Itinerary Highlights: Blending historical humanities, natural scenery, and local life, this itinerary integrates classic attractions with niche experiences, suitable for families/couples/friends traveling together.

Day 1: Urban Culture Exploration · Collision of Western Regions Charm and History

Morning
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

• Features: The world’s largest castle-style bazaar, recreating the ancient Silk Road trading spectacle. Over 3,000 shops gather Uyghur copperware, Kazakh embroidery, Hui cuisine, etc. The Intangible Cultural Heritage Creative Zone offers hands-on experiences like ethnic instrument making and stone carving.
  
• Highlights: Giant copper kettle sculpture, blue floral ethnic costume wall, Grand Bazaar pedestrian street.
  
• Food: Freshly baked roast buns (crispy outside, soft inside), clay pot lamb stew (braised mutton with carrots), mint tea.

Lunch
Hongfuyuan Restaurant

• Recommendations: Volcanic stone-grilled roast buns (aromatic meat filling), clay pot lamb stew, mint tea.

Afternoon
Xinjiang Museum

• Star Exhibits:
  
  • “Five Stars Benefit China” Han Dynasty Brocade Arm Guard (Han-style compound weaving technique, testimony to Yin-Yang Five Elements philosophy and Silk Road exchanges).
    
  • Loulan Beauty Mummy (3,800-year-old Lop Nur resident with preserved eyelashes and skin texture).
    
• Tips: Free entry with reservation. Closed Mondays. Recommended to join free guided tours.

Evening
Hongshan Park

• Features: Urumqi’s landmark, offering the best city panorama views.
  
• Highlights: Hongshan Tower (Qing Dynasty relic, Urumqi’s oldest structure), Far View Pavilion (stunning vista of Bogda Peak and city lights).
  
• Sunset: After 21:00 in summer, after 18:30 in winter. Recommended route: Enter from South Gate, ascend via Great Buddha Temple to Far View Pavilion.

Dinner
Loulan Secret Grill

• Recommendations: Grilled lamb rack with onion-pepper-tomato salad, fig yogurt with sticky rice dumplings (sweet and sour refreshment).

Day 2: Natural Wonders · Fairyland at Tianshan’s Feet and Wild Horse Legends

Full-Day Schedule
Tianshan Tianchi Lake Day Tour

• Transport: Chartered 7-seater van (≈600 RMB/day) or group tour. Self-driving requires caution on mountain speed limits.
  
• Core Experiences:
  
  • Main Lake Area:
    Take shuttle bus to lakeside. Must-sees: “Magic Pillar Stabilizing the Sea” (1,000-year-old elm tree), 5km wildflower-lined wooden boardwalk (May blooming season), 80 RMB/person lake cruise (best dawn/dusk lighting).
    
  • Maya Mountain Cable Car (220 RMB/person):
    3,056m observation deck offering panoramic Tianchi views with Bogda Peak within arm’s reach.
    
  • Qianlong Spring Trail:
    1.6km hike through snow-spruce forest (high negative oxygen ions), ideal for forest-themed photography.
    
• Lunch: Fukang City “Nine Bowls Three Rows” banquet (Muslim hospitality cuisine arranged by compass directions, symbolizing heaven-earth-human harmony).

Afternoon Return
Wild Horse International Eco-Park

• Features: World’s largest Akhal-Teke horse base, petrified wood forest (Jurassic fossilized trees), poplar wood clusters. 18:00 equestrian performance recommended.

Dinner
Hetian Second Street Night Market

• Recommendations:
  • Kashgar “One Grab” roast buns (1 RMB/skewer of lamb liver)
  • Yusufu “Big Eyes” charcoal-grilled meat (aromatic smoke-infused skewers)

Day 3: Red Memories & Urban Vibrancy · Slow Life in the Old City

Morning
Mao Zemin’s Former Residence

• Features: Original 1940s architecture with hidden chambers and secret passages, ideal for history enthusiasts.

Eighth Route Army Office in Xinjiang

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

Lunch
Lingguan Lane Food Street

• Recommendations:
  
  • Nang pit-roasted meat (crispy exterior)
    
  • Milk skin cake (sweet but not cloying)
    
  • Roast whole lamb (requires advance booking)

Afternoon
Nanhu Park Citywalk

• Features: Pink-purple gradient running track, industrial-style art installations. Use portrait mode for professional-looking photos with blurred backgrounds.

Before Departure
Jinquan Mall

• Shopping:
  
  • Aidalesi-patterned clothing
    
  • Almond-motif children’s caps
    
  • Twelve Mukam-patterned tea sets

Travel Tips

• Documents: Carry ID at all times; strict security checks.
  
• Climate: Large diurnal temperature swings (pack light down jackets in summer/autumn). Strong UV rays (use high-SPF sunscreen + sunglasses).
  
• Transport: Download “Urumqi Metro” APP. BRT Line 1 connects major commercial areas.
  
• Respect Customs: No photography of women inside mosques. Smile and gesture before photographing locals.
  
• Bargaining: Halve prices at Grand Bazaar; maintain friendly demeanor.

Itinerary Design Logic

Structured around “Culture-Nature-Urban Life” themes: Day 1 explores urban symbols and history, Day 2 delves into natural wonders, and Day 3 uncovers revolutionary heritage and local life. This balance ensures depth over superficial sightseeing, creating a cohesive journey through Urumqi’s multifaceted identity.