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Summary
This 7-day tour of Xinjiang offers a comprehensive exploration of Urumqi, Kashgar, and Turpan. Highlights include the bustling markets of Kashgar, the serene Karakul Lake, the picturesque Heavenly Lake, and the ancient ruins of Gaochang. The tour provides a deep dive into the region's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
🌆 Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi and get settled in your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city or rest.
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🛬 Urumqi Airport
The Urumqi Airport is the main gateway to the city, welcoming visitors from around the world. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide holding a "China Private Tour" sign, ready to assist you in starting your Xinjiang adventure.
Tips
Keep an eye out for the "China Private Tour" sign at the airport exit to easily locate your guide.
🏨 Hotel in Urumqi
Your accommodation for the night is a luxurious four or five-star hotel in Urumqi. After a long journey, take this time to relax and rejuvenate, enjoying the comfort and amenities provided to ensure a pleasant stay.
Tips
Use this time to rest and recover from any jetlag, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the upcoming experiences.
🌆 Day 2: Explore Kashgar
- Fly to Kashgar and explore its famous markets, tombs, and the old city.
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🕌 Kashgar Animal Market
The Kashgar Animal Market is a vibrant and historic livestock market, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional trading practices that have been upheld for over 2000 years. The market is a bustling hub where sheep, goats, cows, horses, donkeys, and even camels are traded in large numbers, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Kashgar's Animal Market: Real Life Arabian Nights!", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYZ3ykGUZv8", "channel": { "name": "Our Human Planet"}, "published_date": "Aug 24, 2018", "length": "6:15" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "KASHGAR - FAMOUS SUNDAY ANIMAL MARKET", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD-9e2IhUV0", "channel": { "name": "GORDONLAWRENCEVIDEOS"}, "published_date": "Nov 26, 2015", "length": "7:54" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Kashgar Sunday Livestock Market", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF-FkPNCsrg", "channel": { "name": "Stef Hoffer"}, "published_date": "Jan 29, 2012", "length": "2:41" }</div>
Tips
Best visited on Sundays for the full market experience, allowing visitors to witness the lively interaction between sellers and buyers, reminiscent of ancient trading traditions.
🛍️ Kashgar Bazaar
The Kashgar Bazaar, also known as the Sunday Market, is a bustling and colorful market where a wide variety of goods are bought and sold. From aromatic spices to vibrant textiles, and from fresh produce to traditional crafts, the bazaar offers a sensory feast and a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and traditions.
Tips
Perfect for shopping and experiencing the vibrant local atmosphere, visitors can engage in the age-old tradition of bargaining while exploring the diverse array of goods on offer.
🕌 Khoja Abakh Tomb
The Khoja Abakh Tomb is a sacred Muslim monument located approximately 5 km from Kashgar. Adorned with exquisite ceramic tiles dating back to the 17th century, the tomb holds significant religious and historical importance, attracting visitors with its stunning architectural and artistic features.
Tips
Located a short distance from Kashgar, it is a significant religious site and a must-visit for those interested in the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
🕌 Kashgar Old City
The Kashgar Old City is a well-preserved example of a traditional Islamic city, offering a captivating glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Home to the grand Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, the old city exudes an enchanting ambiance, making it an ideal destination for evening visits to soak in the local atmosphere and witness the architectural marvels.
Tips
Ideal for evening visits to enjoy the local atmosphere and witness the timeless beauty of the ancient cityscape.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: China, Xinjiang, Kashgar Prefecture, Kashgar, Yawage Rd, 艾提尕尔清真寺旁 邮政编码 - 844099 |
Day 3: Visit Karakul Lake
Take a scenic drive to Karakul Lake, a stunning natural site surrounded by mountains.
Karakul Lake
Karakul Lake is a beautiful lake located within a circular depression, known as a meteor impact crater, with a rim diameter of 52 kilometers. The lake boasts two basins separated by a peninsula on the south and an 8 kilometers long island from the north. The eastern basin’s maximum depth is 22.5 meters, whilst the Western basin’s is 236 meters. The permanent ice fields of the Pamir Altay Range and the Pik Lenin peak (7134 meters) serve as the lake’s background. The area was probably named so because it was first seen by trawlers coming from the flourishing and fertile Alai Valley, in contrast with its barren surroundings.
Tips
The drive takes around 4 hours; bring snacks and water. Upon arrival, take the time to appreciate the stunning views and learn about the history and legends of the lake from the guide.
🏞️ Day 4: Heavenly Lake in Urumqi
- Fly back to Urumqi and visit the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area in Tianshan Mountain.
🏞️ Heavenly Lake
Heavenly Lake, nestled at the base of Bogda Peak, is a breathtakingly picturesque lake known as the 'Pearl of Tianshan Mountain'. With crystal-clear waters sourced from mountain snow, it covers an area of 380.69 square kilometers and offers a serene escape from the heat in summer and transforms into a stunning ski resort in winter.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Heavenly Lake on the northern side of the Mountain of God ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpAkdps9vUI", "channel": { "name": "Every Nook and Cranny"}, "published_date": "Nov 11, 2023", "length": "9:34" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "HEAVENLY LAKE OF TIAN SHAN MOUNTAINS | TIANCI ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCcJeO1YqdM", "channel": { "name": "Musafir Malaysia"}, "published_date": "Apr 9, 2021", "length": "7:14" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "HEAVENLY LAKE - an alpine gem in Xinjiang, China", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVgJXV7kVVE", "channel": { "name": "GORDONLAWRENCEVIDEOS"}, "published_date": "Nov 25, 2015", "length": "7:00" }</div>
Tips
The area around Heavenly Lake offers great hiking routes through the valleys on wooden pathways or up to the mountains, making it an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts and photography lovers. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as boating around the lake, a visit to a Kazak family, and easy hiking, adding cultural and adventurous dimensions to the experience.
🌞 Day 5: Turpan Highlights
- Drive to Turpan and explore the Karez Well system and Emin Minaret.
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🏞️ Karez Well
The Karez Well system is an ancient underground water system that has been crucial for the region's agriculture for over 2000 years. It is a remarkable feat of engineering, providing water supplies to the communities of Xinjiang Uygur region. The largest number of Karez wells in the region is found in the Turpan Depression, earning it the nickname "Underground Great Wall."
Tips
Visit in the morning to avoid the heat and witness this marvel of ancient water management.
🕌 Emin Minaret
The Emin Minaret stands as the tallest and biggest pagoda in China, showcasing unique Islamic-Chinese architecture. Built in 1777, it holds significant historical importance as a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage. The tower's circular, tapered design and striking geometric decorations make it a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
Tips
Built in 1777, it's a must-see for history buffs and those interested in the fusion of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: W6M3+R9R, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang, China, 838006 |
🗺️ Day 6: Tuyugou and Gaochang
Visit the less-known Tuyugou Valley and the ancient city of Gaochang, then return to Urumqi.
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🕌 Tuyugou Valley
Tuyugou Valley, also known as Tuyoq, is a primitive Uighur agricultural valley, characterized by its picturesque vineyards and fields. The valley is a serene oasis, offering a glimpse into the traditional Uighur way of life.
Tips
Less crowded than other tourist spots, Tuyugou Valley provides a more authentic and tranquil experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and local culture.
🏛️ Gaochang Ancient City
Gaochang Ancient City, nestled in the boundless desolate Gobi desert, stands as a testament to the ancient Silk Road civilization. The well-preserved ruins of this ancient city offer a captivating insight into the historical significance of the region, with its majestic remnants evoking a sense of awe and wonder.
Tips
Best visited in the cooler part of the day, Gaochang Ancient City invites exploration amidst a mystical ambiance, where visitors can envision the grandeur of the bygone era and appreciate the architectural marvels of the past.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: VG5J+VQM, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang, China, 838009 |
🔗 Profiles:  |
🏜️ Flaming Mountains
The Flaming Mountains, renowned for their striking red, hot, and dry landscape, provide a dramatic backdrop to the oasis and scenery of the Turpan area. This natural wonder, with its rugged beauty, has inspired numerous legends and stories, including the classic "Journey to the West."
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Flaming Mountain in "Journey to the West" | Amazing Places ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d_nStzngxM", "channel": { "name": "China Documentary"}, "published_date": "Feb 20, 2022", "length": "3:06" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Explore museum near Flaming Mountains in China's Xinjiang", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoFbhaXMHzs", "channel": { "name": "New China TV"}, "published_date": "6 days ago", "length": "5:13" }</div>
Tips
Great for photography from a distance, the Flaming Mountains offer a mesmerizing spectacle, inviting travelers to capture the surreal contrast between the fiery hues of the mountains and the lush greenery of the surrounding oasis.
🌍 Day 7: Departure from Urumqi
Transfer to Urumqi airport or train station for your next destination.
🏞️ Urumqi Airport
The Urumqi Airport, also known as Diwopu International Airport, is the main airport serving Urumqi. It is the largest airport in Xinjiang and serves as a crucial transportation hub for the region. As your 7 Days Xinjiang Discovery Tour comes to an end, the airport provides modern facilities and amenities for travelers departing from Urumqi.
Tips
Ensure you have all your belongings before departure. Take a moment to savor the memories of your Xinjiang adventure before boarding your flight.
