Xinjiang is one of China's most spectacular travel destinations, offering everything from turquoise alpine lakes and snow-covered mountains to ancient Silk Road cities, deserts, grasslands, and traditional villages.
Because Xinjiang is enormous, choosing where to go can be difficult for first-time visitors. Some destinations are separated by hundreds of kilometers, so planning the right route is important.
If you're visiting for the first time, these are 10 of the best places to visit in Xinjiang for experiencing the region's landscapes, history, food, and culture.
1. Kashgar Old City
Kashgar is one of the most fascinating cities in western China and an essential stop on any Xinjiang itinerary.
The historic Old City is filled with narrow streets, traditional architecture, restaurants, handicraft shops, markets, and lively public spaces. Its location on the ancient Silk Road has shaped the city for centuries.
Travelers can explore local food markets, watch artisans at work, visit the Id Kah Mosque area, and use Kashgar as a base for exploring the Pamir Mountains.
2. Kanas Lake
Located in northern Xinjiang, Kanas is famous for its turquoise lake surrounded by forests and mountains.
The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, but autumn is particularly famous when the forests turn shades of yellow, orange, and gold. Scenic walking routes and viewpoints make Kanas one of the best destinations in Xinjiang for nature lovers and photographers.
3. Hemu Village
Not far from Kanas, Hemu is a picturesque mountain village known for its wooden houses, forests, rivers, and peaceful surroundings.
Early morning is particularly beautiful when mist settles across the valley and smoke rises from the village homes. Staying overnight allows travelers to experience Hemu after many daytime visitors have left.
4. Sayram Lake
Sayram Lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in China. Surrounded by mountains and open grasslands, its deep blue water creates some of northern Xinjiang's most impressive scenery.
Summer is an excellent time to visit when the surrounding grasslands become green and wildflowers appear across the landscape.
5. Turpan
Turpan offers a completely different landscape from northern Xinjiang. This historic desert oasis was an important trading center along the ancient Silk Road.
Travelers can visit Jiaohe Ancient City, the Karez irrigation system, Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley, Emin Minaret, and several historic sites surrounding the city.
6. Tashkurgan and the Pamir Mountains
The journey from Kashgar to Tashkurgan is one of the most spectacular road trips in Xinjiang.
Travelers pass dramatic mountain peaks, high-altitude lakes, valleys, and remote landscapes along the route. Tashkurgan itself is known for Tajik culture, beautiful mountain surroundings, and the historic Stone City.
7. Ili Grasslands
The Ili region shows visitors another side of Xinjiang. Instead of deserts, travelers discover rolling green grasslands, mountains, forests, flowers, and traditional pastoral landscapes.
Nalati and Kalajun are among the region's best-known grassland destinations. Late spring and summer are particularly beautiful.
8. Duku Highway
The Duku Highway is more than simply a road connecting destinations—it is one of Xinjiang's great travel experiences.
The route crosses mountains, valleys, grasslands, rivers, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. Weather and seasonal road conditions affect when the highway opens, so travelers should check conditions when planning their journey.
9. World Devil City
Located near Karamay, World Devil City is famous for unusual wind-eroded rock formations created over millions of years.
The vast landscape feels almost otherworldly, particularly around sunset when the rocks take on warmer colors. It is an interesting stop for travelers exploring northern Xinjiang by road.
10. Urumqi
Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang and the main transportation hub for many travelers entering the region.
The city is a useful starting or finishing point for a Xinjiang journey. Visitors can explore the Xinjiang Museum, local restaurants, markets, and the International Grand Bazaar before continuing toward Turpan or northern Xinjiang.
Which Part of Xinjiang Should First-Time Travelers Visit?
For spectacular lakes, forests, grasslands, and mountain scenery, northern Xinjiang is an excellent choice. Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Ili, and the Duku Highway can be combined into an unforgettable road trip.
Travelers more interested in Silk Road history, traditional cities, desert landscapes, and cultural experiences may prefer southern Xinjiang, particularly Kashgar, Tashkurgan, and the Pamir Mountains.
Those with enough time can combine both regions.
Best Time to Visit Xinjiang
June to September is one of the most popular periods for traveling around Xinjiang, particularly for grasslands, lakes, and mountain routes.
September and early October are especially beautiful around Kanas and Hemu because of the autumn colors.
The best time ultimately depends on your route because Xinjiang is enormous and weather conditions vary considerably across the region.
