Top-rated places to visit in Xinjiang Uygur, China

4.5 Tianshan Tianchi Lake (357 reviews)
- The Heavenly Lake
Wednesday: 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
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM 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
Wednesday: 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..
3.5 Flaming Mountains (Huoyan Shan) (190 reviews)
- A must-see in Turpan
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mountains • Geologic Formations

Flaming Mountain is famous because of a well-known Chinese story book. It is worth seeing as it is quite unusual. All barren and brownish red. One has to go on a sunny day to see the glory of the all-red mountain. Slanting sunlight late in the day is better but it is hard to catch on a group tour. I took a walk from the entrance area all the way to the foot of the mountain; it takes about 20-25 minutes. It was quite hot on the day but tolerable. Fortunately there was a waiting donkey-cart to take me back to the entrance, at RMB50. See more..
3.5 Grand Bazzar (189 reviews)
- Bazaar with a Middle-Eastern Flavor
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Just as the name suggests, The Grand Bazaar or its official name,Urumqi International Bazaar is a shoppers' paradise. This place looks more like Middle-east or Central Asia than China. Most of the shops here are run by the Uyghurs and the goods sold here have a distinct Islamic flavor. If you are in Urumqi for a short visit, then this is the place for you to soak in the some local atmosphere, taste some Uyghur food and get some souvenirs. Items sold here are mostly cheap clothings, scarves, local handicrafts, musical instruments, hats, carpets, nuts and fruits. It is a very colorful place with much to see and buy (if you love shopping). Like most public places in this region, visitors will have to go through stringent security check before entering the bazaar complex. See more..
3.5 Id Kah Mosque (174 reviews)
- Must See Landmark in Kashgar
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

The Id Kah Mosque is a famous landmark in Kashgar. It is located next one of the main entrances to the "Old Town/Ancient City" area. In front the Mosque is a very large public square area where people leisurely walk through and enjoy the surroundings. The Mosque is nicely maintained and is clean. Upon entering the Mosque (fee required on entrance for tourists), the grounds area is lovely - many tall trees providing nice shade from the sun. Inside the Mosque structure, the design is quite simple and the area is clean. While this Mosque is not as elaborate so others around the world, it is still a nice place to visit. This Mosque is still actively being used for services in the evening hours and weekends. Nice place to visit and enjoy the scenery. See more..
4.5 Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark (171 reviews)
- Magnificent nature reserve
Nature & Wildlife Areas

North of Xinjiang See more..
4.0 Abakh Hoja Tomb (158 reviews)
- Beyond expectations- beautiful architecture
Wednesday: 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
Wednesday: 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..
3.5 Karez System (146 reviews)
- Another china engineering marvel
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks

rated the 3rd marvel after Great Wall n Grand Canal, this describe how a desert region can survive for the past 3000 years. Water from the snow capped mountains were directed through thousand miles of man made underground tunnels. Wells n tunnels were dug all the way from melting mountains to irrigate the crops at the desert lowlands. Really interesting n yet not well published like the Great Wall. This place is exceptionally hot in summer and you could see beds on rooftops. Cooler to sleep on rooftops. See more..
4.5 Kanas Lake (134 reviews)
- Spectacular & majestic
Wednesday: 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..
3.5 Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) (116 reviews)
- Lovely Minaret and Mosque
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

While we were touring the sites in Turpan, one nice site to visit is the Emin Minaret. According to Wikipedia, this Minaret is 44 meters (144 ft.) in height and it the tallest Minaret in China. Adjacent to the Minaret, is a Uyghur (Muslim) Mosque structure. The mosque interior is nothing fancy - just plain and simple. The two structures - Minaret and Mosque - are nice looking structures together and is an interesting place to visit. The surrounding area and the structures themselves are well maintained and clean. See more..
4.0 Red Mountain (111 reviews)
- Now its actually Green...
Wednesday: 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..
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..
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
Wednesday: 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
Wednesday: 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..
3.5 Grape Valley (96 reviews)
- Beautiful vineyards & tasty grapes
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Valleys

Great visit to the beautiful, well-maintained vineyards. Our group enjoyed the educational tour. The area is very scenic. Likely, best to come in September, while there are still lots of grapes. 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..
4.0 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..
4.5 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..
5.0 Sailimu Lake (87 reviews)
- Stay with Kazakh Nomads
Wednesday: 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..
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..
4.0 Gaotai Ancient Homes (71 reviews)
- Don't miss this if you are in Kashgar!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites

This was my second visit to Kashgar, but the first time I visited the Gaotai Ancient Homes. On my previous visit, the government was busy tearing down this old section and replacing it with a "new old-town". Since then, they have realized the tourism benefit of the ancient town, so they are leaving it alone and even lighting it! These homes are over 600 years old. The streets are narrow and interesting. You will find small shops, antique stores and craftsmen scattered throughout the area. Be sure to visit the pottery craftsmen. You go into their shop, then up a rickety ladder to their work area. It is all very interesting! See more..
4.5 Hemu Village (70 reviews)
- Tuva Mongols of Hemu Village
Wednesday: 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..
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..
4.0 People's Park of Urumqi (55 reviews)
- A dot of green and tranquility in the heart of Urumqi
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM Parks

Renmin Park ( People's Park ) in Urumqi a a pleasant green space close to the center of the city. Its well used by locals of all ages and especially popular with elderly practicing Chinese calligraphy, playing checkers or participating in the public dancing. If you are in the Park around 3pm you can participate in the public dance held for locals, or anyone who is in the mood. The park has lots of green space, places to sit and relax, and is a good escape from the traffic and construction activity that is Urumqi in May 2018. See more..
4.0 Rainbow Beach (54 reviews)
- A photographer's delightful paradise
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water

Beautiful 5 colors rock formations Yadan landform 24km away from Bu'erjin See more..
4.5 Kanas River (48 reviews)
- Beautiful clear water
Wednesday: 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..
3.0 Astana-Karakhoja Tombs (47 reviews)
- Urumqi Museum better to view the mummies
Ancient Ruins • Cemeteries

Only 3 tombs open, one contains 2 mummies and the other 2 paintings. Good to see them insitu but more to see in the Urumqi museum. Interesting but not worth going out of your way for. I must add though the new toilets here are the best in the whole of Xinjiang! 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..
4.0 Dabancheng Wind Power Station (42 reviews)
- Da-bang!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The Dabancheng Wind Power Station is a neat place for a quick stop on the drive to Turpan (and the return too I suppose). We stopped for a few minutes here recently to admire the gigantic wind turbines generating immense amounts of power for the region. I have my issues with wind power generators but as this isn’t the forum for it, this is an interesting stop nonetheless for the sheer size of it all. See more..
4.0 Uygur Ancient Village (37 reviews)
- A highlight
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

I would totally recommend visiting one of the Uighur villages such as Tuyuk. The setting is beautiful in the desert mountains, the mud buildings are impressive to walk around and the locals are very friendly. Pick up some grapes if you come in season. 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..
4.0 Ga Er Ancient City (36 reviews)
- Love the old town district
Historic Sites

Lots to see and do in the old district. We enjoyed the craftsmen displaying their skills which have been past on through centuries of generations. Interesting tasty street foods, and watching the locals in their daily lives. See more..
4.5 Kuche Grand Canyon (33 reviews)
- Fantastic easy hike
Wednesday: 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..
4.0 Nanshan Ranch of Urumqi (33 reviews)
- Beautifully green
Ranches

Nice green fields that used to be a ski resort. If you hired a car to get out there, try to go beyond the tourist yurt camps and there is a small parking space that can be used as a base for a short hike. We went on a cool and slightly rainy day...I think it will be quite hot on a mid summer day. 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..
3.5 Tashkurgan Fort (28 reviews)
- If you are looking for Silk road historyhere it is
Historic Sites

The main reason for our visit to Tashkurgan was "Stone Fort" which is reputed to be around 2000 years old. Its location affords it a significant level f control over the surrounding area with high mountains surrounding on a couple of sides and a flat semi fertile plain on the other. The views are spectacular ans one could well imagine the King who reigned here having tight control of the silk road caravans. The Fort is easy to locate and whilst there is not much more than the outer walls there has been some esthetic management of the renovations. They could really do with some level of museum or area showing the strategic nature of the site. See more..
4.5 Bayinbuluke Prairie of Xinjiang Uygur (26 reviews)
- Hilly high-attitude grasslands of China
Wednesday: 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..
4.0 Tianchi Forest Park (26 reviews)
- 天池
Parks • Forests

据说是王母娘娘的洗脚池，哈哈，听到这个传说的时候，我们走在路上的人都笑开了花，到达天池，人非常非常的多，但是听口音很多都是来自外的的，心里暗喜，原来我们的天池远近闻名了呢。景色就不用说了，美得一塌糊涂，碧绿的水和青翠的山遥相呼应。人间美景，不看真的会遗憾呢！ See more..
4.5 Guanyu Pavilion (26 reviews)
- Spectacular view of the famous Kanas Lake
Wednesday: 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 Abaheming's Tomb (26 reviews)
- Interesting Tomb, Mosque and Madrassa
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings

Very nicely laid out place with excellent mausoleum in quite striking coloured tiles. Several stories about this place are available so do some research before hand. Some discussion of the only female emperor, a fragrant concubine and a whole five generation lineage resting here. Well worth the trip and a highlight of Kashgar. See more..
4.0 Subashi Gucheng Temple (25 reviews)
- Worth the visit
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

I learned the history of the temple site as a "women kingdom", but there is no local guide at the site. So we just walked around the area, with only minimal explanation, so we didn't enjoy much. I am sure it will be very interesting if someone can explain what are the buildings. There is a little museum next to the site, but it has only pictures, almost no value to go in. See more..
4.0 Wind City of Wu'erhe (24 reviews)
- Must come
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Architectural Buildings

A dessert area with typical Yadan landform. Can take the train ride to tour around the town. And you can also walk up to the hill to get a spectacular view of the town. See more..
5.0 Mushitage Mountain (21 reviews)
- Gorgeous!
Wednesday: 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..
4.0 Southern Mosque (21 reviews)
- Grand Bazzar
Religious Sites

Its a woderful place with the Han chinese and Uigur muslims coming together to sell all sorts of things,Knife,whip,souveniors,ice cream,and many more. There is also a carrefour there where by yiu can get all your American drinks and food. Also in the 2nd floor there is lots of local food ,like rahman, sasliqe and many more cheap and good. But police and army almost everywhere,very good security and you can walk along the street and you can find lots of muslim shop selling almost everything. Its a must visit place. Dont buy the sword or knife,because you cannot bring it back if yoir country or the airlines have restriction. See more..