8-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour from Urumqi: A Detailed Guide You Can't Miss

Don't waste time on your Xinjiang trip! This guide will help you plan an 8-day tour of Northern Xinjiang from Urumqi, with the best routes and must-see attractions.
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🌟Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi 🛬— Check in to your hotel and start your Xinjiang adventure!
Day 2: Visit the Ghost City of the Sea Scenic Area and explore the unique Yardang landform.
Day 3: Visit Kanas Scenic Area and Kanas Lake to enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
Day 4: Visit the Three Bays of Kanas, Hemu Scenic Area, and Hemu Viewing Platform to see the highlights of Kanas in one day.
Day 5: Visit the Hemu Aid Xinjiang Bridge and Hemu River to learn about the aid to Xinjiang and enjoy the tranquility of the river.
Day 6: Visit Sayram Lake and Sayram Lake Point General Platform to experience the purity of the plateau lake and the weight of history.
Day 7: Visit the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park Akhal-Teke Horse Base to see the mysterious Akhal-Teke horses up close.
Day 8: End your tour in Urumqi 🛫 and return home with wonderful memories!
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Attraction Recommendations:

Sayram Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: G30, Bole, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang
⏰Opening Hours: 8:00–23:00
🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 days
The clear blue lake is a great place for photos. The surrounding grasslands are covered with colorful wildflowers, creating a picturesque scene.

Kanas Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: S232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
⏰Opening Hours: All day
🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 days
This mysterious place is famous for its lake monster legend and the lake's changing colors. The natural scenery is breathtaking.

Hemu Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: Hemu Village, Hemu Hanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
⏰Opening Hours: All day
🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 days
The rustic and quiet log cabins here feel like a paradise, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park Akhal-Teke Horse Base ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: Liyu Mountain, behind Wild Horse Building, 158 Kunming Road, Xinshi District, Urumqi
⏰Opening Hours: All day
🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 2–3 hours
This place has great cultural significance for the Belt and Road Initiative and offers a chance to see the precious Akhal-Teke horses. It's a perfect blend of culture and nature.

Kanas Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: S232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
⏰Opening Hours: 8:00–20:00
🕰️Recommended Visit Time: 2–3 hours
The beautiful Kanas Lake is surrounded by forests and grasslands, adding a touch of wildness and natural charm.
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**Travel Essentials**:
👕 **Clothing**
Northern Xinjiang is cold in December, so bring a down jacket and a windbreaker. Sweaters, long pants, and thermal underwear are also important. Wear non-slip, waterproof shoes, such as snow boots.
🎒 **Accessories**
Hats, scarves, and gloves are essential for keeping warm. Sunglasses protect your eyes, and sunscreen is also important. Choose a large backpack to carry all your travel essentials.
📲 **Electronics**
Bring a phone, camera, and power bank to record your trip. Bring charging cables and chargers to keep your devices powered. Bring extra memory cards to store all the beautiful scenery.
💳 **Documents and Money**
Bring your ID card, driver's license, cash, and cards. Some cash is also important for emergencies.
💊 **Medicine**
Bring cold medicine, painkillers, and other common medicines. Bring band-aids and disinfectant wipes for minor injuries. Bring medicine for altitude sickness just in case.
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Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Northern Xinjiang and don't forget to leave your footprints and stories. See you next time! 👋