8 Days Highlights of Xinjiang Tour

Day 1

Arrival Urumqi

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon you arrival in Urumqi you will meet you local guide and then be transferred to your hotel.

Day 2

Urumqi (B, L)

Sightseeing: Heavenly Lake, Erdaoqiao market

Today you will have a full day visit in the Heavenly Lake. The Heavenly Lake is a moraine by nature. Since remote times, quite a few of myths and legends circulated concerning the beautiful scenery. The water is very clear and the banks are covered with tall trees. Surrounded by mountains, the jade-green lake is an ideal place for excursions and rest for most of the year. It provides an excellent skating ground in winter.

Finally we will spend some time at Erdaoqiao Market, the largest retail and wholesale market for ethnic minority goods in Xinjiang. Night scene at the market is especially interesting. The whole area is lit up with colorful lights creating a very impressive scene. Erdaoqiao turns into a place bustling with trade in foods, handicrafts together with dancing and all sorts of activities.

Day 3

Urumqi / Turpan (B, L)

Transfer via: Private Car on our arrangement
Sightseeing: South Pasture, The Terai Camp

In the morning we will depart to South Pasture. South Pasture is located 60 kilometers away from Urumqi city and is a vast natural area with fascinating scenery. Its landscape stretches into the distance and is painted with flocks of sheep and horses and yaks grazing among the wild flowers. Deep in the lush valley, a waterfall gently drops down and integrates with the peaceful surroundings.

Before you will be driven to Turpan, we will also stop at the Terai Camp.

Day 4

Turpan (B, L)

Sightseeing: Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs, Ancient City of Gaochang, Tuyugou Valley, Flaming Mountain

The Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs, which we will see first today, are part of the Underground Museum of Turpan and the Living Archives of Gaochang. They are located 42 km (26miles) southeast of Turpan city and were the public cemetery of the ancient Gaochang residents, both aristocrats and commoners. Among the excavated 456 tombs, the Gaochang king's has not been found.

Next we will visit the Ancient City of Gaochang in the boundless desolate Gobi desert. Shining like a resplendent precious stone inlaid in the barren desert and shining on the Silk Road, Gaochang is located at the foot of the Flaming Mountain. Withstanding the test of time and weather, the ancient cities of Gaochang and Jiaohe are the best-preserved ruins of the ancient cities in China.

Then we drive to Tuyugou Valley. The canyon stretches from the Subeixi ancient village in the north to the entrance of the Maza village for around 8 kilometers long. It averages 1 kilometer in width. Inside the canyon stands the highest peak of the Flaming Mountain. The canyon splits the grand Flaming Mountain into two parts. Since 1900s, groups of explorers from the world have thronged to this place and still nobody has found any evidence on when the canyon was formed.

Finally we will pass Flaming Mountain. Flaming Mountain is at the north fringe of the Turpan Basin. It was called Red Rock Mountain for the dark red sandstone dominating the area. Many years of volcanic activity have formed the unique crisscrossing gullies and ravines. During mid-afternoon the heat becomes intense as the sun's rays are reflected off the red rocks, as though the hillsides are engulfed by tongues of fire, hence the name.

Day 5

Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar (B, L)

Transport via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Karez Well System, Suleiman’s Minaret

Today we will go on a full day tour. First we will drive to Karez Well System, the pride of Turpan. Along with the Great Wall and Grand Beijing-Hangzhou Canal it is regarded as the three most important achievements of ancient time.

Finally we will visit Emin Minaret, the largest extant old tower in Xinjiang. It is the only Islamic tower among the hundred famous towers in China. Standing 2 km (1.24 miles) east of Turpan, Emin Minaret was built in 1777 in honor of the heroic Turpan general, Emin Khoja.

In the evening we will drive back to Urumqi, from where you will take your flight to Kashgar. Upon your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 6

Kashgar (B, L)

Sightseeing: Karakuri Lake

In the morning we will start off to Karakuri Lake, which is situated at the foot of Mount Muztagata, is lying 191 kilometers (about 120 miles) from Kashgar. It is 3,600 meters (about 11,811 feet) above sea level, 30 meters (about 98 feet) deep and with a surface of ten square kilometers (about four square miles).

Day 7

Kashgar / Urumqi (B, L)

Transport via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Xiangfei Tomb, Idgar Mosque, Bazaar

Afterwards we will visit Xiangfei Tomb; an ancient Islamic building nestles among poplar trees. With glazed tiles shining in the sun, its tower points to the azure sky. A masterpiece of Uigur architecture, this is Abakh Khoja Tomb, 17th Century family cemetery of the Kashgar area Islamic leader.

Today we will make a full day tour to Idgar Mosque. Idgar Mosque is one of the largest mosques in China. It is extremely popular among the Muslims in Xinjiang. The Mosque was first built in 1442 with a history of over 500 years. The building complex is in a grand Islamic style with strong religous features, which consists of a gate tower, a courtyard, a doctrine-teaching hall and a big Hall of Prayer.

In the morning we will visit the bazaar of Kashgar. In the old districts of Kashgar, many streets have "bazaar" as part of their names. Although most of the bazaars have ceased to exist except in name, there are still some that are still in use. From the names of these streets people can imagine the past glory of this ancient trading city on the Old Silk Road. Today's Kashgar has preserved the old traditions. On the streets one can find markets selling various commodities, such as vegetables, fruits, food, garments, tools and handicrafts.

In the evening you will take the flight to Urumqi, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8

Departure Urumqi (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Today you can enjoy some leisure time until you will be transferred to the airport grom where you will take the flight to your next destination.