Most Scenic Road Trips in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China

Ürümqi, China, Ürümqi, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Most Scenic Road Trips

Most Scenic Road Trips in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China

1. Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

A breathtaking alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, offering stunning views and opportunities for hiking.
  • High Altitude: Reaches an altitude of approximately 3000 meters above sea level.
  • Glacial Landscape: Surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks, creating a unique and pristine environment.
  • Seasonal Attraction: Ideal for visiting during the summer months when the weather is milder.

2. Karakul Lake (Ke'erqin Lake)

A serene alpine lake known for its clear waters and picturesque mountain backdrop.
  • Stunning Backdrop: Features the breathtaking Tianshan Mountains as a backdrop.
  • Local Culture: Provides opportunities to interact with local Kazakh herders and learn about their culture.
  • Remote Location: Located in a remote area, providing a sense of adventure and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

3. Hami Ancient City

An ancient city with a rich history dating back over 2000 years, showcasing well-preserved architecture and artifacts.
  • Historical Significance: One of the oldest cities along the Silk Road.
  • Architectural Wonders: Featuring well-preserved ancient buildings, including a magnificent Great Mosque and ancient city walls.
  • Cultural Immersion: Offers insight into the history and culture of this region along the Silk Road.

4. Bozkor Mountain Pass

A scenic mountain pass offering panoramic views of the Tianshan Mountains and surrounding grasslands.
  • Scenic Drive: Features a winding road with stunning vistas at every turn.
  • Nomadic Culture: Allows visitors to witness traditional Kazakh herding culture up close.
  • Seasonal Beauty: Beautifully adorned with flowers during the spring and summer months.

5. Junggar Basin (Dzungaria)

A vast, expansive grassland dotted with villages, offering a glimpse into traditional Kazakh life.
  • Natural Beauty: Features endless rolling hills and pristine grasslands.
  • Traditional Culture: Provides an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle and traditions of local Kazakhs.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as wild horses, camels, and birds of prey.

6. Hami Gobi Desert

A vast, sprawling desert offering a unique and otherworldly landscape.
  • Desert Landscape: Featuring towering sand dunes and a seemingly endless expanse of sand.
  • Historical Sites: Contains ancient sites such as the Han Great Wall and various Buddhist cave temples.
  • Adventure Opportunities: Allows for activities such as sandboarding, dune buggy riding, and camel trekking.

7. Kashgar Old Town

A well-preserved ancient city with a rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional Uighur architecture and bustling bazaars.
  • Cultural Immersion: Offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the Uighur people.
  • Architectural Wonders: Featuring centuries-old buildings, intricate mosques, and bustling bazaars.
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Buzzes with energy and vibrancy, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

8. Aksu River Canyon

A scenic canyon showcasing towering cliffs and rapids, perfect for white-water rafting and hiking.
  • Adventure Activities: Offers white-water rafting, kayaking, and hiking opportunities.
  • Stunning Landscapes: Features dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and fast-flowing rapids.
  • Remote Location: Located in a remote area, providing a sense of adventure and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

9. Kumtagh Desert

A vast desert offering a unique and otherworldly landscape with stunning sand dunes and ancient ruins.
  • Desert Landscape: Featuring towering sand dunes and a seemingly endless expanse of sand.
  • Historical Sites: Contains ancient sites such as the Kizil Grottoes, a series of Buddhist cave temples.
  • Adventure Opportunities: Allows for activities such as sandboarding, dune buggy riding, and camel trekking.

10. Korla Lake (Kuerle),

A serene freshwater lake offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and grasslands.
  • Stunning Backdrop: Features a breathtaking mountain backdrop and rolling grasslands.
  • Local Culture: Provides opportunities to interact with local Uighur herders and learn about their culture.
  • Seasonal Beauty: Beautifully adorned with flowers during the spring and summer months.

11. Korla (Kuerle) Ancient City

An ancient city showcasing a mix of Uighur, Han Chinese, and Islamic architecture.
  • Historical Significance: One of the oldest cities in Xinjiang.
  • Architectural Wonders: Featuring a mix of Uighur, Han Chinese, and Islamic architecture.
  • Cultural Immersion: Offers insight into the history and culture of this region.

12. Turpan Flame Mountains

A series of red, orange, and yellow mountains formed by wind and water erosion, creating a surreal landscape.
  • Scenic Drive: Features a winding road with stunning vistas at every turn.
  • Geological Formations: Featuring unique geological formations, including caves and towering sandstone pillars.
  • Remote Location: Located in a remote area, providing a sense of adventure and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

13. Turpan Grape Valley

A lush oasis featuring vineyards, ancient ruins, and a scenic canal system.
  • Natural Beauty: Featuring lush vineyards and an intricate canal system.
  • Historical Sites: Contains ancient sites such as the Jiaohe Ancient City and Astana Tombs.
  • Cultural Immersion: Offers insight into the history and culture of this region.

14. Bailuhe Hot Spring Scenic Area

A scenic area featuring hot springs, waterfalls, and a variety of hiking trails.
  • Natural Beauty: Featuring hot springs, waterfalls, and lush forests.
  • Relaxation Opportunities: Offers opportunities for relaxation in the soothing hot springs.
  • Hiking Trails: Features a variety of hiking trails catering to different skill levels.

15. Tianshan Tianchi National Forest Park

A national forest park featuring the scenic Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), hiking trails, and stunning mountain views.
  • Scenic Drive: Features a winding road with stunning vistas at every turn.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Offers numerous hiking trails for visitors to explore.
  • Stunning Landscapes: Featuring the breathtaking Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and towering mountain peaks.