highway
Road conditions are generally good, but distances are long.
Hiring a local driver or joining a small tour group is recommended.
Where to Stay in Xinjiang
Urumqi
Best areas for first-time visitors:
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Downtown (Grand Bazaar area): markets & food
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High-tech Zone: newer hotels, quieter
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South Railway Station area: convenient for day trips
Recommended hotel types:
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International chains (safe & comfortable)
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Local boutique hotels
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Guesthouses for budget travelers
Kashgar
Stay in:
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Old Town area for culture & atmosphere
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City center for convenience and modern facilities
Ili (Yining)
Best for:
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Blossom season trips
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Grassland excursions
Hotels range from simple inns to 4-star comfort hotels.
Altay & Kanas
Most accommodations are:
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Wooden lodges
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Yurts (summer only)
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Scenic-area hotels
Book early during autumn peak.
What to Eat in Xinjiang
Don’t leave without trying:
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Lamb kebabs (Kawap)
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Hand-pulled noodles (Laghman)
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Big-plate chicken
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Nang bread
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Yogurt and milk tea
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Sweet Hami melon (in summer)
Tips for First-Time Travelers
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Xinjiang distances are huge—avoid planning too many cities in one trip.
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Bring sunscreen: UV is very strong.
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Dressing modestly is respectful in Muslim-majority areas.
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Prepare cash (WeChat/Alipay may require Chinese bank cards).
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Always carry ID for checkpoints.
Conclusion
Starting your journey from Urumqi makes exploring Xinjiang incredibly convenient. From turquoise alpine lakes to desert oases, ancient Silk Road towns to modern bazaars, Xinjiang offers some of China’s most impressive natural and cultural landscapes.
Whether you prefer self-driving, small-group tours, or flexible day trips, Xinjiang is a destination that rewards every curious traveler with grand scenery and unforgettable encounters.
