10-Day Xinjiang Itinerary: Deep Dive 2024
Ten days allows you to see both northern and southern Xinjiang properly. This itinerary adds Yili (grasslands, lakes) and more time in Kashgar — the perfect balance of nature and culture.
Route Overview
Route: Urumqi → Heavenly Lake → Turpan → Yining (Yili) → Nalati → Kashgar → Urumqi
Total distance: ~3,500 km
Best season: June-September
Budget (mid-range): ¥6,000-10,000/person
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Urumqi & Heavenly Lake
- Day 1: Arrive Urumqi → Museum → International Bazaar
- Day 2: Heavenly Lake (full day) → Return to Urumqi
Days 3-4: Turpan
- Day 3: Urumqi → Turpan (2.5h) → Jiaohe Ancient City → Flaming Mountains
- Day 4: Grape Valley → Emin Minaret → Karez Wells → Return to Urumqi or fly to Yining
Days 5-6: Yili (Yining & Grasslands)
- Day 5: Fly/travel to Yining → City tour → Food street
- Day 6: Sayram Lake (day trip) → Guozigou Bridge → Nalati Grassland (sunset)
Day 7: Nalati Grassland (Full Day)
- Full day exploring the grassland, Kazakh yurt visit, horse riding
- Sleep near Nalati or drive to Bayinbuluke (3h)
Day 8: Bayinbuluke → Fly to Kashgar
- Morning: Bayinbuluke Grassland & Swan Lake (if open)
- Afternoon: Drive/fly to Kashgar (long drive: 8h, or fly from Yining)
- Evening: Kashgar Old City at night
Days 9-10: Kashgar
- Day 9: Old City full day + Sunday Bazaar (if Sunday)
- Day 10: Abakh Khoja Mausoleum → Handicraft streets → Fly to Urumqi → Depart
Alternative: South Xinjiang Focus (10 Days)
If you prefer culture over nature:
- Days 1-2: Urumqi → Turpan
- Days 3-5: Kashgar (3 full days, including day trip to Taxkorgan)
- Days 6-7: Hotan (Jade Market, Bazaar, carpet workshop)
- Days 8-9: Aksu (Kizil Caves) or Kuqa
- Day 10: Return to Urumqi → Depart
Packing List for 10-Day Trip
- Clothing: Layers (temperature varies 15-30°C in a day), sun hat, sunglasses
- Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes + sandals
- Health: Altitude sickness meds (if going above 3,000m), sunscreen SPF50+
- Documents: Passport, Chinese visa, border permit (for Taxkorgan)
Ten days in Xinjiang gives you a deep, meaningful experience. You’ll return home with incredible memories and photos!
