Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Xinjiang Uygur, China

1. 5.0 Sailimu Lake (87 reviews)
   - Stay with Kazakh Nomads
   Thursday: 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..
   
2. 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..
   
3. 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. 5.0 Mushitage Mountain (21 reviews)
   - Gorgeous!
   Thursday: 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. 4.5 Kanas Lake Tuwa Village (98 reviews)
   - Genghis Khan cross over to conquer Europe
   Thursday: 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..
   
6. 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..
   
7. 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..
   
8. 4.5 Hemu Village (70 reviews)
   - Tuva Mongols of Hemu Village
   Thursday: 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..
   
9. 4.5 Kanas River (48 reviews)
   - Beautiful clear water
   Thursday: 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..
   
10. 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..
    
11. 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..
    
12. 4.5 Kuche Grand Canyon (33 reviews)
    - Fantastic easy hike
    Thursday: 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..
    
13. 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..
    
14. 4.5 Guanyu Pavilion (26 reviews)
    - Spectacular view of the famous Kanas Lake
    Thursday: 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..
    
15. 4.5 Bayinbuluke Prairie of Xinjiang Uygur (26 reviews)
    - Hilly high-attitude grasslands of China
    Thursday: 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..
    
16. 4.5 Kumtag Desert (20 reviews)
    - Amazing nature
    Thursday: 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..
    
17. 4.5 Keketuo Hai (20 reviews)
    - Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark
    Thursday: 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..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.