Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi before evening, pack luggage and confirm departure information in the evening
I will not arrange attractions on the first day. The journey on the Xinjiang 7-day line will become longer from the second day on. The most important thing on the first night is to sort out accommodation, vehicles, luggage, documents and the departure time for the next day. After arriving in Urumqi, go to the hotel to put your luggage first, then have dinner and buy supplies for the road. Don’t spend time wandering around as soon as you land.
I would rather put the flight or high-speed rail arrival time inBefore six o’clock in the evening. This time is relatively leisurely, and you can pick up your luggage, take a taxi, check in, eat, and buy water in time. If you arrive after 9 pm and have to leave early the next day to Sailimu Lake, your sleep time will be compressed and you will be obviously tired after taking a long car.
| time period | What will I do? | Specific details |
|---|---|---|
| around 17:00 | Arrived in Urumqi | Pick up your luggage first, and recharge your mobile phone and power bank in time |
| Around 18:00 | Check in to the hotel | Check the hot water, air conditioning, sockets, and confirm the pick-up location of the vehicle the next day |
| Around 19:30 | Eating the first Xinjiang meal | Noodles, pilaf, barbecue, and yogurt are all fine, don’t order too much |
| Around 21:00 | Buying supplies for the road | Water, paper towels, wet wipes, lip balm, fruit, bread |
| Before going to bed | Organize your carry-on bag | Put your ID card, power bank, jacket, and sunglasses in a fixed location |
When staying in Urumqi, I will give priority to transportation location. You can go along the airport, near the high-speed rail station, or next to the main road in the city. The key is to have a good departure the next morning. Don’t live too far away just to save tens of dollars. The driver will spend more time picking you up, leaving the city, and finding the way. The line in Xinjiang is long, and if you delay it for half an hour in the morning, your meal and arrival time will be pushed back accordingly.
I will order a simple dinner. Noodles with oily meat, rice with minced meat, a few skewers of barbecued meat, and a cup of yogurt are enough. The portions of Xinjiang cuisine are quite large, so don’t order a table full of meat and vegetables on your first night. We have a long car ride the next day, so eating comfortably is more important than eating a lot.
When I arrange the first night, I will put “good sleep, good start, good supplies” first. The room does not have to be luxurious, but it must be quiet. It is best to buy water and breakfast downstairs or nearby. There is no need to find a convenience store or rummage through your luggage the next morning, which will make you feel much more relaxed.
Departure information should also be confirmed before going to bed. For self-driving, check the fuel level, navigation route, and parking location; for chartered car, confirm the driver’s phone number, license plate, pick-up location, and departure time. When traveling with more than four people, the number of luggage should be clearly stated in advance. Too many large boxes will affect the trunk space.
- Don’t put your ID card in a big box. It will be used later when you stay in a hotel or enter a scenic spot.
- Put your coat next to your carry-on bag. You may need it when you go to the lake the next day.
- Power banks, car chargers, and data cables must be charged in advance.
- You don’t need to buy too much water. Prepare two or three bottles first, and you can replenish them on the way.
- Try not to stay up late on the first night, as the next day is a long drive.
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi to Sailimu Lake and see the lake and snow-capped mountains in the afternoon
The next day I will set the departure timeAround eight o’clock in the morning. The journey from Urumqi to Sailimu Lake is relatively long, so you need to allow time for rest, lunch and refueling in the service area. The best arrangement for the day is to go to the lake in the afternoon and see the lake, snow-capped mountains and grasslands around evening time. Sailimu Lake is not suitable for just taking a few photos at the entrance. The real places worth seeing are on the road around the lake.
In the morning, I was mainly on the road, so don’t eat too complicated on the way. For lunch, you can choose noodles, pilaf, or rice bowl, which are quick meals. Don’t sit in the car immediately after eating. You can walk in the service area for a few minutes. Xinjiang has a long way to go, so a comfortable ride is very important.
| Time | Itinerary | My arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Departure from Urumqi | Confirm the fuel level, route, water and paper towels before leaving the city |
| 10:30 | First break | Go to the bathroom, stretch your legs and feet, and replenish water |
| 13:00 | Lunch on the road | Eat a simple hot meal, it is not recommended to eat too oily |
| Around 16:30 | To Sailimu Lake | First check the wind direction and weather before deciding where to stop. |
| 17:00—19:30 | Tour around the lake | Lakeside plank road, open lake surface, snow-capped mountains in the distance |
| Evening | Live in Qingshuihe or Yining | If you want to live in Qingshuihe with less traffic, and if you want to eat more conveniently, live in Yining |
The focus of Sailimu Lake is the “lake + snow mountain + grassland” in the same frame. When taking photos, don’t just take pictures of the lake. You can also take pictures of the distant mountain lines, lake shorelines and grassy slopes. It’s windy at the lake, so your hat should be secure and your phone and camera should be held securely. You should also wear a jacket in summer, as your body temperature will be much lower after the sun goes down.
If I want to relax that day, I will stay in Qingshuihe. Qingshui River is close to Sailimu Lake, so you don’t have to rush too long at night. If you want more dining options, you can continue to Yining. Yining city has more abundant food and beverages, and it is convenient to eat pepper chicken, pilaf, and barbecue in the evening.
When I see Sailimu Lake, I don’t just take pictures of people as soon as I get to the lake. First look at the color of the lake, the direction of the light and the wind, and then find a stopping point. The beauty of Sailimu Lake depends on the weather. When the cloud shadow passes over the lake, the color will keep changing. It is more useful to set aside time than to rush to check in.
- Keep your coat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm in your carry-on bag.
- Don’t park in unsafe locations near the lake. Find a regular parking spot or a wide area.
- It’s a long drive that day, so just have a half-full lunch.
- If you live in Yining, don’t have dinner too late. On the third day, you have to continue walking around the city and to Zhaosu.
Day 3: Take Yining Kazanqi and Liuxing Street in the morning, and go to Zhaosu in the afternoon
On the third day, I will leave the morning to Yi Ning. Xinjiang not only has natural scenery, but the street life in Yining is also worth seeing. Kazanqi and Liuxing Street are more suitable for walking slowly. The colorful doors and windows, courtyard walls, small shops, bakeries, ice cream shops, and street stalls all have a sense of life. This is not a purely scenic spot. There are people living in many places normally, so be careful when taking photos and walking around.
You don’t have to get up too early in the morning, but don’t put it off until noon either.Go out around nine o’clockis more appropriate, the neighborhood is starting to get lively, and the light is not too harsh. I will go to Kazanqi first, then Liuxing Street, and then leave for Zhaosu after lunch. In this way, you can see the city culture without affecting the transition in the afternoon.
| time period | Arrangement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00—10:30 | Kazanqi District | Look at the appearance of streets, doors, windows, and courtyards, and do not enter private courtyards at will. |
| 10:40—12:00 | Liuxing Street | Suitable for drinking drinks, buying snacks, and walking slowly |
| 12:00—13:00 | Lunch in Yining | Baked buns, pilaf, noodles, handmade ice cream |
| 14:00 | Go to Zhaosu | Keep water and fruits in the car |
| Evening | Arrive at Zhaosu | Living in the county seat makes it easier to go to Xiata the next day |
I will make arrangements for eating in Yining more relaxedly. You can have baked buns and milk tea in the morning, and pilaf or noodles for lunch. You can try handmade ice cream, but don’t eat too much ice. You have to take a bus to Zhaosu in the afternoon. You can also buy some Xinjiang fruits on this day. Apricots, peaches, and grapes depend on the season, so just buy a small amount.
Take photos in Yining neighborhood more naturally. When you see old people, children, or stall owners, it’s best to ask first if you want to take a picture of them. Don’t block other people’s store entrances for photos, and don’t open the door into the yard at will. The so-called cultural experience is not to use other people’s lives as the background, but to walk, see, eat and chat in a normal way.
When I walk around the Yining neighborhood, I like to sit down and have a drink and watch the passers-by and the shops slowly become lively. There is no need to arrange too many fixed points here. Walking slower and eating some local snacks can give you a better feel of the city than rushing all the time.
After going to Zhaosu in the afternoon, it will be more stable to choose the county town for accommodation. Zhaosu County is convenient for eating, buying water, and setting off the next day. In the evening you can have mutton soup, noodles, pilaf or simple stir-fries. We have to go to Chata on the fourth day, and the walking time will increase. Don’t sleep too late on the third night.
- Don’t carry a bag that is too big when traveling around the city. It will be inconvenient to walk.
- You can prepare a little cash. Most small shops can scan QR codes, but a small amount of cash is more stable.
- Go to the restroom before going to Zhaosu in the afternoon. It may not be convenient to stop at any time on the road.
- The temperature in Zhaosu may be lower than that in Yining at night, so you need to take out your coat.
Day 4: Zhaosu goes to Xiata and rests in Tekes in the afternoon
The focus of the fourth day is Shatta. What Xiata saw were snow-capped mountains, river valleys, streams, forests and wooden plank roads. It was completely different from Sailimu Lake and Yining District. This is a place suitable for walking slowly, not for just looking at the door and leaving. I will leave Zhaosu early that day and try to spend the morning and noon inside the scenic spot.
Xiata travel is very affected by the weather. The snowy mountains are clear on a sunny day, and there is a quiet atmosphere on a cloudy day, but if the clouds are too thick, the distant mountains will be obscured. My arrangement isDeparture from Zhaosu around 8:00 in the morning, after arriving at the scenic spot, enter according to the traffic of the day. Don’t think too close to the entrance of the scenic spot to the core area. Traffic and walking time in the scenic spot must be taken into account.
| stage | How will I arrange it? | Attention content |
|---|---|---|
| Before departure | Eat hot breakfast and bring a coat and water with you | It is not recommended to enter the scenic spot on an empty stomach |
| Enter the scenic spot | Confirm the shuttle bus and walking routes first | The rules of the day shall be subject to the announcement of the scenic spot. |
| Playing | Walk slowly along the boardwalk and river valley | Generally speaking, if you have enough physical strength, walk less and don’t push yourself. |
| Afternoon | Determine the stay time based on the weather | You don’t have to wait when the snowy mountains are blocked by clouds |
| Evening | Go to Turks | Stay in the county town at night to facilitate the trip on the 5th day |
Shatta must wear comfortable shoes. This is not a city walk, nor is it just standing and watching from an observation deck. There are wooden planks, dirt roads, and steps. Soles that are too thin or new shoes will affect the experience. Bringing a bottle of water is enough, carrying too much will make you tired; you can bring a little bread or chocolate for snacks, as eating in the scenic area may not be suitable.
When photographing Xiata, I will first photograph the big scene. The wooden plank road in the near, the stream and woods in the middle, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance will make the picture more layered. Don’t just zoom in on the snow-capped mountains, as it’s easy to lose the sense of space. When the wind is strong, hats and scarves should be fastened.
I think the most worthwhile thing about Xiata is that you can always see the snow-capped mountains in the distance while walking on the road. It is not the kind of scenic spot that ends at one point. The further you go, the clearer the relationship between the river valley and the snow-capped mountains becomes. When you don’t have enough time, you would rather walk less than go all the way and not be in the mood to see it.
Leave Shatta in the afternoon and head to Turks. To stay in Turks, just choose a location in the center of the county or with convenient transportation. The key points are hot water, parking and quietness. You can simply take a walk in the evening, but don’t plan too many activities. After a day of walking in Xiata, it is more important to have a hot meal, take a shower and rest in the evening.
- The temperature difference between morning and evening in Xiata is obvious, so bring your coat with you.
- Sandals, flip-flops or new shoes are not recommended.
- Allow enough time in the scenic area and don’t schedule your afternoon drive too tightly.
- After arriving in Turks, check in first and then go out to eat.
- For dinner, you can eat noodles, spicy chicken, barbecue or hot rice.
Day 5: Turks set off to see the grasslands and canyons, and stayed in Nalati at night
On the fifth day, we entered the grassland section. I would choose the direction of Kalajun or Kuokesu around Turks. I don’t recommend visiting all places in one day. Kalajun is more suitable for seeing the undulating grasslands, hillside lines and distant mountains; Kuokesu is more suitable for seeing the combination of canyons, rivers and grasslands. You only have one day, so it’s more comfortable to choose one focus.
On this day, I will leave the morning to the grassland and go to Nalati in the afternoon. Because we have to enter Nalati and Bayinbuluk on the sixth day, we can’t use too much energy on the fifth day. The grassland looks relaxing, but actually walking can be tiring. The wind is strong and the sun is strong, which consumes a lot of your body.
| Playing options | Suitable for the crowd | My suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Kalajun Grassland | Those who want to see open grasslands and hillside lines | is more suitable for shooting big scenes, the picture is clean |
| Direction of Kuokesu | Those who want to see the combination of canyons, rivers and grasslands | There are many changes in the landscape, so the time should be tight |
| Simplified version | Travelers are easily tired or the weather is average | Choose one core scenic spot, don’t rush to both |
Don’t just stand next to the car when taking photos on the grassland. Walk a short distance to a safe trail or an open location, and you will see the nearby grassland, the middle hillside, the distant snow-capped mountains and the sky appear together, and the picture will be more complete. When encountering areas where herders live, do not approach tents, livestock and personal belongings at will. If you want to take pictures of people or horses, communicate first and then take pictures.
You can have a simple lunch. There are limited dining options around the scenic area, and food delivery may not be fast. I usually prepare some fruit and bread, and have noodles or pilaf for dinner. We have to take a bus on the way to Nalati in the afternoon, so don’t eat too much for lunch.
When I look at the grassland, I won’t always chase the “most famous observation deck”. The grassland is beautiful because of the light and cloud shadows. If you stand in a place with a good view and watch for a few minutes, the color of the hillside will continue to change. Rather than covering many points, I prefer to focus on one point solidly.
Stay in Nalati Town or near the scenic spot at night. There are more accommodation options in Nalati than deep in the grassland, and dining is also convenient. When booking a room, check parking, hot water, sound insulation and distance from the entrance of the scenic spot. Prices will be higher in peak season, so check out rooms in good locations in advance.
- Sun protection should be taken seriously in the grassland section. The sun may not be very hot, but the ultraviolet rays are strong.
- Don’t wear a hat that is too loose when the wind is strong.
- Choose comfortable sneakers for walking on both grass and slopes.
- If you go to Nala in the afternoon, confirm your accommodation location in advance. Don’t go to town and look for it last-minute.
- Have hot food for dinner, such as mutton soup, noodles, or barbecue.
Day 6: Tour the Nalati Aerial Grassland in the morning, and go to Bayinbuluke to see the Nine Winds and Eighteen Bends in the afternoon
The sixth day is a day full of content in the entire 7-day line. Watch Nalati in the morning, go to Bayinbuluk in the afternoon, and watch Nine Winds and Eighteen Bends in the evening. This arrangement requires time control, and you cannot play in Nalati until late in the afternoon. My approach is to enter Nalati as early as possible in the morning, focusing on the grassland in the air, and not completing all the routes.
Nalati’s Sky Grassland is more suitable for first time visitors. Here you can see grasslands, hillsides, snow-capped mountains, cattle and sheep, and distant forest belts, and the landscape level is relatively concentrated. In the morning the light is soft and there are relatively few people. Before entering the scenic spot, confirm the day’s route and shuttle bus arrangements to avoid temporary entanglements after entering.
| time period | Arrangement | Specific methods |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Enter Nalati | Prioritize the aerial grassland direction |
| 09:30—12:00 | Grassland play | Look at the hillsides, cattle, sheep, and distant mountains. Don’t walk too far apart. |
| 12:30 | Lunch | Eat it simply, don’t wait too long |
| 14:00 | Go to Bayinbuluke | The scenery on the road is also very good, don’t sleep all the time |
| Before evening | To Bayinbuluke Scenic Area | Directly focus on the nine bends and eighteen bends |
| Around sunset | Look at the grassland river channel | Put on your thick coat and wait for the light to change |
When taking photos in Nalati, the color of clothes can be cleaner, white, beige, and blue are all suitable. Don’t wear too complicated patterns, the grassland background is inherently rich. For experience projects such as horse riding and photography, please first inquire about the route, duration, and price before making a decision. Don’t spend money temporarily just because the atmosphere is lively. Think about whether you have enough time first.
After going to Bayinbuluke in the afternoon, the focus is on the Nine Bends and Eighteen Bends. What you can see from this place is the river, the grassland and the evening light. Don’t wait for the sun to go down. It’s better to get to the viewing position in advance. There are many people during peak season, so it will be easier to arrive early. The wind will be noticeable when you stand waiting for the light, so you must bring a thick jacket.
When I arrange the sixth day, I will treat Nalati as the highlight in the morning and Bayinbuluk as the highlight in the evening. Both places are worth seeing, but at different times. Nalati is suitable for viewing the grasslands in the morning, and Bayinbuluk is suitable for viewing the river channels and light in the evening.
The temperature in Bayinbuluke is low at night, so it is more convenient to live in the town. For dinner, I would choose hot rice soup, mutton soup, noodles or pilaf. People usually feel a little cold after watching the sunset, so eating hot food is more comfortable. Don’t just look at the pictures for accommodation, look at the hot water, heating, cleanliness and quietness.
- Nalati, don’t take all the routes. Just focus on the sky grassland in the morning.
- Be sure to arrive early to see the sunset in Bayinbuluke, and don’t waste time entering the scenic spot.
- Thick coats, hats, and scarves are prepared according to the season.
- Drink less iced drinks at night, as the body temperature in grassland areas is low.
- You have to return on the seventh day, so don’t stay up too late at night.
Day 7: Bayinbuluk returns to Urumqi, ending the 7-day trip
The seventh day is the return day, and I will not arrange any more important spots. The journey from Bayinbuluk to Urumqi is long, so you need to start early in the morning. The day’s route depends on road opening conditions, weather and the status of fellow travelers. The scenery is better when you can walk in the Duku direction, but the mountain road time and uncertainty are also higher; if the weather is not suitable or the companions are easily tired, it is more appropriate to take a more stable route back to Urumqi.
The most important thing on this day is to set aside time. Don’t book your flight too early and don’t think about adding a lot of places on the way. In the first six days, we have seen lakes, city blocks, snow-capped mountain valleys, grasslands and twists and turns. On the seventh day, we will return to the city and the overall experience will be more complete.
| time period | Arrangement | My approach |
|---|---|---|
| morning | Departure from Bayinbuluke | Eat hot breakfast, and bring water and paper towels in the car |
| morning | Return on mountain road or highway | Choose a route based on the traffic conditions of the day |
| Noon | Meals on the road | Noodles, rice soup, and rice bowls are all available. |
| Afternoon | Continue the return journey | Rest properly and don’t rush all the time |
| Evening | Arrived in Urumqi | Check in or take the evening transfer to leave |
Keep your things handy on the car on the way back. Put the water in the front row, plug in the charging cable, put your coat beside you, and prepare a garbage bag. When returning from a long journey, the neater the car, the more comfortable it will be. Don’t eat too much for lunch, and don’t eat for too long. You have to continue taking the bus in the afternoon.
If I have to catch a flight that day, I will make the flight very late in the evening, or stay one more night in Urumqi. Xinjiang has a long journey, and mountain roads, weather, traffic and rest breaks will all affect the time. Scheduling the last day too tightly can easily make the end of the trip stressful.
I prefer to set a simple goal on the seventh day: be safe, comfortable, and return to Urumqi on time. I have already seen what I need to see before, so there is no need to add new tasks on the last day. After returning to the city, have a hot meal and sort out photos and luggage. This rhythm is more suitable for the 7-day line.
After returning to Urumqi, you can have a finishing dinner. Pepper chicken, pilaf, barbecue, yogurt, and noodles are all fine, but after walking for a few days, your body actually needs something refreshing. You can add a vegetarian dish or soup and don’t order too much meat.
- Confirm road and vehicle conditions the night before returning.
- Wear comfortable clothes that day, sitting in the car for a long time is more important than taking pictures.
- Eat a simple lunch on the way back, don’t overeat.
- Don’t schedule your flight too early. It’s best to leave enough buffer time.
- After arriving in Urumqi, check in or pick up your luggage first, and then arrange dinner.
Related Guides
- Complete guide for 7-day Xinjiang tour: Depart from Urumqi and enjoy the grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang
- A short-term guide for a 5-day trip to Xinjiang: Recommended must-see attractions around Urumqi
- How long does it take to travel by car every day in Xinjiang | Comparison of driving intensity in northern Xinjiang, Yili and southern Xinjiang
- Do you need to bring a down jacket in summer in Xinjiang: Dressing suggestions for Kanas, Sailimu Lake and Taxian County
- Is it easy to get motion sickness when traveling in Xinjiang: Comparison of driving difficulty on Duku Highway, Yizhao Highway and Panlong Ancient Road
Urumqi — — Key Facts
Tickets & Booking
- Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake): Tickets: peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31) CNY 95 per person; winter/spring (Nov 1–Mar 31 of the following year) CNY 45 per person; shuttle bus: CNY 60 round trip (same price in peak and winter/spring seasons). Half-price tickets: peak CNY 47.5, off-peak CNY 22.5 (seniors 60–64, children over 1.3 m and minors under 18, full-time undergraduate students and below). Free admission: children aged 6 and below or 1.3 m and below, and seniors aged 65 and above.; advance booking required (Tianshan Tianchi scenic area official channels (WeChat account/mini-program), OTA (Ctrip/Tongcheng and others with timed reservation))[src]
Transport & Schedules
- Urumqi → Turpan (Turpan North station) | EMU/intercity (C/D trains): Intercity/EMU trains such as C4362: Urumqi–Turpan North about 1 h 17 min–1 h 18 min, second class about CNY 44–51.5; e.g., D8808 departs 13:45 and arrives 14:46 (1 h 1 min), second class CNY[src]
- Urumqi → Kashgar | Direct express (all-sleeper): Z6516/Z6517 is an all-sleeper direct express: departs Urumqi 20:40 and arrives Kashgar 08:10 the next day, 1453 km total, 11 h 30 min running time, no intermediate stops, overnight; hard sle[src]
- Urumqi → Altay/Beitun (toward Kanas) | Conventional night train (K/Y series): K9735 (departs Urumqi 17:36, arrives Altay 07:00 the next day), K6709 (departs 22:06, arrives 08:38 the next day), Y995 (departs 23:40, arrives 09:08 the next day); hard sleeper about CNY 18[src]
Where to Stay · Room Type · Nearby
- City center/near the Grand Bazaar (Tianshan district) | Room tip: As the hub for entering Xinjiang and the transfer point for north and south Xinjiang, suitable for the first 1–2 nights | Nearby add-ons: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Erdaoqiao, Lingguan Lane, Hetian Second Street, Shaanxi Great Mosque, Xinjian[src]
- Around the museum/Youhao Road (Shayibak district) | Room tip: Near the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (No. 581 Xibei Road), convenient for a museum itinerary | Nearby add-ons: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, Hongshan Park, People’s Park[src]
Typical Climate & Packing (Past Years)
- January: -15.1–-5.3 °C, 1991–2021 average (climate-data.org); urban station figures differ s
- February: -11.5–-1.7 °C
- March: -4.9–7.5 °C
- April: 2.2–15.9 °C
- May: 8.9–21.5 °C
- June: 14.8–26.5 °C
