
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.