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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Xinjiang [2025]
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Sayram Lake
4.7
/5
12628 reviews
9.1
From £15.00
Based on 92 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609097659990
Address: Sayram Lake, Bole, Bortala, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Xinjiang
Highlights:
79 km cycling & scenery
Enjoy the lake scenery on a 79 km cycling tour around the lake
Saved by 367 users11043 positive reviews
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Sailimu Lake is really worth the trip!!! It is worthy of being the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean. What Teacher Sa said is true. The sapphire lake water and snow-capped mountains are so beautiful under the lens that it is unreal. I have already been thinking about it again before leaving Yili.
The last tear of the Atlantic Ocean, this one is quite big. Xiao Sa, have you been here? I didn't come here because you said that if you don't come, your life will be in vain, because Sailimu Lake is really beautiful! I came here of my own accord.
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Tianshan Tianchi
4.5
/5
11807 reviews
8.5
From £16.21
Based on 91 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864008706110
Address: Heavy Pond, Fukang, Changji, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.3 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy the Tianchi Snow Mountain scenery
Cable car: panoramic mountain views
Saved by 338 users7350 positive reviews
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The blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains are a scenic spot that relies heavily on the weather. After getting off the shuttle bus, a 10-minute walk reveals a panoramic view of Tianshan Lake. Numerous viewing platforms have been built around the lake for photo opportunities. Following the signposts, there's a plank road around the lake, a 3-4 hour round-trip hike. Recommended: Definitely take the boat tour and the cable car; the best views of Tianshan Lake are found along the plank road.
After getting off the mountain bus, walk ten minutes to the cable car minibus, then take another ten-minute minibus ride to the Maya Mountain cable car station, and then take the cable car for ten minutes to the viewing platform. It takes one hour to climb from the viewing platform to the fourth viewing platform (where you can see Bogda Peak).
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Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark
4.6
/5
10081 reviews
8.4
From £23.95
Based on 172 reviews
Kanas Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864001110906
Address: Burqin, Altay, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Fall Viewing Attractions
Highlights:
Panoramic view of Kanas Lake
Enjoy a 2-hour Boat Ride with Stunning Lake Views
Saved by 327 users7223 positive reviews
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I think Xinjiang's beautiful scenery has a withdrawal effect. I can't forget it for a long time after returning! I don't need too many additional services, just quietly appreciate the pictures that can be used as screensavers, that's enough!
The overall environment is great, with beautiful scenery, but there's a fee for entrance to the main attraction, and you need to buy new tickets to go to other areas inside, like Baihaba, which isn't very cost-effective. I recommend visiting Kanas Lake and walking along the lakeside plank road; it's less crowded, beautiful, and fun. Those who have the energy can climb the Fish Viewing Terrace, but I didn't choose it due to time and energy constraints. You can just take a bus to Sanwan and visit it at a specific time. Wolong Bay is actually home to a Tyrannosaurus Rex. I thought it was a legendary dragon from the name, but it was a bit funny when I found out the truth.
No.
4
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Hemu Scenic Area
4.5
/5
4533 reviews
8.2
From £7.81
Based on 74 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864001110906
Address: Hemu Village, Kanas Hemu Township, Burqin County, Altay Region 7 kilometers east
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 days
No.1 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Ski premium slopes in Altai
Kazakh & Tuvan cultural village
Saved by 312 users3582 positive reviews
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It's a very atmospheric village with charming log cabins and bridges. There's a free shuttle bus that takes you to your desired destinations, and it runs quite frequently. I experienced the log cabins, the stream, and even went up to the Harden Observation Deck to overlook the entire Hemu Village!
This is my second time staying in Hemu Village. The clear and turbulent Hemu River, Harden Viewing Platform, cabins, and eagles 🦅 still left me with a good impression and a good experience.
No.
5
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Narat Scenic Spot
4.5
/5
3145 reviews
7.9
From £14.06
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609995291888
Address: Nalatizhen, Xinyuan, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No.4 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Kazakh nomadic life & horseback riding
Kazakh steppe summer activities
Saved by 198 users2010 positive reviews
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Nalati Grassland, a gem of Xinjiang's Ili River Valley, is the perfect epitome of the "Grassland in the Sky"! Here's a summary of its highlights and experiences:
🌿 Stunning Features:
1. Three-dimensional grassland landscape: Snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, river valleys, and meadows intertwine layer upon layer. The contrasting styles of the "Grassland in the Sky" and "Grassland in the River Valley" sections are particularly striking: the former is vast and majestic, while the latter is winding and gentle, almost like something you've stepped into your Windows desktop wallpaper!
2. Four-season beauty: Summer brings rolling green waves and wildflowers, autumn is a vibrant golden season, and winter is blanketed in snow, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
3. Folk Culture Experience: Stay in a Kazakh yurt, savor hand-pulled lamb and milk tea, and enjoy folk songs and dances at night, immersing you in the authentic nomadic culture.
⚠️ Notes:
· The scenic area is vast, so it's recommended to reserve 1-2 days for your visit, prioritizing the shuttle bus to visit key attractions like the Nomadic Homestead and Tianjie Terrace.
· Strong sunlight and large temperature fluctuations require sun protection, hats, and windproof jackets. A bit commercialized, so be sure to negotiate prices for activities like horseback riding in advance.
📌 Summary:
Although the entrance and transportation fees are high, the stunning natural scenery and unique cultural experiences are well worth it! Perfect for you!
Nalati is a must-visit place in Xinjiang. I came here once last year and came again this year. The best time is in May, June and July. Of course, it is also beautiful in August. However, you can't see the snow-capped mountains, the sky grassland, the Snow Lotus Valley, and the Panlong Ancient Road. It is a must-see. Plan your itinerary and book a hotel in advance. The peak season is really expensive.
No.
6
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World Mystery Town
4.3
/5
4578 reviews
7.9
From £6.42
Based on 25 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609906964701
Address: Urho, Karamay, Xinjiang, China, 834014
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Eroded rocks form a labyrinth
Photo spot from "Crouching Tiger"
3021 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
Xinjiang's Devil City, located in Karamay's Urho District, is a national 5A-level scenic spot. It features a typical Yardang landform, covering a total area of 260 square kilometers. Once a freshwater lake, crustal movement, wind erosion, and water erosion have shaped a diverse array of wind-eroded rock formations, including castles and animals. The area earned its name from its location at a windy vent, where the howling winds resemble the howling of ghosts and wolves. It has also served as a filming location for numerous television series, including "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
You can take the scenic train to the Devil City, or you can drive yourself. If you are in a hurry with your family, the elderly and children, you can take the scenic train for a tour. The whole journey takes less than three hours. The train will play a voice introduction wherever it goes. There are five stops in total, and you can get off to play and take pictures. The wind and sand are very strong, so you must be fully armed with windproof masks, glasses and hats.
No.
7
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Kalajun National Park
4.6
/5
2692 reviews
7.8
From £14.58
Based on 11 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609997765295
Address: Tekes, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No.5 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Xinjiang
Highlights:
360° view of Koksu Canyon
Glass deck overlooks canyon beauty
Saved by 161 users2137 positive reviews
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Kalajun was just as described online; it was generally enjoyable, with the hike from Flower Terrace to Falcon Terrace being the most interesting. But honestly, Kalajun, the King of Grasslands, was definitely a pleasant experience. Having visited Bayinbuluke, Nalati, and finally Kalajun, I can speak for myself. Overall, it was quite good!
The scenery of Kalajun is really amazing. It's strange why it is not as famous as the grasslands of Nalati. But in fact, it is much better than Nalati! It is really beautiful. It's a pity that my photography skills are limited. The real scenery is more shocking.
No.
8
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The Xinjiang Museum
4.8
/5
2099 reviews
7.6
Based on 250 reviews
The Xinjiang Museum/Youhao Road | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609914552826
Address: No. 581, Northwest Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
12 ethnic items & Xibe kang
Siberian hearth & 12 ethnic cultures
Saved by 269 users1448 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It was a good experience and I learned a lot. The guide's explanation was also good. I didn't have to go to the site to join the tour group, I could just go there and leave. And the group only had about 10 people, which was a good experience.
The teacher's explanation was excellent. He spoke in a leisurely manner and could explain a lot of interesting things with just one map. Unlike the stiff official explanation, the teacher had his own in-depth insights, which were well-rounded and took into account the children's problems, making it interesting for the children as well.
No.
9
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Keketuohai Scenic District
4.3
/5
3037 reviews
7.6
From £154.07
Based on 24 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609068781188
Address: Keketuohaizhen, Fuyun, Altay, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang
Highlights:
Soak in 102°F canyon hot springs
Hot springs & canyon adventure
1949 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
A 10-minute, 6-kilometer drive from Keketuohai Town takes you to the Keketuohai Scenic Area. (Minibuses and electric cars are available for shuttle service; you can also drive, but the roads are narrow and I personally don't recommend it. You can also hike along the Irtysh River, the only inland river in my country that flows into the Arctic Ocean.) The scenery is truly unique, but we visited during the off-season, so the lake view is a bit limited. Your experience will vary.
Keketuohai Scenic Area is a national 5A-level scenic area, which integrates canyon rivers, wetlands, lakes, granite landforms and other landscapes. The best time to visit is from June to October. The ticket price is 90 yuan, and the shuttle bus is 26 yuan. The opening hours are 8:00-21:00, and the off-season is 10:00-18:00.
No.
10
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Rainbow Cliff
4.4
/5
1727 reviews
7.5
From £4.69
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609066325170
Address: Burqin, Altay, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.13 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang
1156 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
We encountered heavy rain just as we arrived at the entrance of the scenic area on the first day, so we changed our plan to visit the Colorful Beach on the second day. In fact, the colorful stone beaches can be seen in many places, but the scenery here is better. The scenic area is not big and we can see it all quickly.
The attractions are nice, nice, nice, nice, 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
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