Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang province, although it is a modern city, but you should stop here at least once or twice to visit Xinjiang area, since it is the key point for transportation, and has the most international ,domestic flights and trains.
Urumqi also has the most beautiful places in western China like Heavenly Lake, it is very green and the lake look like mirror, and the biggest historical Silk Road museum in central Asia – the Xinjiang Regional Museum.
Day 1 Urumqi tour
Left from hotel at 10 am to the Xinjiang museum. Xinjiang museum we are going to visit three sections, Ethnic cultural rooms, Mummy gallery and history of western regions. It takes about an hour.
After museum, visit the Red Hill (Hongshan) a public park of Urumqi. Red hill located at the middle of the city, where people exercises and enjoy the broad view of Urumqi. When you reach the the top of the hill, there is a broad platform where you can see the modern view of the city and snow peaks of Tianshan mountains. There is a Red pagoda at west corner of the hill, which is the a symbol of Urumqi.
After having lunch at the local restaurant, visit the Grand Bazaar. Grand Bazaar is located at the south part of the city, a market for both locals and tourists. You can find all the local special products, handcrafts and musical instruments there.
Day 2 Heavenly lake Tour from Urumqi
Heavenly lake is about 110 km away from Urumqi, located on the top of Tianshan mountain. The surface of the lake is 1910 meters above sea level, just one kilometer higher than Urumqi. It takes about 2-3 hours drive to reach to the lake since we have to take the shuttle bus for the last 30 km of the trip. You can have a hiking around the lake for hours, blue sky, natural forests and grassland view will relax your mind.
Day 3 Travel to Turpan from Urumqi
Turpan is 200 km away from Urumqi, it takes about 3.5 hours drive including two toilet stops and cross a mountain. The drive is all the way down since Turpan is the lowest basin in China.
After lunch, we will visit Emin minaret. It is an mosque and tower, which was originally built by the king of Turpan at 1776 AD.
After the minaret, we will visit the Kariz. It is the name of ancient underground irrigation system, which was invented about 2000 years ago. Through visiting the site, we will get to know the geographical features and water supply system of Turpan.
At last we will visit the Jiaohe Ruins, which is a UNESCO site left from the 14th century. Jiaohe ancient city is located at the edge of Oasis, best preserved soil structured ancient city. The sunset view of the abundant city is best with the light and mountains in distance.
Day 4 Travel to Urumqi from Turpan
In the morning, we will drive further to the westward to visit the famous Flaming mountain. Both of Bezeklik Buddha caves and Tuyuk old village is in the valleys of this mountain.
First we will visit the Bezeklik Buddha caves, which is the highlight of Uighur Buddhism 9-12 centuries. Buddhism was the main religion in western region, widely practiced and flourished in Turpan area.
Tuyuk old village is in another valley of Flaming mountain, where you can see the traditional Uighur architecture and traditional lifestyle of local people.
We will have a lunch at a local house, get to know the the food and fruits of Uighurs.
After visiting the Tuyuk old village, we will drive back to Urumqi.
4 pax
1.Tour guide: 2000
2.Transportation: 4800
3.hotel in Turpan: 800+200
- Entrance ticket: 360x4=1440
- Meals for guide 400
9640/4=2410RMB=360 USD
