Top 8-Day Xinjiang Tour Itineraries — China International Travel Service (Xinjiang Branch)
Eight days is the ideal duration for touring Xinjiang, offering one extra day of flexibility compared to a seven-day trip and allowing for a deeper experience of its stunning landscapes.Xinjiang China International Travel Service(CITS) recommends the following curated 8-day itineraries.
Route 1: 8-Day Deep Dive Northern Xinjiang Loop
Add a day to the classic 7-day tour for a more relaxed visit to Northern Xinjiang's top attractions.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart from Urumqi to Sayram Lake
- Day 2: Circle Sayram Lake, head to Guozigou
- Day 3: Guozigou Bridge, heading to Nalati Grassland
- Day 4: In-depth Tour of Nalati Grassland
- Day 5: Head to Bayinbuluke for sunset at the Nine-Bend River
- Day 6: Cross the middle section of Duku Pass to Qiaorma
- Day 7: Qiaoma Martyrs Cemetery, continue the Duku Highway to Dushanzi
- Day 8: Dushanzi Grand Canyon, return to Urumqi
Route Highlights
- Spend an extra day immersing yourself in the Nalati Grassland: horseback riding, hiking, and photography.
- Experience the highlights of the Duku Highway
- Dushanzi Grand Canyon: A Geological Wonder of Millions of Years
Route 2: 8-Day Southern Xinjiang Cultural Tour
Southern Xinjiang lies at the heart of the ancient Silk Road. In eight days, you can deeply experience its rich exotic charm.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly from Urumqi to Kashgar, explore the Kashgar Old Town
- Day 2: In-depth Tour of Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Centuries-Old Tea House
- Day 3: Depart Kashgar, head to Tashkurgan
- Day 4: Tashkurgan Stone City, Golden Grassland, heading to Khunjerab Pass
- Day 5: Return to Kashgar, stop at Baisha Lake along the way.
- Day 6: Depart from Kashgar to the Tarim Desert Highway
- Day 7: Cross the Desert Highway; stop at Xiaocaohu and Luoburen Village
- Day 8: Return to Urumqi; itinerary concludes
Route Highlights
- Kashgar Old City: A Living Millennium-Old Town Experience Rich Uyghur Culture
- Pamir Plateau: The Roof of the World, Breathtaking Highland Scenery
- Tarim Desert Highway: Cross the Sea of Death and Experience the Thrill of the Desert Road
- Khunjerab Pass: China-Pakistan Border Gate at 4733 meters above sea level
Route 3: 8-Day Deep Dive Tour of Ili and Duku Highway
Experience the charm of the Ili River Valley in 8 days, centered on Yining and featuring the breathtaking scenery of the Duku Highway.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart Urumqi, head to Sayram Lake
- Day 2: Circle Sayram Lake, head to the lavender base
- Day 3: Lavender Base to Tekes Bagua City
- Day 4: Depart from Tekes to Karajun Grassland
- Day 5: In-depth exploration of Kalajun, heading to Bayinbuluke
- Day 6: Bayinbuluke Tour
- Day 7: Southern Duku Highway, crossing the Tielimaiti Pass
- Day 8: Return to Urumqi
Route Highlights
- Kalajun Grassland: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, showcasing the curvaceous beauty of the "Human Body Grassland."
- Southern Duku Highway: Cross the Tianshan Mountains, experience all four seasons in one day
- Sayram Lake & Lavender: A Romantic Clash of Blue and Purple
Practical tips for an 8-day trip
- TransportationSouthern Xinjiang route: Include a domestic flight within Xinjiang to save travel time.
- Travel Season: Northern Xinjiang and Ili 6-9, Southern Xinjiang 8-11
- Duku Highway: Typically opens from 6 to early 10, subject to weather conditions.
- Outfit suggestionsLarge day-night temperature swings: layer your outfits and protect against the sun.
Contact Xinjiang National Travel
- Customer Service Hotline:0991-2821531（8:00-24:00）
- Address: Suite 16, Ruida International Building, Tianshan District, Urumqi
