Xinjiang features a rich Silk Road history, diverse ethnic cultures, and unique landscapes. Whether you are interested in Chinese culture or natural beauty, Xinjiang is an ideal destination.
Ten days of travel allow for a comprehensive exploration of Xinjiang, although planning such a trip could be overwhelming. In this article, we provide three well-crafted 10-day itineraries for inspiration. With over 20 years of expertise in China travel, if you decide to travel with us, we would seamlessly customize your trip to match your interests.
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1. 10-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour
This itinerary is recommended for first-timers, especially lovers of China's Silk Road history. You would visit the most popular tourist destinations in Xinjiang: Urumqi, Turpan, and Kashgar, which were three important cities on the ancient Silk Road.
- Days 1–3: Urumqi (Heavenly Lake and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum)
- Days 4–6: Turpan (Emin Minaret, the Jiaohe Ruins, the Karez Well System, Kumtag Desert, and Tuyugou Village)
- Days 7–10: Kashgar (Kashgar Old City, the Livestock Market, Karakul Lake, and Mount Muztagata)
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region MuseumFirst, you would immerse yourself in Silk Road history in Urumqi. Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum is a must-see with its well-preserved collection of 4,000-year-old naturally-mummified corpses, which would be hard to equal in other museums. Your booking should be made at least 14 days in advance due to limited daily tickets, especially during the peak season from May to October.
Then, you would head to Turpan and explore important historical sites along the ancient Silk Road, such as Emin Minaret and the Jiaohe Ruins. You would go underground to explore the Karez Well System and see the smart way that ancient people watered crops.
Enjoy a Xinjiang afternoon tea with locals Your journey would end in Kashgar, which is the best place to see the representative customs of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang. In Kashgar Old City, discover a wide variety of traditional instruments in a local shop and the owner would show you how they are played. Enjoy some Xinjiang afternoon tea with locals in an ancient teahouse. Taste the local cuisine and experience their traditional cooking.
This well-planned itinerary is for your inspiration. Let us know your interests and we would tailor-make a tour that is uniquely suited to you.
2. 10-Day Xinjiang Multi-Ethnic Exploration Tour with Kanas
This itinerary is recommended for those who want to explore Xinjiang's ethnic culture. Many ethnic minorities live in harmony in Xinjiang. With this itinerary, you would have close interactions with them and learn about their lifestyle and culture.
- Days 1–2: Urumqi (Heavenly Lake and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar)
- Days 3–5: Kanas and Hemu Village
- Days 6–7: Turpan (Tuyugou Village, the Jiaohe Ruins, and Turpan Museum)
- Days 8–10: Kashgar (Kashgar Old City, the Livestock Market, Karakul Lake, and Muztagata)
International Grand BazaarWith this itinerary, you would enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Xinjiang, such as Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, and Muztagata. In particular, you would experience local life up close.
In Urumqi, visit the largest market, Erdaoqiao Market, where you would find a wide range of local goods, such as Uyghur costumes, crafts, carpets, and more. This is the best place to pick up a souvenir for your family.
In Turpan, you would visit a local Uyghur family in Tuyugou, Xinjiang's oldest Uyghur village. The enthusiastic villagers entertain their guests with sweet fruits that they have grown. Sit in their yards and chat happily with them to learn about their lifestyle and customs.
If you want to experience urban Uyghur life, Kashgar Old City is the best place, where you may be surprised by their lively daily life of singing and dancing.
In Hemu, we have a special arrangement for a leisurely 3-kilometer (2-mile) hike (about 1 hour) alongside the Hemu River, where you could observe local people's lives as they graze cattle and sheep nearby, and chat with them to learn about a shepherd's lifestyle. Staying overnight in a traditional Tuwa wooden house is a good way to experience their lifestyle.
If you're interested in this itinerary, feel free to reach out with any ideas.
3. 10-Day South Xinjiang Adventure Tour
If you are an adventurous nature lover, this itinerary is for you! This 10-day road-trip adventure would cross the Tianshan range, go through China's largest desert, the Taklimakan, and then end at the magnificent Pamir Plateau.
- Day 1: Urumqi arrival
- Days 2–3: Korla (Bosten Lake)
- Days 4–7: Korla–Kuqa–Shaya–Khotan (drive across the Taklimakan)
- Day 8: Khotan (the old streets of Khotan, the Jade Bazaar, and Hotan Night Market)
- Days 9–10: Kashgar (Kashgar Old City, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagata)
Drive across the TaklimakanAlong the Taklimakan Desert, 36 ancient kingdoms lined the Silk Road. Visit the ruins of Subashi Temple, a Qiuci Kingdom relic in the gravel desert. Explore the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves and be amazed at the exquisite Buddhist murals.
Driving across the Taklimakan Desert, you would witness its remarkable scenery. At Bosten Lake, vast bulrushes create a rare water-town-like beauty in the dry wilderness. Along the road, wheatgrass squares, China's solution for combating desertification, display the wisdom of China's people.
Unique city experiences are another highlight of this itinerary. Explore Khotan's old streets, visit the Jade Bazaar, and hunt for your own jade. In Kashgar Old City, delve into Uyghur life and relax at a historic teahouse where locals socialize, play music, and dance for hours.
Finally, drive along the Karakoram Highway to the Pamirs, where you could enjoy the mountain lakes, such as Baisha Lake and Karakul, and admire Muztagata — second-tallest peak on the Tibetan Plateau's northern fringe.
If you are interested in this Xinjiang tour package, please contact us.
How Much Does 10 Days in Xinjiang Cost?
For a group of 2–5 people, a private tour with 4/5-star hotels would cost about US$250–350 per person per day. Therefore, a 10-day Xinjiang trip would start at US$2,500–3,500. To make savings, the more people on your tour, the more favorable the price. Our private tour prices include flights and/or trains, handpicked hotels, tickets, tour guides, and transfers.