8-Day Xinjiang culture tours

Tour Highlights

Rich Exploration of Historical and Cultural Relics

  • In Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Museum with a vast collection of relics from over 12 ethnic minorities, offering deep insights into Xinjiang’s and the Silk Road’s history.
  • In Turpan, explore the ancient Tuyoq Village, the oldest in the area, and the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves dating back to the 4th century.
  • Yargul (Jiaohe) Ancient City in Turpan is one of China’s best – preserved ancient cities.
  • In Kashgar, the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and the Apak Hoja Tomb (Fragrant Concubine Tomb) are renowned historical and religious sites.
  • The Emin Minaret in Turpan combines ancient Uighur and Islamic architecture.
  • Visit local Uygur families in Turpan to enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience local life.

Stunning Natural Landscapes

  • Admire the crystal – clear waters of Heavenly Lake in Urumqi, surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains.
  • In the journey from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, witness the beauty of Oytagh Kunlunshan Colorful Mountain Range, the clear and blue Baisha Lake with snow – white sand dunes, and Karakul Lake at the foot of Muztagh Ata and Gongur Mountains.
  • Experience the unique landscapes of Flaming Mountain in Turpan and the winding Panlong Road near Tashkurgan with its more than 600 S – turns.

Diverse Folk Culture Experiences

  • Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of Dongkuruk Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar in Urumqi and the bustling livestock market and handicrafts street in Kashgar. The livestock market in Kashgar, held on Sundays, provides a chance to interact with locals and observe traditional market culture.
Day 1
Arrive in Urumqi
Activities: Warmly welcome you at Urumqi airport and transfer to your hotel
Our guide will pick you up from Urumqi airport and accompany you to your Hotel. For the first day in Xinjiang you are free to explore on you own as you will.
Urumqi is the capital city of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of the people’s republic of China. It is located in the north – west of the country. Urumqi was a major hub on the Silk Road during China’s Tang dynasty and developed its reputation as a leading cultural and commercial center during the Qing dynasty. Literal translation of Urumqi means “beautiful pasture” in Mongolian language. It is the largest city in China’s western region. Since 1990s Urumqi has developed economically and now serves as a regional transport hub, educational,cultural and commercial center.
Day 2
Day Trip to Heavenly Lake, Visit Xinjiang Museum and Dongkuruk Grand Bazaar
Activities: Visit Xinjiang Provincial Museum, then Drive to Heavenly lake; Spend time around Dongkuruk Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar in the evening.
After breakfast Our guide and driver see you at the hotel lobby and visit the Xinjiang Museum which houses an impressive collection of exhibits, covering artifacts and relics from more than 12 minority groups. By this way you have some understanding about Xinjiang and the Silk Road
Then Leave for Heavenly Lake after which is 115 kms (71 Miles) over two hours by vehicle.
This beautiful and crystal-clear waters of Heavenly Lake is guarded by the Tianshan mountain and once you are at the like, you will have free time to roam around the lake, simply trekking up the mountains through the various valleys as long as you want. You can go for boating or take cable car (own expense) up to the top of the mountain for full scenery of the lake.
whenever you are ready at the lake, drive to Urumqi city and spend time around Dongkuruk Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar which which is the Minority center of Urumqi.
Day 3
Urumqi To Turpan
Activities: After breakfast drive to Turpan and visit Tuyuq village; Flaming Mountain; Bezeklik Thousand Buddha caves and Grape Valley
Today after breakfast at the hotel we’ll drive to Turpan for a full day sightseeing around Turpan: which will include visiting picturesque Tuyoq ancient village the oldest in Turpan area, Buddhist caves dated back to the 4th century. Visit local Uygur families enjoy beautiful mountain and grape sceneries. Have a lunch break then visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves on the flanks of the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley. We’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight at hotel in Turpan.

Day 4
Turpan Tours And Take Overnight Train To Kashgar
Activities: visit Yargul (Jiaohe) Ancient city, Karez underground Irrigations system and Emin Minaret.Drive to Turpan train station for your overnight train to Kashgar
After breakfast at the Hotel, Our guide and driver will pick up you from your hotel
First we visit Yargul (Jiaohe) Ancient city which is one of the best preserved ancient cities in China. The ruins of the buildings are divided into temples, civilian dwellings and government offices. Workshops, residential houses and the streets are still visible and time there is a time spent in a long lost world.
After an hour of walking around the ancient city, we’ll head on to see the world famous Karez irrigation system, unique to this part of the world. The system is considered as one of the three great projects in China with the other two being the Great Wall and the Grand Canal.
Finally visit Emin Sulaiman Minaret which is a magnificent combination of ancient Uighur and Islamic architecture. It is the tallest ancient tower in Xinjiang and the only Islamic ancient minaret in the country. Locals call it “pure tower.”
End of the day drive to Turpan Railway station for your overnight train to Kashgar. It is about 16:00 hours train journey.
Day 5
Explore Kashgar City
Activities: Visit Grand mosque, Apak Hoja tomb (which is also called Fragrant Concubine Tomb), Old city walking tours, livestock market and handcrafts street
Explore the rich, endless culture in Kashgar. First visit livestock market which happens on every Sunday and people bring their horses, sheep, goats, camels, cows, bulls, yaks and donkeys to the market for sale. It provides a great opportunity to take photos of the faces of local people, study traditional local market culture, test-drive a donkey or horse or even make its shoes. Like opening a window, today is a real glimpse into a time lost in the annals of the Silk Road’s past and an opportunity not to be missed.
Next to this market, there’s a bustling bazaar. Rows of local – style restaurants line the area. You can see all sorts of special local foods everywhere. There’s delicious roast meat, different kinds of kebabs, chewy hand – pulled noodles, and lots of fresh fruits. The restaurant workers are shouting to get more customers, and it makes the place feel even more alive.

When we finish lunch, a journey of exploration deep into the historical and cultural deposits quietly begins. The destination is the Id Kah Mosque and the Apak Hoja Tomb, two renowned sacred places that carry the history and beliefs of Kashgar for hundreds of years.
As the largest mosque in China, Idkah mosque is not only a religious place but also an important symbol of Kashgar’s culture, witnessing numerous religious ceremonies, cultural inheritances, and the spiritual sustenance of the people
Leaving the Id Kah Mosque, we head to the equally remarkable Apak Hoja Tomb. This cemetery, known as the “Tomb of Fragrant Concubine”. The legendary Fragrant Concubine, that beautiful and mysterious woman, adds a touch of romance and legend to this cemetery
Later, we’ll also take a stroll through the Kashgar Old City area. Boasting a history of over 2,000 years, it offers you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the ancient world. Here, You can explore the local bazaars, filled with the rich aroma of spices, the vibrant colors of handicrafts, and the friendly chatter of the locals.
Atmosphere in the Old City Stop at a century-old tea house for a short break and taste local medicinal teas such as those containing rose, saffron, honey and many other ingredients.
Afterwards, we will amble along Ostangboyi Handicraft Street, where you can appreciate the exquisitely hand-made musical instruments, uniquely designed teapots and all kinds of handicrafts passed down from generation to generation, and feel the profound cultural connotations and the inheritance of exquisite craftsmanship they contain.
In the evening, take a stroll around Kashgar’s famous Ham Bazar night market. There, you can sample all kinds of local street foods. It’s a great way to soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy the unique tastes of the city.
Day 6
Kashgar to Tashkorgan
Activities: Drive along the KKH, Stop at Opal Village, Oytagh Kunlunshan Colorful mountain range, Gaz Valley and check point, Bulungkol Valley (Baisha Lake white sand mountain), Karakul lake, Tagharma Wetland
We start our journey from Kashgar and drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (also known as the Karakoram Highway). After about 50 Kms, we stop at Upal Village. Here, buy some fresh fruits, nang (a kind of local bread) and other food for the journey. Meanwhile, you can also taste some local snacks like baked buns and experience the atmosphere of the local village market.
Then continue to drive to the Oytagh Red Mountain and stop for taking pictures to record the wonderful moment and feel the amazing power of nature and the grandeur of the Kunlun Mountains.
Keep driving to White Sand Lake (Baisha Lake). The lake water is clear and blue while the sand dunes are snow-white, forming a unique landscape. Walk along the lakeside, enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and mountains, and take pictures.
Then continue to visit Karakul Lake (3600m above sea level). The lake sits at the foot of the notorious, Muztagh Ata (7546m) and Gongur (7719m) mountains. ‘Muztagh Ata’ means Father of the Ice Mountain and is one of the most beautiful and mysterious mountains in the world.
You can take a break by the lake, admire the magnificent reflections of Muztagh Ata and nine peaks of Kongur Mountains.
Lunch will be at the lake side restaurant as your like and then continue the journey to Taghrma Wetland which is the largest wetland in Tashkurgan, with lush grass and flocks of sheep and cattle.
Once arrive at Tashkurgan check in your hotel and later taste local delicacies in the town, such as yak hot pot, plateau mutton and so on. Then have an early rest to adapt to the high-altitude environment.
Day 7
Tashkorgan to Kashgar
Activities: Drive to Panlong Road , Bandir Blue Lake and return to Kashgar after lunch
Drive to Panlong Road , Bandir Blue Lake and return to Kashgar after lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, start driving to Panlong Ancient Road which is about 30kms from Tashkorgan and it is a famous coiling dragon road with more than 600 S turns, Total round trip is about 150Kms, about 4-5 hours
After lunch, return to Kashgar. Enjoy the scenery along the way on the journey back, review the experiences of these two days, and arrive in Kashgar later in the evening and check in your hotel
Note: if you like you can stop at Muztagh Ata Glacier Park for visiting
Day 8
Kashgar To Your Next Destination
Activities: See you off at Kashgar airport
Today is the last day of your tour with us, so we hope this shouldn’t be the last. We strive to make every day of your time with us the one that you’ll always remember and if you’d like to book some other tours please Contact us for more information

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