7-Day Xinjiang Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip 2024
Seven days is the minimum to see Xinjiang’s highlights without rushing. This itinerary covers the north-south essentials: Urumqi, Turpan, and Kashgar — giving you a taste of everything Xinjiang has to offer.
Route Overview
Total distance: ~2,500 km
Best season: September-October
Budget (mid-range): ¥4,000-7,000/person
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi → City Tour
- Morning: Arrive in Urumqi, check into hotel
- Afternoon: Xinjiang Regional Museum (¥FREE, 2-3h) — must-see for history
- Evening: International Bazaar (dinner, shopping)
- Sleep: Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi → Turpan (Day Trip)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Drive/Go to Turpan (200 km, 2.5h)
- Stops: Jiaohe Ancient City → Flaming Mountains → Grape Valley
- Evening: Return to Urumqi or sleep in Turpan
- Sleep: Urumqi or Turpan
Day 3: Urumqi → Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) → Fly to Kashgar
- Morning: Heavenly Lake (1.5h from Urumqi, 3-4h visit)
- Afternoon: Return to Urumqi, fly to Kashgar (2h flight)
- Evening: Check into Kashgar, explore Old City at night (magical!)
- Sleep: Kashgar
Day 4: Kashgar Old City (Full Day)
- Morning: Old City maze alleys, Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Mausoleum
- Afternoon: Old City handicraft streets (instruments, copper, woodcarving)
- Evening: Old City rooftop dinner with view
- Sleep: Kashgar
Day 5: Kashgar → Sunday Bazaar (if Sunday) / Day Trip
- If Sunday: Sunday Livestock Market (6:00-10:00 AM, unforgettable!)
- Afternoon: Day trip to Karakul Lake (if border permit acquired)
- If not Sunday: Day trip to Taxkorgan (Pamir Plateau)
- Sleep: Kashgar
Day 6: Kashgar → Fly to Urumqi → City
- Morning: Fly back to Urumqi
- Afternoon: Shopping at International Bazaar, final souvenirs
- Evening: Farewell dinner (dapanji — big plate chicken)
- Sleep: Urumqi
Day 7: Depart Urumqi
- Morning: Last-minute shopping, airport transfer
- Afternoon: Depart Xinjiang
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
| Item | Cost (¥) |
|---|---|
| Flights (Urumqi-Kashgar roundtrip) | 1,200-2,500 |
| Hotels (6 nights, mid-range) | 1,200-2,400 |
| Food (7 days) | 500-1,000 |
| Transport (taxi, bus, tours) | 500-1,000 |
| Entrance tickets | 500-800 |
| Total | 3,900-7,700 |
This 7-day itinerary gives you the essence of Xinjiang: modern Urumqi, ancient Turpan, and the stunning Kashgar Old City. Extend to 10-14 days if you can!
