Covering one sixth of China, Xinjiang could be challenging to plan a trip to, due to its vast territory and scattered attractions. For a 7-day trip, it's advisable to include 2–3 cities to ensure that you don't rush through your journey. Below, we have four well-designed and tailored 7-day itineraries for your inspiration.
All of our itineraries are customizable. Share your ideas with us at any time. With over 20 years of expertise in China travel, we would tailor your journey to match your personal interests.
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1. 7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Itinerary
This itinerary is recommended for first-timers. We have carefully designed this itinerary to make the most of your 7 days to visit Xinjiang's highlights. You would delve into Xinjiang's history along the Silk Road, interact with the friendly locals, and savor stunning landscapes.
- Days 1–2: Urumqi (Heavenly Lake)
- Days 3–4: Turpan (Tuyugou Village, the Jiaohe Ruins, and the Kumtag Desert)
- Days 5–7: Kashgar (Kashgar Old City, the Livestock Market, Karakul Lake, and Mount Muztagata)
Heavenly LakeUrumqi, Turpan, and Kashgar are significant cities along the ancient Silk Road. In this itinerary, you would immerse yourself in the sites of the ancient Silk Road, such as the Jiaohe Ruins, Emin Minaret, and Kashgar Old City, to delve into the history and culture of China's Silk Road.
With this itinerary, you would delve into ethnic cultures. You would have the opportunity to engage deeply with the local Uyghurs: visit the oldest Uyghur villages in Xinjiang, chat with villagers in their courtyards, and gain insights into their way of life.
This tour includes some of Xinjiang's most famous natural scenery. You would cruise along Heavenly Lake in the Heavenly Mountains, admire the majestically-snowcapped Muztagata, and embark on a Kumtag Desert adventure.
If you're interested in this itinerary, check out the tour below. Or feel free to reach out with any ideas.
2. 7-Day North Xinjiang with Ili
If you are a nature lover who wishes to focus on Ili River Valley, this itinerary is just for you! This itinerary is especially recommended in the hot summer (June to August) when Ili would be a summer resort.
Every summer, the Ili River Valley boasts picturesque natural scenery: a sapphire-like lake, blooming flowers, expansive grasslands, snowcapped mountains, and lush forests.
- Days 1–3: Sayram Lake, Guozi Valley, and oceans of lavender
- Days 4–5: Kalajun Grassland and Kuokesu Grand Canyon
- Days 6–7: Xiata Ancient Road hiking and Yining City discovery
Kalajun GrasslandsOne of the highlights of this itinerary is the green carpet of grasslands. Ili River Valley features several grasslands, such as the famous Nalati and Kalajun. It is best to choose just one of them because of the limited travel time. In this itinerary, we recommend the less-touristy Kalajun Grassland, which is known as "the most beautiful 3D grassland".
Sayram Lake is another highlight. Walk peacefully alongside the lake where you would enjoy the beauty of "the Atlantic's Last Tear" with lovely wildflowers. Getting up close with swans on the southwest shore of Sayram Lake would be a romantic moment.
A hiking trip along Xiata Ancient Road is a special arrangement in this itinerary. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views as you traverse this historic route, which links the south and north regions of the Tianshan range.
If you have any thoughts about this tour, don't hesitate to share them with us.
3. 7-Day North Xinjiang with Kanas
This itinerary is recommended for those who like mountain lakes with forest scenery and peaceful villages, especially for those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Kanas. It goes beyond mere sightseeing at Kanas and Hemu for a quick photo session, delving deeper into the natural scenery and the authentic local life in this area.
- Day 1: Urumqi arrival
- Day 2: Heavenly Lake and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar
- Day 3: Koktokay National Geopark
- Days 4–5: Kanas
- Days 6–7:Hemu Village
Hemu VillageOne highlight is Kanas Lake, known for its nickname: the 'color-changing lake'. Your local guide would lead you to the best photo spots to capture the beauty of Kanas Lake.
To make sure you would enjoy the beauty of Kanas Lake without big crowds, we won't use a busy shuttle bus. Instead, we would guide you on a quiet wooded trail for a light 8 km (5 miles) hike, taking about 2½ hours, so that you would enjoy a relaxing stroll and be free to admire the lake's beauty at your own pace.
Another highlight is that you would have 2 full days to explore Hemu Village. If you like to enjoy ethnic life, take a leisurely walk around the village, interact with locals, and experience the distinctive performances of the Tuvas.
If you want to enjoy the quiet aspects of the countryside, take a scenic 3-km (2-mile) hike, taking about an hour, alongside the Hemu River where cows wander and children play with sheep.
At night, stay in a special traditional log cabin and relax under the starry night sky to recharge, ready to photograph the enchanting fog the following morning.
We could adjust this itinerary according to your preferences. If you have any thoughts about a personalized version of this Kanas tour package, please feel free to share them with us.
4. 7-Day Kashgar In-Depth Exploration
If you're interested in exploring Xinjiang's ethnic customs and lifestyles, we recommend this 7-day itinerary focusing on Kashgar. This city best represents the Uyghur customs of Xinjiang.
- Days 1–5: Kashgar (Kashgar Old City, the Livestock Market, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagata, Shipton's Arch, and the Taklimakan Desert)
- Days 6–7: Urumqi (Heavenly Lake and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar)
Kashgar Old CityKashgar Old City offers the best insight into Uyghur culture, showcasing various aspects of city life. Explore the old streets, marvel at local crafts, savor some afternoon tea at a historic teahouse, and chat happily with the Uyghur locals. Experience a traditional Uyghur home visit, learning folk dances with the hostess.
To fully immerse yourselves in Uyghur life, we offer special experiences in rural areas. You would engage in farm chores alongside locals, then enjoy a meal with the farming family, where they would serve you food grown on their land. This unique encounter offers a rare and special experience not easily found elsewhere.
The natural scenery in this itinerary is also very impressive, such as White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, majestic Muztagata, Shipton's Arch, the Taklimakan Desert, Tianshan, and Tianchi.
If you are interested in this tour, don't hesitate to contact us to start your Xinjiang trip.
Recommended tour: Kashgar In-Depth Exploration
How Much Does 7 Days in Xinjiang Cost?
Typically, for a private tour with 4/5-star hotels, the cost would be US$250–350 per person per day based on a group of 2–5 people, so 7 days would be about US$1,750–2,450. Our private tour prices include domestic airfares and/or bullet trains, accommodation, entrance fees, local tour guides, and transfers. If you want to know more about our prices, check out our 7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour for reference.