Exploring the Natural Beauty of Xinjiang
Day 1 : Nature's Wonders
Today, we will immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Xinjiang. We will start our day with a visit to the serene 赛里木湖, followed by a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will explore the breathtaking 喀拉峻草原.
赛里木湖
9:00 - 12:00
Explore the stunning Sayram Lake, known as the 'Last Tear of the Atlantic.' Enjoy the breathtaking views of the high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains, glaciers, forests, and grasslands. Take a leisurely walk along the lake's shore and observe the diverse bird species that inhabit the area.
Tips: Visit early in the morning to experience the serene atmosphere and avoid crowds. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be cooler at higher altitudes. There is no entrance fee, so you can freely explore the area.
Lunch Break
12:30 - 13:30
喀拉峻草原
14:00 - 17:00
Explore the vast high mountain meadows with their undulating curves, blue skies, and grazing horses and cattle. Enjoy the sight of blooming wildflowers, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests. Take a light hike along the most beautiful 60 kilometers of the Tian Shan range, capturing the essence of the Ili grasslands.
Tips: Visit the East Kalajun Scenic Area, which is the core area of the Kalajun World Natural Heritage site. Don't miss the Kuerdai Grand Canyon and the colorful flower meadows. The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photography.
Dinner
18:00 - 19:00
Day 2 : Grassland Adventures
Today, we will continue our exploration of Xinjiang's stunning grasslands. We will start our day with a visit to the expansive 那拉提草原, followed by a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will explore the picturesque Kalajun Prairies.
那拉提草原
9:00 - 12:00
Explore the breathtaking highland meadows of Nalati Grassland, one of the most beautiful alpine grasslands in China. Enjoy the panoramic views, take a leisurely walk through the vast fields, and experience the local Kazakh culture. Don't miss the opportunity to see the sunrise, as this is one of the first places in China to catch the morning sun.
Tips: Visit early in the morning to catch the stunning sunrise. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen as there is limited shade. Check for any local cultural events or festivals that might be happening during your visit.
Lunch Break
12:30 - 13:30
Kalajun Prairies
14:00 - 17:00
Explore the vast and picturesque Kalajun Prairies, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Take a leisurely walk or a horseback ride to fully appreciate the natural beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos of the rolling hills and wildflowers.
Tips: Visit during the afternoon to enjoy the best lighting for photography. Bring comfortable walking shoes and sun protection, as there are limited shaded areas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and be respectful of the natural environment.
Dinner
18:00 - 19:00
Day 3 : Desert and Historical Exploration
Today, we will delve into the desert landscapes and historical sites of Xinjiang. We will start our day with a visit to the vast Kumtag Desert, followed by a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will explore the ancient city of Gaochang.
Kumtag Desert
9:00 - 12:00
Explore the vast arid landscape of the Kumtag Desert, a national park since 2002. Enjoy a morning hike to witness the stunning sand dunes and unique desert flora. Capture breathtaking photos of the sunrise over the dunes and experience the tranquility of this remote location.
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the extreme heat and bring plenty of water. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on sand. Be aware that there are limited facilities, so plan accordingly.
Lunch Break
12:30 - 13:30
Gaochang
14:00 - 17:00
Explore the ancient ruins of Gaochang, an oasis city that once thrived on the Silk Road. Wander through the remnants of its grand temples, palaces, and city walls, and imagine the bustling life that once filled its streets. Don't miss the chance to see the impressive Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves nearby.
Tips: Visit in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and bring plenty of water as there are limited facilities. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
Dinner
18:00 - 19:00
Day 4 : Cultural and Natural Marvels
Today, we will explore the cultural and natural marvels of Xinjiang. We will start our day with a visit to the historic Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, followed by a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will delve into the rich history at Turpan Museum.
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
9:00 - 12:00
Explore the ancient Buddhist cave grottos dating from the 5th to 14th century. Marvel at the intricate murals and statues that depict various aspects of Buddhist culture and history. Take a guided tour to learn about the significance of the caves and their historical context.
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Wear comfortable shoes as there is some walking involved. Bring water and sun protection as the area can get quite hot.
Lunch Break
12:30 - 13:30
Turpan Museum
14:00 - 17:00
Explore the rich history of the Tang dynasty through the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, including ancient silks, clothes, and preserved corpses from the Astana Graves. Take your time to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and historical significance of each exhibit.
Tips: Visit in the afternoon to avoid the morning crowds and enjoy a quieter experience. Make sure to check if there are any special exhibitions or guided tours available during your visit.
Dinner
18:00 - 19:00
Day 5 : Mountain and Lake Exploration
Today, we will explore the stunning mountain and lake landscapes of Xinjiang. We will start our day with a visit to the serene Tianchi, followed by a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will delve into the natural beauty of Tianchi National Geopark.
Tianchi
9:00 - 12:00
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Tianchi, also known as Heaven Lake. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoy the breathtaking mountain views, and capture the serene landscape with your camera. You can also take a boat ride to experience the lake from a different perspective.
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to bring warm clothing as it can get chilly, even in September. Don't forget to check the weather forecast before your visit.
Lunch Break
12:30 - 13:30
Tianchi National Geopark
14:00 - 17:00
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Tianchi National Geopark, known for its crystal-clear lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Take a leisurely walk along the scenic trails, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and capture breathtaking photos of the picturesque landscape.
Tips: Visit during the afternoon to catch the best lighting for photography. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trails can be uneven. Check the weather forecast before your visit and bring appropriate clothing.
Dinner
18:00 - 19:00
Day 6 : Geological Wonders and Scenic Beauty
Today, we will explore the geological wonders and scenic beauty of Xinjiang. We will start our day with a visit to the fascinating Koktokay National Geopark, followed by a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will delve into the breathtaking landscapes of The Mystic Grand Canyon of the Tianshan.
Koktokay National Geopark
9:00 - 12:00
Explore the stunning natural landscapes of Koktokay National Geopark, known for its unique geological formations and beautiful scenery. Take a guided tour to learn about the park's rich geological history, hike through the scenic trails, and enjoy a boat ride on the Irtysh River.
Tips: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water as you will be spending several hours outdoors. Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly. Early morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene environment.
Lunch Break
12:30 - 13:30
The Mystic Grand Canyon of the Tianshan
14:00 - 17:00
Explore the stunning red rock formations and deep canyons that make up this natural wonder. Take a guided tour to learn about the geological history and cultural significance of the area. Capture breathtaking photos of the unique landscape, especially during the golden hour.
Tips: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water as the terrain can be challenging. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the lighting enhances the beauty of the canyon. Be mindful of local wildlife and respect the natural environment.
Dinner
18:00 - 19:00
Day 7 : Scenic and Cultural Finale
Today, we will conclude our journey with a blend of scenic beauty and cultural exploration. We will start our day with a visit to People's Park, followed by a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will delve into the rich history at Xin Jiang Wei Wu Er Zi Zhi Qu Bo Wu Guan.
People's Park
9:00 - 11:00
Explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy a peaceful walk through the lush greenery of People's Park. Take time to relax by the lake, visit the various pavilions, and enjoy the local flora and fauna. The park is a great spot for morning exercises and offers a serene escape from the bustling city.
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the scenic views and local wildlife. Check if there are any local events or performances happening during your visit.
Lunch Break
11:30 - 12:30
Xin Jiang Wei Wu Er Zi Zhi Qu Bo Wu Guan
13:00 - 16:00
Explore the extensive collection of over 40,000 cultural relics and specimens, including 381 national first-grade cultural relics. Learn about the rich history and diverse cultures of Xinjiang through various exhibits. Don't miss the ancient mummies and Silk Road artifacts that provide a glimpse into the region's past.
Tips: Plan your visit between 13:00 - 16:00 to avoid the morning rush. Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits. Check if there are any special exhibitions or guided tours available during your visit.
Dinner
18:00 - 19:00
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