Itinerary Design Logic:

Following the sequence of “Urban Culture – Natural Wonders – Historical Sites – Folk Customs – Ecological Exploration,” this itinerary integrates iconic attractions with hidden gems, balancing cultural depth with a relaxed pace, tailored for discerning travelers.

Day 1: Urban Culture Exploration · Xinjiang Flavors and Historical Encounters

Morning
Xinjiang International Bazaar

• Highlights: The world’s largest castle-style bazaar, reviving the commercial prosperity of the ancient Silk Road. Over 3,000 shops gather Uyghur copperware, Kazakh embroidery, Hui cuisine, and an intangible cultural heritage zone for traditional craft experiences like musical instrument making and stone engraving.
  
• Must-See: Giant copper kettle sculpture, blue floral ethnic costume wall, Bazaar pedestrian street.
  
• Cuisine: Freshly baked roasted stuffed buns (crispy outside, tender inside), teapot-shaped pot stewed mutton with carrots, mint tea.

Noon
Hongfuyuan Restaurant

• Recommendations: Volcanic stone-baked stuffed buns (aromatic meat filling), teapot-shaped pot stewed mutton, mint tea.

Afternoon
Xinjiang Regional Museum

• Star Exhibits:
  
  • “Five Stars Aligning Beneath the East Benefits China” Han Dynasty brocade arm guard (Han-style compound weave technique, testament to Yin-Yang Five Elements philosophy and Silk Road exchanges).
    
  • Loulan Beauty mummy (3,800-year-old resident of Lop Nur, with clearly visible eyelashes and skin texture).
    
• Tips: Free admission with reservation, closed Mondays. Recommended to join free guided tours.

Late Afternoon
Hongshan Park

• Highlights: Urumqi’s iconic landmark offering the best city panorama.
  
• Must-See: Hongshan Tower (built during Qianlong’s reign, Urumqi’s oldest existing structure), Far View Pavilion (spectacular view of Bogda Peak and city lights).
  
• Sunset Time: After 21:00 in summer, after 18:30 in winter. Recommended route: Enter from South Gate, ascend via Great Buddha Temple and Far View Pavilion.

Dinner
Loulan Mystery Barbecue

• Recommendations: Skewer-cooked mutton with cold salad of onions, peppers, and tomatoes (Pi-La-Hong), fig yogurt sticky rice (sweet and sour refreshing dessert).

Day 2: Natural Wonders · Heavenly Lake at Tianshan Mountains & Wild Horse Legend

Full Day
Tianshan Tianchi Lake Day Tour

• Transportation: Chartered car (7-seat minivan ≈ ¥600/day) or group tour. Self-driving requires caution on mountain speed limits.
  
• Core Experiences:
  
  • Main Lake Area: Take shuttle bus to lakeside. Must-see spots:
    
    • Dinghai Shenzhen (ancient 2,000-year-old elm tree)
      
    • Lakeside wooden promenade (wildflowers bloom in May)
      
    • Painted boat cruise (¥80/person, best light at dawn/dusk)
      
  • Maya Mountain Cable Car (¥220/person): 3,056m observation deck offers panoramic Tianchi views with Bogda Peak within reach.
    
  • Qianlong Yuan Trail: 1.6km hike through snow-ridge spruce forest (high negative oxygen ions, ideal for forest photography).
    
• Lunch: Fukang “Nine Bowls Three Rows” Feast (Muslim traditional banquet arranged by cosmic directions, symbolizing harmony between heaven, earth & humanity).

Afternoon Return
Wild Horse International Eco-Park

• Highlights: World’s largest Akhal-Teke horse base (ancient “sweat-blood” steeds), Jurassic petrified wood forest, divaricate poplar clusters. 18:00 equestrian performance (breathtaking).

Dinner
Hotan Second Street Night Market

• Recommendations:
  
  • Kashi “One Grab” roasted stuffed buns (lamb liver skewers ¥1/string)
    
  • Yusufu “Big Eyes” charcoal-grilled meat (aromatic charred flavor)

Day 3: Revolutionary Legacy & Urban Vibes · Slow Life in the Old City

Morning
Former Residence of Mao Zemin

• Highlights: Authentic 1940s architectural structure, secret chambers and hidden passages bearing witness to revolutionary history. Ideal for history enthusiasts.

Xinjiang Office of the Eighth Route Army

• Highlights: Black-and-white photo exhibitions showcasing Xinjiang’s contributions during the Anti-Japanese War, evoking patriotic sentiments.

Noon
Consulate Lane Food Street

• Recommendations:
  
  • Clay oven-roasted lamb skewers (crispy exterior)
    
  • Milk skin cake (sweet but not cloying)
    
  • Whole roasted lamb (requires advance booking)

Afternoon
Nanhu Park Urban Stroll

• Highlights: Pink-purple gradient jogging track, industrial-style art installations. Perfect for portrait photography with blurred backgrounds.

Before Departure
Golden Spring Mall

• Shopping:
  
  • Aidalesi patterned clothing (traditional Uyghur ikat textiles)
    
  • Almond-motif children’s caps
    
  • Twelve Mukam patterned tea sets (inspired by Uyghur classical music)

Day 4: Flames and Oasis · Turpan Cultural Time Travel

Morning
Turpan North Station (1.5-hour high-speed rail from Urumqi)
Jiaohe Ancient City

• Highlights: World’s most well-preserved earth-constructed city, Tang Dynasty Anxi Protectorate ruins, architectural marvel of the Cheshi people.
  
• Tips: Rent electric carts (¥20/person) to avoid midday heat.

Noon
Grape Valley Dawaz Restaurant

• Recommendations:
  
  • Whole roasted lamb (freshly slaughtered and grilled)
    
  • Sun-dried raisins tasting (18 varieties available)

Afternoon
Flaming Mountains

• Highlights: 83°C ground temperature, Journey to the West filming location, giant thermometer landmark, camel ride through Yardang landforms.

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

• Highlights: Uyghur Gaochang Kingdom Buddhist art treasures, vibrant murals preserved in original hues.

Before Departure
Karez Folk Culture Park

• Experience: Hands-on Karez well model digging, understanding ancient water conservation wisdom.

Dinner
Turpan Night Market

• Recommendations:
  
  • Roasted stuffed buns (mulberry juice-infused dough)
    
  • Stir-fried wild onion and eggs (Gobi Desert specialty)

Day 5: Grassland & Desert · Nanshan Ecology Dual Experience

Option A: Nanshan Pasture Grassland Immersion

Morning
Baiyanggou Valley

• Highlights: Kazakh yurt experience, snowmelt waterfall, horseback riding through spruce forests (¥150/hour).
  
• Lunch: Kazakh hand-cooked lamb (freshly slaughtered lamb).

Afternoon
Juhuatai Plateau

• Highlights: June golden marigold meadows, grassland paragliding (¥880/flight).

Option B: Kumutage Desert Exploration

Morning
Shanshan County (2.5-hour train from Urumqi)
Kumutage Desert

• Highlights: World’s only urban-connected desert, camel rides (¥100/hour), sandboard rentals (¥30).

Afternoon
Shanshan Old Town

• Experience: Uyghur clay pottery making, visit Puchang Sea ruins documented in Great Tang Records on the Western Regions.

Dinner
Shanshan Night Market

• Recommendations: Roasted Lop Nur wild fish, apricot skin drink (ancient brewing method).

Travel Tips

• Documents: Always carry ID card (strict security checks).
  
• Climate: Large diurnal temperature swings (pack light down jacket in summer/autumn), strong UV (high SPF + sunglasses).
  
• Transport: Download “Urumqi Metro” APP, BRT Line 1 connects key commercial areas.
  
• Cultural Respect: No photography of women inside mosques; smile before photographing locals.
  
• Bargaining: Halve initial prices at bazaars, maintain friendly demeanor.

Itinerary Design Logic:

First 3 days focus on Urumqi’s urban symbols and nearby nature; last 2 days extend to Turpan’s historical sites and Nanshan/desert ecology. Forms complete “culture-nature-history-folk-ecology” loop, balancing classic attractions with deep immersion to avoid superficial sightseeing.