4 Star Places To Visit in Xinjiang Uygur, China (50)

1. 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..
   
2. 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..
   
3. 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. 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..
   
5. 4.5 Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark (171 reviews)
   - Magnificent nature reserve
   Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   North of Xinjiang See more..
   
6. 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..
   
7. 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..
   
8. 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..
   
9. 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..
   
10. 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..
    
11. 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..
    
12. 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..
    
13. 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..
    
14. 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..
    
15. 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..
    
16. 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..
    
17. 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..
    
18. 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..
    
19. 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..
    
20. 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..
    
21. 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..
    
22. 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..
    
23. 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..
    
24. 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..
    
25. 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..
    
26. 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..
    
27. 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..
    
28. 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..
    
29. 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..
    
30. 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..
    
31. 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..
    
32. 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..
    
33. 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..
    
34. 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..
    
35. 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..
    
36. 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..
    
37. 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..
    
38. 4.5 Kumtag Desert (20 reviews)
    - Amazing nature
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Deserts
    
    
    It is located quite near the city and easy to get to. The sand is smooth as silk and the camels are cute. It was fun to take off your shoes and climb up the dune though it can be exhausting. Remember to bring sunblock. See more..
    
39. 4.5 Keketuo Hai (20 reviews)
    - Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Geologic Formations
    
    
    The main attraction for me is Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark, also known as, Xinjiang Rare Metals National Mine Park, located at No. 9 Jianshe Road, cocoa Sea town, Fuyun County, Xinjiang. Interesting to see the open pit mine. See more..
    
40. 4.5 Swan Lake of Xinjiang Uygur (19 reviews)
    - Only few swans
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water
    
    
    According to the tourist book, there should be over 10 thousands of swan here in the lake. When we arrived at the Bayinbuluke, our guide told us not in a season. So we only saw a few swan, but people are disturbing them by staying very close to the swan and take pictures. See more..
    
41. 4.0 Handicraft Street (18 reviews)
    - Beautiful historic street
    Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    The handicraft street is located within the 'rebuilt' old town of Kashgar. Yes, sadly, the architecture is no longer the original and there is a tacky sign stating "Old Town". There are ID checks going into and out of old town. However, the handicraft street is still full of locals and is extremely interesting to see. The shop keepers are generally all very friendly. You can still buy very authentic items, although, I am not sure if the prices are inflated - I believe the same item will be cheaper in the bazaar nearby. Food is just amazing in Kashgar - make sure you pick up some freshly made naan when you see them. See more..
    
42. 4.0 Shuimogou Park (17 reviews)
    - Fairly basic but nice
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks • Valleys
    
    
    Not far from our Urumqi hotel is Shimogou Park and we stopped by about a week ago when in the city. Nice park, good layout, beautiful ponds and creeks with lots of fish in them, not a must see in Urumqi but definitely a nice spot for a bit of relaxing time, might be really beautiful in winter though. See more..
    
43. 4.5 Taklamakan Desert (17 reviews)
    - Exciting & bouncy camel ride
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Deserts
    
    
    Nicknamed the "sea of death," this desert along the Pakistan border is considered to one of the world's most hostile wastelands. See more..
    
44. 4.5 Baihaba Forest Park (16 reviews)
    - Creepy Fake village for Chinese kids from megapolis cities
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks • Forests
    
    
    Super fake “village” only for Chinese tourists on buses. Millions and millions of people - taking selfies near some wooded houses. Only for visitors how has never seen forest or real village. I think - it’s only for megapolis kids… super fake. Super commercial. Super inconvenient. Super expensive See more..
    
45. 4.0 Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (Kezi'er Qian Fo Dong) (16 reviews)
    - Must come
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Caverns & Caves • Religious Sites
    
    
    You can take picture about the surrounding area of cave for example the sculpture, the mountains and the river. But once you enter the cave, you can only use cellphone to take picture with the flash. There are lockers for you to place all your belongings including water bottles. There are security guide in front of the entrance, no bags can be allowed to bring in. Please hire a local guide for the explanation, they got the key and they would open the door of the cave to let you in and then explain the remaining items and pictures. Good to know the history, what have been destroyed and left behinds. See more..
    
46. 4.0 Khorgos Port (16 reviews)
    - A border town
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Public Transportation Systems
    
    
    Its one of China-Kazakestan border town with international port. Almost 70km from Yining/Ili. Find a tour guide in ili and join a de tour including Khorgos. There is not much except the border posts, fences, wires, China duty free and other buildings. Some people sells items from Kazakestan on footpaths. See more..
    
47. 4.0 Kezi'er Ga Ha Thousand-Buddha Cave (16 reviews)
    - Beautiful outlook from the caves
    Caverns & Caves
    
    
    Set by a river and surrounded by mountains and a far enough distance away from towns so the cultural revolution believers did not go there to destroy the wall murals etc. Colours of the murals were quite bright and each cave told a different story. See more..
    
48. 4.0 Centre of Asia Marker (16 reviews)
    - Life changing
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Truly amazing. I was rendered speechless. My life has been changed. Forever. As I stood by this fine work of architecture, I could feel Asia pulsing through me. I could feel it all, from the snow leopards roaming free in the mountains of Afghanistan, to the aromas of cinnamon and star anise in the markets of Bengal, to the drug-dealing taxi drivers of South East Asian towns, to the members of a professional Georgian football team passing a ball around in their training session, under the false impression that they are Europeans and training hard in a bid to land Europa league qualification, which given their socio-economic status and their culture of locking women in cupboards, is a complete joke. All of these things have one thing in common, their connection to this flimsy wire structure. A structure I was standing by. A tear came to me eye. I realised that myself and this grand continent were one. See more..
    
49. 4.5 Bayinbuluke Reserve (15 reviews)
    - Beautiful green grasslands/wetlands of July
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Massive 1,487 square kilometre grasslands-wetlands reserve. Well worth a visit, especially for migratory bird watchers. Very scenic with the Tianshan Mountains providing a backdrop. See more..
    
50. 4.5 Bositeng Lake (14 reviews)
    - The Bright Pearl of the Oasis.
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM Bodies of Water
    
    
    China's largest freshwater inland lake. It is also known by the names such as Bosten Lake and Baghrash Kol. Lots of wildlife in the area. Fishing is good, and European perch were introduced and multiplied rapidly to become the most caught. See more..