Things to do in Xinjiang
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Top 10 attractions in Xinjiang
Sayram Lake
[Sayram Lake introduction] Sayram Lake is located at the southwestern end of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, at the northern foot of the western Tianshan Mountains. This alpine lake and grassland national scenic area features natural landscapes including lakes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. Its main activities include sightseeing, eco-tourism, exploring the historical culture of the ancient Silk Road's northern route, and experiencing the ethnic customs of Mongolian and Kazakh minorities. Sayram Lake transforms with the seasons. In spring and summer, flower fields bloom in abundance, while golden fall brings a striking contrast between sky and water. Winter turns the lake into a dreamscape, with dancing ice crystals, pillars, curtains, and coral formations. Ice roses bloom freely, and mysterious blue ice eyes appear in ever-changing forms. Throughout the day, the lake presents shifting spectacles - morning glow, sunset hues, rain mist, sea of clouds, lightning, rainbows, and mist cascades. Sayram Lake covers a vast area, with a circular road around the lake spanning approx. 90 km. The lakeside scenery is exceptionally beautiful. Most visitors depart from Urumqi and arrive at the lake in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset before staying overnight. The next day, they can admire the sunrise and daytime lakeside views before heading to Huocheng, Ili, and other destinations. During the lake loop, you'll also encounter cultural relics such asGenghis Khan's Command Platform, Film and Television City, etc.These cultural structures stand quietly by the lakeside on the plateau, evoking a profound sense of melancholy and timeless grandeur. Quick guide to touring Sayram LakeChina · Bole
Tianshan Tianchi
Tianshan Tianchi, also known as Tianchi National Geological Park and called "Yaochi" in ancient times, is located in Fukang, Changji Prefecture, on the northern side of Bogda Peak. It is approx. 110 km from Ürümqi and is a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang. In ancient Chinese mythology, Tianchi was also the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West. Tianchi Lake sits at an altitude of 1910 m, with a maximum depth of 105 m. The lake reflects the Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery. The attraction encompasses natural views such as alpine lakes, wetland meadows, and forested canyons. In 2013, it was designated as a national geological park. When visiting Tianchi, don't just explore the lakeshore—you'll miss many surprising sub-attractions. Recommended hiking routes, lakeside pier - Haixi beach, lakeside pier - East small heavenly pool (Flying dragon pool) The Tianchi attraction features three water bodies: the main lake plus two others on its eastern and western sides. The eastern one is "East Xiaotianchi," also called Heilong Pool, located 500 m east of Tianchi. Below the pool lies a sheer cliff where a waterfall plunges down like a rainbow, giving the site its name "Hanging spring and jade rainbow." On the west side lies "West Xiaotianchi," also known as Jade Maiden Pool, located approx. 2 km northwest of Tianchi Lake. The pool, shaped like a full moon and encircled by towering pines, earned its poetic name "Dragon Pool under the jade moon" from the serene moonlit reflections on its surface. A waterfall cascades beside the pool, plunging dozens of meters like a silver river descending from heaven, dubbed the "Jade belt with silver curtain." Above the pool stands the Sound of Waves Pavilion, offering a unique vantage point to admire the waterfall. All attractions within the scenic area are connected by boardwalks, accessible on foot. On the eastern shore of Tianchi Lake stands the Temple of the Queen Mother of the West, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty. The current structure was reconstructed in 1999 on the original temple site, dedicated to the worship of the Queen Mother of the West, hence also known as the "Queen Mother Temple". It can be reached by hiking along the lakeside boardwalk (approx. 2 hrs) or by taking a cruise. The temple offers excellent views of Tianchi Lake. Maya Mountain requires taking a shuttle bus + cable car. The towering cliffs and numerous stone peaks present a breathtaking sight; from afar, they resemble a row of horse teeth, while looking up, they appear as if jagged rocks are competing in grandeur and stacked cliffs are vying in beauty, creating a mesmerizing view. This view of Maya Mountain is formed by rock weathering.The summit of Maya Mountain is relatively flat, featuring lush grasslands covered with butter grass in summer and dotted with colorful flowers. Standing here, you can take in the panoramic view of Heaven Lake to the north, while the Bogda Peak to the east and the snow-capped mountains to the south seem within reach. To the west, the farmlands on the outskirts of Urumqi are also clearly visible.China · Fukang
Kanas Scenic Area
The Kanas Scenic Area is located in the dense forests of Burqin County in the Altay region,It is one of the renowned scenic areas in Xinjiang. The renowned three bays in the attraction — Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay — are must-see core views. Shenxian Bay is famous for its morning mist spectacle, Moon Bay features a graceful S-shaped curve, and Wolong Bay offers tranquil and serene waters. By this beautiful, fertile, and mysterious lake (the meaning of "Kanasi" in Mongolian), you can see the clear and tranquil water that often changes color with the seasons and weather. The lakeshore is surrounded by primeval forests of spruce, fir, and Siberian larch, while the sunny slopes are covered with dense grass. Distinct layers of different plant communities create a stunning display in fall, with golden yellow, crimson, and dark green hues each shining in their own way. When visiting the attraction, you can also climb the fish-watching platform with a relative height of 600 m, where you can overlook the lake and the distant layers of green mountains shrouded in mist as well as the snow-capped peaks. You can also take a cruise to enjoy the lake scenery. There are also many ancient legends here, the most famous being the "lake monster." Over the past few decades, numerous travelers and scientists have reported sightings of "giant strange fish." Some claim it to be a massive taimen (a type of fish), while others believe it to be a prehistoric creature. Stay To protect the natural environment here, the attraction closed many lakeside hotels. There are mountain villas within the attraction, as well as local Tuvan houses and tents available for stay. Many visitors also choose to stay on the outskirts of the attraction for easier access to the next day's tour. If you want to get up early to see the morning mist at Fairy Bay, staying within the attraction is a good choice. Diet The attraction is located in a remote border area with sparse population and high logistics costs. The food in the attraction is mainly halal, with more beef and mutton and fewer vegetables. Some visitors from inland areas may find it unaccustomed, so they can prepare some dry food and drinking water by themselves.China · Burqin
Hemu Scenic Area
Hemu Scenic Area is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northern Xinjiang.Kanas LakeAbout 30 km to the east is a small village jointly inhabited by Kazakhs and Tuvans. General travelers visiting Northern Xinjiang usually visit Hemu Scenic Area and Kanas Scenic Area together. Hemu Scenic AreaAll the houses are simple wooden cabins scattered across the mountain valleys. Local ethnic minority residents work in their courtyards, creating a peaceful and rustic atmosphere. The Hemu River flows by the village with its light blue, crystal-clear water. Surrounding the village are grasslands and birch forests, forming a picturesque landscape. In winter, snow accumulates on the mountaintops, turning them into small snow-capped peaks that resemble a fairy-tale world. Hemu Scenic AreaNot very large, the main road in the village is about 2–3 km long, and you can explore the village on foot. The viewing platform is located atHemuheOn the hillside across the river, the viewing platform offers panoramic views of the village, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots.China · Burqin
Nalati Scenic Area
Nalati Scenic Area is located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Ili River Valley, a subalpine meadow grassland formed on ancient alluvial deposits. Legend has it that when the westward-expanding Mongol army crossed mountains to reach this place, they suddenly saw a sunlit plain carpeted with flowers. The soldiers exclaimed "Nalati," which means "the place with sunlight" in Mongolian, giving the area its enduring name. The attraction integrates snow-capped mountains, forests, valleys, meadows, and rivers, primarily divided into several sections: the River Valley Grassland, Sky Grassland, Panlong Valley Trail, and Wolta Jiaota. Along the River Valley Grassland by the Gongnaisi River, visitors can find Tawusani (meaning "beautiful mountain valley" in Kazakh), ancient tombs from the Wusun people of the Han dynasties, and the Grassland Tribe recreating Wusun tribal life. Following the uphill ride on the mountain road leads to the Sky Grassland, a high-altitude meadow suspended among peaks. The Tianjie Terrace at the boundary between the valley and grassland offers expansive views, while Snow Lotus Valley at the trail's end is often shrouded in mist, with snow lotuses blooming in midsummer. The Panlong Valley Trail is a forest loop without backtracking, flanked by towering Tianshan spruces. The Wolta Jiaota section is ideal for hiking, with the Tianxian Terrace providing stunning views of sunrise above sea of clouds. From June to September each year, the grassland enters its golden season, with lush green pastures and blooming wildflowers everywhere. Kazakh herders drive herds of cattle, sheep, and horses into summer pastures, where scattered yurts and curling smoke create a picturesque scene. Visiting the attraction during this time allows you to ride horses, try archery, and dress in traditional ethnic costumes. You might also encounter traditional equestrian activities like horse racing, kokpar (goat grabbing), and kyz kuu (girl chasing), experiencing the authentic Kazakh nomadic culture between snow-capped mountains and meadows.China · Xinyuan
World Mystery Town
World Mystery Town is located in Urho District, Karamay City, on the northwestern edge of the Junggar Basin, adjacent to National Highway 217, which connects Karamay to Burqin. Most travelers on the Northern Xinjiang loop route make a stop here. The area features typical yardang landforms, where billions of years of wind erosion and water immersion have carved the Gobi into towering, irregularly shaped mounds resembling a deserted ancient city from afar. The attraction lies in a wind-prone area, with strong winds throughout the year. Locals also call it "Urho Wind City," with a saying that goes, "One annual wind blows from spring to winter." When the wind howls through the labyrinth of mounds, it produces eerie wails, especially at night, earning it the name "Devil's Town." In 2005, when China National Geographic selected the most beautiful landscapes in China, the yardang landforms here were listed alongside those in Dunhuang and Lop Nur, becoming one of the representative views of yardang formations in the country. Among the earthen mounds in the Gobi, some resemble castle towers, while others look like people or animals. The attraction has named the most distinctive ones, such as "Sphinx," "Tiananmen," "Great Front Gate," "Guilin landscape," and "beacon tower." The "Devil's Eye" at the entrance is a iconic photo spot. When the small train rounds a bend, you can also see a massive rock that appears as a human face from the front but changes to another face when viewed from behind, known as the "Devil Couple." The attraction covers a vast area, with sightseeing trains as the main mode of transportation. Stops along the route include the Sphinx, filming locations for Seven swords and Crouching tiger, hidden dragon, Dinosaur Valley, and other sites, with onboard guide available. Movies and TV shows like Crouching tiger, hidden dragon, Seven swords, Visitors on the icy mountain, and Hero were filmed here, and sculptures recreating movie scenes remain at each stop for fans to spot familiar frames. A boardwalk near the Seven swords station leads to a viewpoint overlooking the entire yardang formation, while camel rides for photos are available near the Sphinx area. Each stop has limited time, but there's no need to rush if you want more photos—just wait for the next train. A full loop takes about two to three hours. At sunset, the slanting rays turn the mounds warm gold with distinct light layers, making it prime photography time. However, the desert has strong winds and intense sunlight, so remember to bring windproof gear, sunscreen, and drinking water.China · Karamay
The Xinjiang Museum
The Xinjiang Museum is a comprehensive autonomous region-level museum in Xinjiang, located in downtown Urumqi. The building was fully unveiled in 2022 following renovation and expansion, with an architectural floor plan shaped like the Chinese character "he" (union). The museum's collection is noted for its textiles, paper documents, painted clay sculptures, and ancient mummy specimens. Permanent exhibitions include the "Exhibition of historical relics of Xinjiang," "The dead across a millennium—exhibition of ancient mummies in Xinjiang," "Treasures of the vast sea—exhibition of exquisite ancient costumes in Xinjiang," and "Historical records of China—exhibition of unearthed documents in Xinjiang." The main exhibition halls are concentrated on the second floor, while the third floor features special exhibitions such as musical instruments of the Silk Road. The museum has two signature highlights. First is the Han dynasty brocade armguard unearthed from the Niya ruins in Hotan, inscribed with the phrase "Five stars rise in the east, benefiting China," interspersed with cloud and animal motifs. This artifact is considered one of the masterpieces of Han dynasty brocade craftsmanship and is listed among China's prohibited overseas exhibition relics. Second is the mummy display: thanks to Xinjiang's arid climate, ancient corpses have been preserved for millennia without decay. Among them, the 3,800-year-old "Beauty of Loulan" is particularly famous. The same hall also displays the "Princess of Xiaohe" and the remains of General Zhang Xiong, a high-ranking military officer from the Gaochang Kingdom. Such permanent exhibitions are quite rare in domestic museums. You can start your visit with the historical artifacts exhibition on the second floor, which traces thousands of years of Xinjiang's history in chronological order, from the pre-Qin period through the Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties, to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The exhibition hall covering the period from the Han to the Sui and Tang dynasties features a relatively concentrated collection of treasures. In the clothing exhibition, the red wool robe with human, animal, and tree patterns from the Yingpan cemetery displays a Hellenistic artistic style. The painted wooden figurine of the Heavenly King is carved and assembled from over thirty pieces of wood, with even the teeth being removable. The Old Uyghur "Maitreya-samiti-nataka" in the literature exhibition is also worth a close look. If you are sensitive to the subject of mummies or are visiting with children, you may want to check the exhibition content in advance and plan accordingly. The museum is a modern three-story building that also incorporates Xinjiang's architectural styles such as arched windows and domes, giving it distinctive features. It houses several permanent exhibition halls. The first floor features the Xinjiang ethnic customs exhibition and the ancient historical relics exhibition of Xinjiang. The second floor is divided into left and right sections: the left side contains the historical textiles exhibition hall and the "Forever with the Motherland" themed exhibition, while the right side displays ancient mummies and a white jade exhibition hall. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and displays, which are worth visiting if available. The Xinjiang ethnic culture exhibition hall is located on the first floor, showcasing the folk customs of 12 major ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including the Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, and Xibe peoples. Visitors can see displays of their musical instruments, daily necessities, yurts, and houses, as well as characteristic clothing like hats and scarves, most of which feature vibrant colors, embodying the distinctive ethnic charm of Xinjiang. A notable highlight is the Xibe people's houses. Since this ethnic group migrated from northeast China, their dwellings still feature the traditional northeastern heated brick bed (kang). Additionally, the furniture and tableware with Russian ethnic influences are also quite distinctive. The ancient historical artifacts exhibition of Xinjiang showcases a variety of unearthed relics from the Silk Road, spanning from ancient times to the present. It includes many Central Plains artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties, which are highly characteristic of ancient Chinese culture. There are also numerous artifacts from the Western Regions, featuring murals with angelic figures and many objects unique to the Western Regions. These highlight Xinjiang's distinctive role as a bridge between East and West, making it an exhibition not to be missed. The mummy exhibition and the "Forever with the Motherland" exhibition on the second floor are the highlights of the museum. The mummy hall displays ancient corpses from thousands of years ago. Thanks to Xinjiang's arid climate, these bodies have been preserved from decay and are extremely precious. Among them, the "Loulan Beauty" mummy is one of the museum's top treasures. The "Forever with the Motherland" exhibition features precious cultural relics such as the "Five stars from the east" brocade and the seal of the Han-appointed Qiang chieftain. The "Five stars from the east" brocade is particularly valuable, and its legendary story is fascinating—definitely worth learning about.China · Urumqi
Kalajun National Park
Kalajun Attraction is located in the southeast of Tekes County, Yili, about 30 kilometers away from the county seat. It is one of the famous grasslands in Xinjiang and a famous attraction that tourists cannot miss when visiting Xinjiang West Line (Yili Loop Line). Kalajun grassland is in the shape of continuous hills, backed by towering snow-capped mountains. There are also forests, flowers and other landscapes on the grassland. The scenery is vast and beautiful, making it a great place for sightseeing and photography. Kalajun in a broad sense refers to the Kalajun Ecological Tourism Area, which includes the East and West Kalajun, Koksu Grand Canyon, Zhongtianshan Snow Peak and Tianlai Forest. Each Attraction sells tickets separately and is far away from each other. The Kalajun Grassland generally refers to the East and West Kalajun Attraction, which is also the main destination for tourists to visit the Kalajun Grassland. The East and West Kalajun Attraction sell tickets together and use the same shuttle bus. It takes about 1-2 days to visit, and you can choose to stay on the grassland for one night in the middle. You can also come in the morning and return to Tekes County to stay in the evening. The gate of the Attraction is located in the Kushitai Comprehensive Service Area, which is also the place where chartered or self-driving vehicles need to stop. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the area after that. If tourists come from Tekes County by Bus to the Attraction , they can also go directly to the Bulaq Ticket Station After arriving at the Bulaq Ticket Station, you need to buy tickets and sightseeing bus tickets in the Attraction, and then take the sightseeing bus to play. The area in the Attraction is very large. The sightseeing bus will first circle the West Kalajun Attraction, and then go to the East Kalajun. The One-way journey takes about 1 hour. The junction of East and West Kalajun is located at the World Heritage Exhibition Center. Generally, tourists start to visit the Attraction at noon. You can visit West Kalajun on the first day, get off at the World Heritage Exhibition Center, return to the World Heritage Exhibition Center on the second day, and take a bus to visit the East Kalajun Attraction before leaving. The main scenic spots in Xikalajun Attraction include Wangyutai, Marmot Habitat, Liangyitai, Dielanggu, Shiquan, Yinmawan, Yikeshu, etc. You can take a bus to visit them one by one. Liangyitai, Dielanggu and Shiquan are still some distance away from the shuttle bus stop, and it takes about half an hour to walk from the stop. Xikalajun Scenic Attraction is dominated by rolling hills. Dielanggu is a typical hilly grassland. In summer, it is a good place for photography with layers of green. Dongkalajun is located deep in the grassland and is also the essence of the entire grassland. The characteristic attractions here include the Five-Flower Meadow, Flower Platform, Kuerdai Forest Grand Canyon, Sanji Planation Observation Deck and Falcon Platform Observation Deck. There are snow-capped mountains, grassland scenery, forest canyons, etc. The scenery is diverse and very beautiful. However, the five attractions are a little far from the parking spot of the sightseeing bus. You can reach them by hiking from the parking spot for about 0.5-1 hour. The Five-Flower Meadow and Flower Platform are the wonderful attractions. One is an open meadow full of colorful wild flowers, and the other is where you can take pictures of the snow-capped mountains behind the grassland. They are all very beautiful and are the essence of the Attraction that cannot be missed.China · Tekes County
Grape Valley
As a valley under the Flaming Mountain, Huoyan Grape Valley Resort is located at the northeast of Turpan. Grape Valley is a shady and cool oasis in the scorching Flaming Mountain area. It is also known for its grapes grown in the grape valley, making it one of the most famous scenic spots in Xinjiang. Scenic spots in the resort include the Effendi Garden and the Music and Art Hall of Wang Luobin. Here, visitors can enjoy hundreds of types of grapes, appreciate Uyghur singing and dancing, and experience the Uyghur dwellings.China · Turpan
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon is also calledTianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, located in northern Kuqa, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. "Kizilia" means "red cliffs" in Uyghur, as the grand canyon is composed of massive red-brown mountain formations. The red-brown peaks of Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon soar into the sky, appearing like clusters of burning flames under sunlight. Entering the canyon and walking among the reddish-brown mountains feels like stepping into a tranquil, cool world. The canyon mouth is quite open, but as you venture deeper, the path winds through peaks, alternating between wide and narrow sections—some spots are barely wide enough for one person to pass sideways. The canyon floor is relatively flat, allowing for leisurely strolls most of the time, flanked by towering rock walls. Looking up, against the backdrop of the blue sky, countless bizarre peaks and rocks take on myriad forms: the divine dog guarding the valley, the swirling ancient castle, the apparition cave, the jade maiden spring, and views like the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon's resting camel peak—each vividly lifelike. Hidden in the canyon, the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon-Ai Grotto is less than 2 km from the valley entrance, perched high on a sheer cliff. Research indicates the grotto was built during the mid-Tang dynasty. The small cave measures less than 5 m in depth and approx. one person's height, with an arched ceiling. Fragments of murals remain on three walls, unusually featuring Chinese characters—a stark contrast to hundreds of other grottoes in ancient Western Regions, clearly showcasing traces of Han culture.China · Kuqa
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What travellers say about Xinjiang
蓝莓酱ss22 October 2026
5.0
We slept at the Sayram Lake service area that night (it seemed to be under construction, but it looked quite large). Around midnight, the sky was filled with stars—absolutely beautiful. We got up early the next morning and entered Sayram Lake. We bought self-driving tickets, and only needed to scan one person's ID to enter. It truly lives up to its name as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean"—the scenery is truly stunning. Climbing Songshutou Mountain offers views of the Guozigou Bridge.
Sayram Lake
_We***0016 October 2026
5.0
Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains truly lives up to its legendary reputation as a fairyland on earth! However, getting to the scenic area is highly dependent on the weather. The shuttle bus takes you up the mountain, and upon arriving at the lakeside, you're instantly awestruck. The crystal-clear lake rests serenely amidst the mountains, with the majestic Bogda Peak standing tall in the distance, surrounded by a vast forest of spruce trees. The snow-capped mountains, the lake, and the blue sky frame each other—a breathtaking panorama that needs no filter. Strolling along the lakeside boardwalk, the air is fresh and invigorating. You can also take a boat trip on the lake for a closer look at the scenery. The scenic area is clearly marked and well-equipped, combining natural beauty with the mythical significance of the Queen Mother of the West. The mountain breeze soothes all travel fatigue, making it a must-visit destination when in Xinjiang.
Tianshan Tianchi
_CF***3424 October 2026
5.0
Kanas is the most beautiful scenic area I've visited in recent years, bar none! The misty Fairy Bay in the early morning is like a fairyland, the S-shaped bay of Moon Bay is photogenic from every angle, and the forest reflections in Sleeping Dragon Bay are unrealistically beautiful. The scenery changes constantly as you ride the shuttle bus, and climbing the 1068 steps to the Fish Viewing Platform is tiring but absolutely worth it; the view overlooking the entire Kanas Lake makes it all worthwhile. The Tuva people's log cabins, milk curds, and milk tea are also very unique. I recommend staying overnight to explore at your own pace, rather than rushing through a day trip. Five stars, highly recommended!
Kanas Scenic Area
M11***3817 October 2026
5.0
The village nestled at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, though somewhat commercialized, now boasts hiking trails that take about four hours round trip, offering an immersive experience of Hemu's beauty! With the snow-capped mountains so close, the off-season makes for fewer crowds and stunning scenery! I highly recommend the viewing platform and hiking trails; you absolutely must experience both.
Hemu Scenic Area
菜菜的后花园28 September 2026
5.0
Narat Grassland is quite beautiful, especially the aerial grassland, which is stunning. You can drive there; just buy a self-driving ticket. There are also shuttle buses. The area is quite large. Panlong Valley Road, however, was just average, not as beautiful as I expected. The river valley grassland was teeming with cattle and sheep, but since it was nearing autumn, the grass wasn't as green anymore.
I happened to be there during a grassland music festival. There were no celebrities, and the audience wasn't large, but the park was very well organized. There were large, clean temporary restrooms, and plenty of police, so everything was orderly. The only downside was that the parking lot was a bit far from the concert venue, as the venue was quite large. Because it's relatively remote, there weren't that many tourists there.
Nalati Scenic Area
M31***008 October 2026
5.0
Karamay's World Devil City is a Yardang landform sculpted by wind and sand over millions of years. A ride on the scenic train through the Gobi Desert reveals uniquely shaped rock formations rising from the barren landscape. The wind howls through the ravines, giving the place its name, "Devil City." At sunset, the changing light and shadow bathe the hills in a warm gold, creating a desolate yet breathtaking scene. The area possesses a vast, wild atmosphere, perfect for photography. Remember to bring sun and wind protection; it's a must-see natural wonder on the Northern Xinjiang loop.
World Mystery Town
M26***6326 September 2026
5.0
The guided tour experience at the Xinjiang Museum was top-notch! ✨ The guides were professional and engaging, providing a wealth of information and vividly recounting the history of the Silk Road. They explained the museum's most prized artifacts in detail, revealing many background stories not found in books. It was far more rewarding than visiting on your own. A guided tour is a must when visiting Xinjiang!
The Xinjiang Museum
迭部正德皇帝17 October 2026
5.0
It was definitely the right choice to come! The scenic area is better than I expected. There are plenty of shuttle buses, and the area is so pristine – the air is fresh, there's lots of green grass, cattle and sheep graze freely, and the views are expansive. I didn't get enough of it!
Kalajun National Park
Anonymous user3 October 2026
4.0
There were so many people visiting during the National Day holiday. 90% of the grapes had already been harvested; the remaining 10% were quite unique. However, the sightseeing bus service was extremely chaotic, with pedestrians everywhere and no order whatsoever.
Grape Valley
耳朵也不行23 October 2026
5.0
I originally planned to go to Wensu Grand Canyon, but it was closed due to weather, so I went to Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon instead.
Luckily, the weather was great; with the blue sky, the canyon's colors were particularly bright, and the contrasts were even more striking, making it perfect for taking photos in bright colors.
The temperature difference inside the canyon is significant, depending on whether you get sun exposure. I recommend bringing a scarf this season; it's warm and can also be used as a photo prop.
Although the scenic area isn't very large, walking around and taking photos will still take about two hours. If you don't want to walk, you can take the park shuttle bus or choose to ride a camel.
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Xinjiang?
Don't miss these attractions in Xinjiang: Sayram Lake, Tianshan Tianchi, and Kanas Scenic Area. If you like Cultural experiences, try Urumqi cultural 1-day tour | Akhal-Teke horse show + Xinjiang museum + Grand bazaar. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try Alluring Kashgar: 1-Day Tour to Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, & Baishan Lake.
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