Things to do & places to visit in Xinjiang Uygur, China

Xinjiang Uygur #26 destination in China 2023. The average rating score is 4.17 based on 5.683 traveler reviews, of 580 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Urumqi, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 17:16.

Xinjiang Uygur Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

62°F - 39°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze

Feels like

25%

Chance of rain

80.0 millimeters

Amount

12.4 mph

Wind speed

45%

Humidity

13.4

Daylight length

5:28 AM

Sunrise

6:51 PM

Sunset

52%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (24)

Top destinations in Xinjiang Uygur 65

See more 53 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Moon Bay of Kanas Lake (108 reviews)
- The best place on earth
Bodies of Water

so beautiful.. the best place on earth. I wanted to run away from the bus i was on and just disappear and immerse myself in the nature!! See more..
5.0 Sailimu Lake (87 reviews)
- Stay with Kazakh Nomads
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water

We went in beginning of July and stayed overnight with Kazakh Nomads in their authentic yurt after negotiating a price of 120rmb including a horse ride. The lake and grassland was beautiful but too bad it is next to the highway. (But this made it accessible to us). At night they ask if we would join for dinner with the family and we had a delicious meal of mutton and rice and lots and lots of yak tea. We were asked to pay what we feel like to the mother. We had good conversations about their life and they were very open. (They speak Chinese and Kazakh, no English) At night it was very cold and our private yurt was heated by sheep poop (which didn't smell bad). There is no facilities or showers or toilets. Everything is done behind some trees far off in the distance or the open grassland. It was the most memorable day in my travels throughout China, I highly recommend staying the night. See more..
5.0 Xinjiang Private One-day Tour Guide-Ablajan Jilil (69 reviews)
- A great way to explore Xinjiang
Private Tours

We hired Ablajan as our driver and guide for our 10 day road trip touring north and northwest xinjiang. But due to covid, we had to skip the northwest and do more day trips out of Urumqi and we went to Turpan. Having Ablajan allows us to be very flexible with our itinerary and he was experienced and knowledgeable enough to make the changes seamless and painless. We actually ended up experiencing a wide spectrum of landscapes which was amazing and exciting. Ablajan is effectively fluent in a few languages, professional, punctual and willing to go that extra mile. His car is always clean and spotless when he arrives in the morning to take us out. And with my diet restrictions, he will always bring me something yummy to eat for lunch at scenic spots where there are not much food options. Will definitely contact Ablajan again for our next trip to xinjiang. See more..
5.0 Mushitage Mountain (21 reviews)
- Gorgeous!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains

This is an incredibly beautiful setting. It's remote though and you need special permission and a guide to get here. See more..
5.0 Bulunkou Lakes Marsh (21 reviews)
- Incredibly breathtaking!!!!
Bodies of Water

The view just blew us away!! It looked surreal and you felt as though you have "walked" into a postcard! Pictures speak a thousand words -- check out the attached photos!! See more..
4.5 Tianshan Tianchi Lake (357 reviews)
- The Heavenly Lake
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Formerly known as Yaochi (Jade Lake), it is guarded by the stately peaks and offers a spectacular sight. See more..
4.5 Karakul Lake (266 reviews)
- The "Black Lake" with white-haired man lying on the water
Bodies of Water

Magical high-altitude lake. Karakul Lake is 3,600 meters above sea level. One of my photos includes Muztag Peak, which is shaped like a white-haired old man lying there (in the reflection off the water). See more..
4.5 Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowuguan) (248 reviews)
- Excellent Xinjiang Museum
Monday: Speciality Museums

The Xinjiang Museum is both modern and large, and it has many items of interest on display - all kinds of items from the past and from different cultures that had lived in the area. What I really like in the museum are the many life-like statues that depict the dress and activities from the area. These statures appear to be very realistic, and they really give a sense of what people look and do in the areas surrounding Urumqi - very nice! This Museum is a very nice, worthwhile place to visit. See more..
4.5 Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) (223 reviews)
- Extensive and Well-Preserved Ruins
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

A wedge-shaped plateau between two rivers is the site of this old Silk Road city destroyed by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. There are enough ruins left to paint a good picture of what it was like and after seeing a number of cities like this, to have a fearful appreciation of the power of the Mongol invaders. See more..
4.5 Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark (171 reviews)
- Magnificent nature reserve
Nature & Wildlife Areas

North of Xinjiang See more..
4.5 Kanas Lake (134 reviews)
- Spectacular & majestic
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water

The valley lake of the Altai Mountains. Fishing here is excellent. A cold rainy day on our visit. Heavenly natural scenery. See more..
4.5 Kashgar Live Stock Market (108 reviews)
- A Superb Experience
Flea & Street Markets

My wife and I scheduled our flight out of Kashgar in the late afternoon just so we could experience the Livestock Market. It is well worth the experience to see a real local cultural activity. All sorts of animals being sold and there is lots of good food to be had. Try the fresh noodles, you will not be disappointed. See more..
4.5 Turpan Museum (107 reviews)
- All about the ruins and more
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Speciality Museums

Though the mummy hall was under renovation and I was thus very disappointed, it was still quite an educational visit in 2 hours. There is so much information about the two ruins, Jiaohe (Yar City) and Gaochang (Qocho City), that was way more than at the ruins themselves, so I also recommend learning about them at the museum first before visiting the actual ruins, just to enhance your onsite experience. We also learned more about different animals living in he area from 20 some millions years ago. It was pretty cool! See more..
4.5 Kanas Lake Tuwa Village (98 reviews)
- Genghis Khan cross over to conquer Europe
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Kanas lake is an isolated mountain area at the north weatern corner of China bordering Mongolia on the right,Russia on the north and kazakhstan on the west.The people are descendents of ghenhis khan tribe.The sky is blue,the waters are running cold and pure on a greenish bedrock like a river of emeralds.They drain to Siberia.It is too far for the human ravagers in the cities of Xinjiang.Go before the natural beauties and heritage is trampled by tourist hordes.... See more..
4.5 Mt. Tianshan and Tianchi Lake Scenic Resort (91 reviews)
- Amazingly Beautiful Heavenly Lake
Bodies of Water • Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks

I am awed, speechless. No words can describe the beauty of the lake during winter month. I feel so small and ugly standing next to this magnificent beauty. It’s Heaven on Earth. During this month of January, temperature falls below -21 degrees. See more..
4.5 Tianshan Mountains (88 reviews)
- Fresh air, scenic views, don't miss this!
Mountains

Arrived at the park entrance after about an hours drive outside of Urumqi. There, you must park your car and take the park's buses, which may stop at a few scenic points where you can hop on/ hop off. One of the stops, the Kazakh Folk Village, is kind of a tourist trap, offering pricey meals to your party in a traditional Kazakh yurt. Otherwise, simply enjoy the views of the trees, mountains and streams from the bus as you drive on winding roads up the mountain. The Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) itself is absolutely stunning with nice mountainous views. You have the option to buy a ~20 minute boat/ferry ride, or to simply walk around the lake on the well constructed wooden/ stone pathway. Remember to bring a light jacket as it can get chilly (even in the summertime). See more..
4.5 Hemu Village (70 reviews)
- Tuva Mongols of Hemu Village
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

Small village in the Hemu grasslands. The village decedents are said to be related through their family trees to the warriors of Genghis Khan. See more..
4.5 Kanas River (48 reviews)
- Beautiful clear water
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water

Fresh air and clear water. The river waters were fast moving during our visit, possibly due to recent rains which raised water levels. Great place for a boat ride. See more..
4.5 Khunjerab Pass (45 reviews)
- 16000 ft - Highest Border of World
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I have been to this Place (Pakistan Side) for 6 times starting from August 2014. It is always scenic and breathing problems at 16000 ft always happen especially when you are not acclamatized to it from Sost. You need to walk for 10 minutes from Parking to get closer to the Border Monument. Weather is chilly there even in summer. The Snow Capped peak always give you breathtaking views and neighbouring visitors a cherish and treat to be with them. Security personnel are cooperative in nature provided you are following security protocols. See more..
4.5 North Jiefang Road Market (36 reviews)
- Good place to see local food culture
Flea & Street Markets

Many kind of food, drinks and desserts are selling here. Some of them you may not know the ingredient. And need a lot of bravery to eat them. Some food just like a food served in an old-famous tv program " Fear Factor". But it is part of the culture. So enjoy it! See more..
4.5 Kuche Grand Canyon (33 reviews)
- Fantastic easy hike
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Canyons

This place is amazing!! We hired a car for the day to take us around to four main sights for ¥500. The entry is ¥45 and definitely too low! What a beautiful canyon! Wear sneakers as you will walk through the sandy bottom of the canyon and your shoes might get wet as there is a stream running through. Do not go if there have been rains as it is prone flash floods. Really incredible place that takes about an hour by car but must see!! See more..
4.5 Na Nati Prairie (32 reviews)
- 藍天白雲大草原騎馬
Nature & Wildlife Areas

九月初去的！天氣晴朗、藍天白雲、草原綠地、微風徐徐⋯⋯感覺棒極了！可以花點小錢騎馬不需擔心你的騎術，哈薩克牛仔會在前面馬上拖著你，你甚至可以請牛仔快步奔馳草原，中途休息熱情牛仔會招待馬奶、烤肉串，當然要點小錢！（馬奶不是很好喝～酸！） See more..
4.5 Bayinbuluke Prairie of Xinjiang Uygur (26 reviews)
- Hilly high-attitude grasslands of China
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Beautiful sunsets at the Bayan Bulak prairie grasslands and mountainous areas. Some Kucheans nomadic dwellers live in the oxygen-rich unpolluted air of the grasslands. See more..
4.5 Guanyu Pavilion (26 reviews)
- Spectacular view of the famous Kanas Lake
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Observation Decks & Towers

You will catch a panoramic view of the Kanas Lake and the snow capped mountains from Guanyu Platform. To get here, you should catch the bus from the Bus Connection Center. Tickets for the bus ride are 20 RMB each. The bus will only take you to a certain point where from there, there is a 1030 steps ascend to the platform. The climb is well worth it if you want to catch some breath See more..
4.0 Abakh Hoja Tomb (158 reviews)
- Beyond expectations- beautiful architecture
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

The Apakh Hoja masoleum was amazing. At entrance at 10:30 am is an Uighur show, included in ticket. I easily took a cheap taxi here from my hotel in Kashgar. The show was a little touristy and there are areas that feel touristy BUT.. the actual mosque and masoleum architecture is amazing!!! It was built in 1640 and is the most magnificent example of Uighur Islamic architecture in the region. I spent about two hours wandering the complex and it wasn’t too crowded, which is also nice. Tip: I accidentally paid a price including another show at the end which was not necessary as there is the included show at beginning as well. See more..
4.0 Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (146 reviews)
- Nice to see the mountains around
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Caverns & Caves

Time have passed and not much are left to be seen but I enjoyed walking there. I prefer this more than the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. In Bezeklik, some rooms were opened for visitors to view, some were locked. It was a very nice visit for the views around. Easy to go from Turpan town by taxi. See more..
4.0 Red Mountain (111 reviews)
- Now its actually Green...
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks

If you go by bus then have to walk almost 20 minuts from nearest bus/brt stop. Enterance is free. One can either walk or sit in a mini cart after the bridge to the top. It cost only 10 Rmb i think. Once you are at the top there many things to do. In my opinion the city views are fantastic. One should go in a clear sunny day or at sunset. See more..
4.0 Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja) (90 reviews)
- Loved it here
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Maybe because we were told this site was much less impressive than the Jiaohe ruins, we had low expectations but were all very impressed by its grandeur. In my group, we all found it more spectacular than Jiaohe as we felt we could imagine life in the past when the city must have been a thriving place on the Silk Road. We opted to not take the rather expensive bus and walk the 6 km from the entrance to the ruins and around and back again with a nine-year-old child. If you have any mobility issues, of course take the bus, but if the weather is not too hot and you feel like stretching your legs, I recommend walking the full distance as you can stop and start wherever and whenever you want. See more..
4.0 Turpan Kariz underground water system (82 reviews)
- Unique and interesting waterways
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It was an amazing (and mind-boggling) ancient way of providing water in desert land, by using a series of wells supplying underground water for human consumption and for other uses. See more..
4.0 Red Hill (74 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Lookouts

Arrived at almost 7pm and started to get dark. All the attractions were closed but the absolutely beautiful temple and the red pagoda is worth the leisurely walk uphill for 15min. See more..