9 Days Xinjiang Photography Tour

The beautiful scenery of Xinjiang is the place you want in your life. There are magnificent natural landscapes, the “exotic” ethnic minorities with their unique customs, as well as the great ruins of significant historical cities along the silk road. During this tour, we will visit the highlights of Kashgar, Urumqi and Turpan cities, as well as exlporing the famous Karakul Lake and Heavenly Lake.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Kashgar Arrival
• Day 2: Kashgar – Karakul Lake
• Day 3: Kashgar
• Day 4: Kashgar – Urumqi
• Day 5: Urumqi – Turpan
• Day 6: Turpan – Urumqi
• Day 7: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake
• Day 8: Heavenly Lake – Urumqi
• Day 9: Urumqi Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 3 Kashgar

Sightseeing and Activities: Id Kah Mosque, Handicraft Street, Apak Hoja Tomb, Sunday Bazaar, Old Town,
Accommodation: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today start the tour with Id Kah Mosque, one of the biggest mosque in China, which was built by Saqsiz Mirza in 1442. Then head to handcraft street, which is full of unique and exotic goods. It is one of the most featured street in various local handicrafts in and around Kashgar Xinjiang China.

After that, visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb, the largest Islamic mausoleum of Xinjiang. It is most known as the Tomb of Xiang Fei, who is one of theimperial concubines of Emperor Qianlong. Continue the tour to Sunday Bazaar, the busiest part of the city, which covers a total area of 0.17 square kilometers with more than 5,000 stable stalls.

At last, visit Kashgar Old Town, a major stop along the Silk Road, where is full of Uygur style folk residences.

Day 4 Kashgar – Urumqi

Sightseeing and Activities: Xinjiang Museum, Erdaoqiao International Bazaar
Accommodation: Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today take a morning flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival, tour guide will pick you up and transfer to hotel for a short rest. Then head to Xinjiang Museum for a visit. A visit to Xinjiang’s capital of Urumqi would be incomplete without a visit to the Xinjiang Museum. It is a comprehensive historical museum in China built in 1953, and famous for holding artifacts and mummies of Caucasians who lived in the region 1500 and 4000 years ago.

Afterwards continue the trip to International Bazaar, one of the most famous landmarks in Urumqi city, which is the largest bazaar in the world by scale, combining Islamic culture, architecture, ethnic commerce, tourism and entertainment.

Day 5 Urumqi – Turpan

Sightseeing and Activities: Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well System, Sugong Minerat, Local Uyger family visit
Accommodation: Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning, drive to Turpan. After arrival, head to visit Jiaohe Ruins. It is a natural fortress located atop a steep cliff on a leaf-shaped plateau between two deep river valleys. Then move on to Karez Well System. Located in the Turpan Depression, it is a vertical tunnel system adapted by the Turpan people.

After that, continue the tour to Sugong Minaret. At 44 meters high, it is the tallest minaret in China. Afterwards visit a local Uyger family with vineyard, and experience their local lfestyle.

Day 6 Turpan – Urumqi

Sightseeing and Activities: Bezklik Grottoes, Astana Graves, Tuyoq Valley
Accommodation: Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today visit Bezklik Grottoes first, a complex of Buddhist cave grottos. Then move on to Astana Graves, an underground cemetery of ancient Gaochang residents, which is considered to be one of the humblest burial sites in China.

After that, head to visit Tuyoq Valley, splitting the grand Flaming Mountain into two parts, which is a gorgeous valley with a long history, splendid culture and charming natural scenery.

Then drive back to Urumqi.