Best Xinjiang Itineraries for 7, 9, and 10 Days

Planning the right number of days for a Xinjiang trip can be challenging because the region is vast and its most famous attractions are spread across long distances. A 7-day trip can focus on one area, while 9 or 10 days allow you to explore more destinations at a comfortable pace.

Here are some recommended itineraries to help you choose the right Xinjiang trip for your travel style.

7-Day Xinjiang Itinerary

A 7-day trip is ideal if you want to focus on Northern Xinjiang and experience its mountains, lakes, forests, and grasslands without spending too much time on the road.

Day 1 – Urumqi

Arrive in Urumqi and explore the city's highlights, including the International Grand Bazaar. Enjoy local cuisine and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2 – Urumqi → Karamay → Altay

Travel along the S21 Desert Highway and experience the dramatic desert landscapes before continuing toward Altay.

Day 3 – Altay → Hemu Village

Travel into the mountains and forests surrounding Hemu. Explore the traditional village and enjoy its peaceful natural setting.

Day 4 – Hemu → Kanas

Continue to Kanas and discover its famous lake, forests, and mountain scenery.

Day 5 – Kanas → Jiadengyu

Explore the scenic Three Bays and surrounding landscapes before continuing to Jiadengyu.

Day 6 – Jiadengyu → Sayram Lake

Travel toward Sayram Lake and enjoy its beautiful alpine scenery and wide-open landscapes.

Day 7 – Sayram Lake → Yining

Finish your journey in Yining and enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere before departure.

Best for: Travelers who want a short introduction to Northern Xinjiang's natural scenery.

9-Day Xinjiang Itinerary

A 9-day trip gives you more time to combine natural landscapes with cultural experiences.

One option is to focus on Southern Xinjiang, especially if you're interested in Silk Road history, Uyghur culture, deserts, and mountain scenery.

Days 1–2 – Urumqi & Korla

Begin in Urumqi before traveling toward Korla and experiencing the changing landscapes of eastern and southern Xinjiang.

Day 3 – Tazhong Desert Area

Travel through the Taklamakan Desert and experience the immense golden dunes and remote desert scenery.

Day 4 – Kuqa

Explore the Tarim region before discovering Kuqa's historic streets and Silk Road heritage.

Day 5 – Kuqa Grand Canyon → Aksu

Experience the dramatic red-rock landscape of Kuqa Grand Canyon before continuing toward Aksu.

Day 6 – Kashgar

Arrive in Kashgar and explore the historic Old City and traditional handicraft areas.

Day 7 – White Sand Lake → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan

Travel along the Karakoram Highway and enjoy spectacular mountain and lake scenery.

Day 8 – Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Kashgar

Experience one of Xinjiang's most scenic mountain drives before returning to Kashgar.

Day 9 – Kashgar Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Kashgar before departing.

Best for: Travelers interested in Silk Road history, local culture, deserts, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

10-Day Xinjiang Itinerary

With 10 days, you can enjoy a more relaxed journey and spend more time exploring Northern Xinjiang.

Day 1 – Urumqi

Arrive in Urumqi and explore the city if time permits.

Day 2 – Karamay Desert Park

Travel along the S21 Desert Highway and visit Karamay Desert Park before continuing toward Altay.

Day 3 – Altay

Enjoy the mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Altay before continuing into the surrounding scenic areas.

Day 4 – Kanas Lake

Explore Kanas Lake, surrounded by forests, mountains, and clear alpine waters.

Day 5 – Kanas Three Bays

Visit Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Shenxian Bay and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Kanas region.

Day 6 – Huyanghe City

Travel south toward Huyanghe and experience the changing landscapes of northern Xinjiang.

Day 7 – Yining

Explore Yining and experience its diverse culture, local markets, and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 8 – Kuerdening & Hundred-Mile Gallery

Discover the forests and grasslands of Kuerdening before continuing through the scenic Hundred-Mile Gallery.

Day 9 – Narati Sky Meadow

Visit the famous Narati Sky Meadow and enjoy sweeping views of grasslands, mountains, and traditional pastoral landscapes.

Day 10 – Urumqi Departure

Return to Urumqi and depart with unforgettable memories of Xinjiang.

Best for: Travelers who want a balanced Northern Xinjiang experience combining lakes, mountains, grasslands, forests, deserts, and cultural experiences.

Which Xinjiang Itinerary Should You Choose?

The best itinerary depends on what you want to experience.

Choose 7 days if you want a shorter Northern Xinjiang nature-focused trip.

Choose 9 days if you're interested in Southern Xinjiang, Silk Road history, culture, deserts, and mountain scenery.

Choose 10 days if you want a more relaxed Northern Xinjiang journey with a wider variety of landscapes.

If you have more than 10 days, you can also combine selected destinations from Northern and Southern Xinjiang for a more comprehensive journey.

Make Your Xinjiang Trip Your Own

These itineraries are starting points rather than fixed plans. Your ideal route may be different depending on your travel dates, interests, budget, and preferred pace.

At Meicheng Travel, we offer private and customized Xinjiang tours that can be adjusted to your preferred destinations, accommodation, transportation, and travel style.

Explore our 7-day, 9-day, and 10-day Xinjiang tours, or contact us to create a customized itinerary for your journey.