I. Kanas Lake
Kanas Lake, located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, is a renowned natural scenic area in Xinjiang. Its waters change color with the seasons and weather, earning it the title "Fairyland on Earth."
秋季是喀纳斯迷人的季节，金黄的白桦林倒映在碧蓝的湖水中，景色如画。景区内有观鱼台、月亮湾、卧龙湾等景点，值得逐一游览。建议安排2-3天时间，住在景区内或禾木村，清晨欣赏晨雾中的喀纳斯。
II. Sayram Lake
Sayram Lake is located in the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. It is one of Xinjiang's highest-altitude and largest alpine lakes. The water is crystal-clear and deep blue, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the shores, creating a stunning landscape.
The lake loop road is approximately 70 kilometers long and can be explored by car or private charter. Multiple scenic overlooks along the shore offer views of the lake and mountains from different angles. Summer is peak tourist season; we recommend booking accommodation in advance.
III. Nalati Grassland
Nalati Grassland, located in Xinyuan County of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, is one of the world's four major grasslands. Its vast expanse, herds of cattle and sheep, and snow-capped mountains in the distance exemplify the iconic scenery of Xinjiang's grasslands.
The scenic area features diverse zones such as the Sky Grassland and River Valley Grassland, offering horseback riding and shuttle bus tours. In summer, the grasslands are lush green with wildflowers in full bloom—perfect for photography and relaxation.
IV. Tianshan Tianchi
Tianchi Lake is located in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, about 110 kilometers from Urumqi. It is a high-altitude glacial moraine lake with crystal-clear water, surrounded by towering spruce trees and breathtaking scenery.
Well-developed scenic area with complete facilities. Take the cable car up for panoramic views of Heaven Lake. Cool and pleasant in summer—ideal for escaping the heat. Winter snowscapes are equally stunning, perfect for sightseeing and photography.
V. Kashgar Old City
The Ancient City of Kashgar, located in Kashgar City, is one of Xinjiang's best-preserved historical and cultural cities. Its labyrinthine streets, traditional Uyghur residences, and bustling bazaars offer a vibrant, exotic atmosphere.
Stroll through the ancient city to savor Xinjiang specialties like roasted buns, pilaf, and lamb skewers, or purchase handicrafts such as handmade carpets and Yengisar knives. Allocate half a day to a full day to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
VI. Pamir Plateau
帕米尔高原位于喀什地区塔什库尔干县，平均海拔4000米左右，被称为"世界屋脊"。高原上有慕士塔格峰、卡拉库里湖等景点，景色壮观。
Depart from Kashgar via the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314), passing scenic spots such as Aityak Glacier Park and White Sand Lake. Be mindful of altitude sickness; prepare in advance.
7. Hemu Village
禾木村位于阿勒泰地区布尔津县，是图瓦人聚居的村落。村内木屋错落有致，周围白桦林环绕，秋季金黄一片，被誉为"中国知名的村落"之一。
Visit the observation deck at dawn for a classic photography spot overlooking Hemu Village's morning mist. Most accommodations in the village are wooden guesthouses offering an immersive Tuva cultural experience. We recommend visiting in autumn when the scenery is most stunning.
8. Taklamakan Desert
塔克拉玛干沙漠位于南疆塔里木盆地，是中国最大的沙漠，也是世界第二大流动沙漠。沙漠面积广阔，沙丘连绵起伏，景色壮观。
Participate in desert off-roading and camel riding to experience the thrill of desert exploration. The highway crossing the Taklamakan Desert offers unique scenery along the way. Remember to protect yourself from sun exposure and stay hydrated, as the desert climate is very dry.
IX. Keketuohai
Keketuohai, located in Fuyun County of the Altay Prefecture, is renowned for its unique granite landforms and the Ertix River Grand Canyon. The scenic area features attractions such as God's Bell Mountain and Husband-and-Wife Peak, showcasing distinctive geological landscapes.
In autumn, Keketuohai bursts with color, where birch forests, pine trees, and the river create a stunning landscape. The scenic area is expansive; we recommend taking the shuttle bus and allowing ample time for your visit.
10. Duku Highway
独库公路纵贯天山，连接北疆和南疆，全长约560公里。公路穿越雪山、草原、峡谷、森林，沿途风景变化丰富，被称为"中国知名公路"之一。
The Duku Highway is open from 6 to 10 each year; it closes due to snow accumulation during the rest of the year. For self-driving or chartered tours, we recommend allocating 2–3 days and stopping at key locations like Qiaorma and Nalati along the way. Monitor road conditions and weather changes, and drive safely.
Trip Planning Suggestions
The top 10 attractions are spread across different regions of Xinjiang, making it difficult to visit them all in a single trip. We recommend selecting based on your available time and interests:
- Northern Xinjiang Route:Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Tianchi of Tianshan Mountains, and Keketuohai – ideal for 5-8 days
- Southern Xinjiang Route:Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Taklamakan Desert — perfect for 5-7 days
- Ili Route:Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake are suitable for 3-5 days.
- Panoramic Route:North and South Xinjiang combo, including Duku Highway. Ideal for 10-15 days.
