3-Day Tour of Turpan and Shanshan in Xinjiang: A Complete Guide to Popular Attractions

Planning a trip to Turpan and Shanshan in Xinjiang for the long weekend? This guide has everything you need to know for a 3-day trip to both places. Travel with ease and avoid the pitfalls!
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Places to visit:

Tianshan Tianchi Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: No. 501, Junggar Road, Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- Opening hours: All day
- Duration: 1 day
- The lake is like a mirror, reflecting the magnificent Bogda Peak and surrounded by spruce trees. It's like stepping into a fairyland.

Flaming Mountains Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: National Highway 312, Gaochang District, Turpan City
- Opening hours: 8:30 am–8:00 pm
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- The red-brown sandstone landscape creates a spectacular scene. This is also the real-life location of the Flaming Mountains in Journey to the West!

Jiangbulake Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: Banjiegou Town, Qitai County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- Opening hours: All day
- Duration: 1 day
- A ski resort in winter, the area boasts picturesque natural scenery all year round. Every step is like a beautiful painting.

Kumtag Desert ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Address: No. 999, Gongyuan Road, Shanshan County, Turpan City
- Opening hours: All day
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- In this sand dune park, you can marvel at the spectacular shifting sand dunes and experience the wonders of the desert.
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**Notes**:
🍽️ Food: Turpan and Shanshan's grilled lamb skewers and pilaf are must-try specialties. Don't miss out!
❄️ December weather: The average daily temperature is around -1°C. Bring warm clothes to cope with the cold weather.
🎁 Local specialties: Turpan raisins and other local specialties are affordable and make great souvenirs.
📸 Photo spots: Tuyugou Grand Canyon and the Thousand Buddha Caves are not to be missed. Capture your travel memories!
💡 Tips: Please respect local religious culture when traveling and avoid entering the interior of temples and other religious sites.
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The adventure to Turpan and Shanshan is waiting for you. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture your unique memories!