If there's one journey that can plunge you into landscapes beyond imagination while tracing the legendary paths of the Silk Road, it's Xinjiang Tours.
Xinjiang spans a vast area - one-sixth of China's landmass - boasting an astonishing diversity of landscapes that few places on Earth can rival. Prepare to witness nature's most stunning contrasts firsthand: from the alpine lakes of Kanas and the vast grasslands of Nalat in Northern Xinjiang to the sweeping dunes of the Taklamakan Desert and the high-altitude majesty of the Pamir Plateau in South Xinjiang.
Xinjiang's unique position as China's gateway to the northwest and the crossroads of Eurasia has forged its diverse soul. This is why Xinjiang tours will broaden your horizons. You'll walk in the footsteps of Silk Road merchants, meet the diverse ethnic minorities who call this land home, and savor unique dishes born from a fusion of cultures.
Why Book Xinjiang Tours with Us?
As a travel agency born and based in Xinjiang, we're passionate about showing you the real Xinjiang we know and love. We understand that this incredible region can feel distant or mysterious, causing hesitation. But don't worry. Our deep local experience is your guarantee of a seamless and safe adventure. We handle every detail, leaving you free to simply immerse yourself in the journey.
Getting to Xinjiang has never been easier! China now offers visa-free policies for citizens of many countries, with stays of up to 30 days! (Please check the latest regulations for your specific nationality).
And the best part? To help you explore Xinjiang, we've designed a variety of Xinjiang tour packages, including private custom tours and our highly popular group tours. Our group tours are where our local advantage truly shines, offering unbeatable value that makes experiencing China's mysterious far west accessible without breaking the bank!
"Excellent Tour, best experience"
"A unique experience despite a difficult context thanks
to an experience team of organisers"
How to Plan Your Xinjiang Tours? Get Inspired by a Xinjiang Travel Agency!
Your itinerary of Xinjiang tours depend on your interests and available time. In general, the capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi would be an ideal starting point.
For nature lovers: Spend 7-8 Days in Northern Xinjiang, featuring Kanas Lake and Hemu Village. Roam through diverse landscapes including lakes, forests, grasslands, canyons, deserts, and Yardang landforms. Add 3 days in Yining Prefecture and Ili River Valley for Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and summer lavender fields.
For culture and nature enthusiasts: Explore Eastern Xinjiang (Turpan) and Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar, Hotan, Aksu Prefectures). First-timers: Take a 7-8 day Xinjiang Tour from Urumqi to Turpan and Kashgar, Tashkurgan. This region along the Silk Road offers a wealth of ancient city ruins, Buddhist caves, and bustling bazaars. You will gain deep insights into the Xinjiang’s diversed ethnic cultures and history, with unparalleled scenic views of the Turpan Basin, Pamir Plateau, Taklamakan Desert, Karakul Lake, and Mustagh Ata Glacier, etc.
Our Xinjiang Tours, crafted by local travel experts, offer an authentic journey into the heart of Xinjiang. With itineraries spanning 5 to 13 days, each tour is tailored to your unique preferences and interests. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for deeper exploration, our Xinjiang tours provide a comprehensive experience. For first-timers we recommend our 7-day Northern Xinjiang Tour or our 7-day Classic Xinjiang Tour, covering Urumqi, Turpan, and Turpan or + Tashkurgan . Led by our knowledgeable local guides, you'll travel at your own pace, enjoying the flexibility of a private tour.
Northern Xinjiang Tours showcases breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes, making them a top choice for nature enthusiasts. The classic 7-day Kanas Loop covers the region’ s highlights, including Tianshan Tianchi, Keketuohai, Wucaiwan, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Karamay Ghost City. For a more comprehensive experience, extend your journey to 10 days by adding the Ili mini-loop, with stops at Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the Dushanzi Grand Canyon.
Southern Xinjiang Tours offer an immersive experience through the historical and cultural heart of the ancient Silk Road, combined with awe-inspiring desert landscapes. This region is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of culture, history, and adventure. If you have around a week, we recommend the route (Urumqi - Tianchi Lake - Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Tashkurgan) or the reverse. For a 5-day trip, a direct flight to Kashgar is ideal, allowing you to explore Kashgar and Tashkurgan efficiently. For those looking for a deeper experience, we suggest the 13-day Southern Xinjiang Grand Tour, including Taklamakan Desert road trip.
The ancient Silk Road originated in the Western Han capital of Chang'an (present Xi'an), traversed the Hexi Corridor (present Gansu), and passed through the iconic Yumenguan and Yangguan gates before reaching the Western Regions (present Xinjiang). From there, the route crossed the Pamir Plateau, connecting Central Asia and ultimately Europe. Enhance your Xinjiang Tours by following the ancient Silk Road further into Gansu and Qinghai, or extend your journey all the way to Xi'an. This route offers a profound glimpse into China s trade history, cultural exchanges, and diverse landscapes.
Xinjiang is vast, and planning Xinjiang tours can be challenging for first-time visitors. In this section, we provide practical Xinjiang tour planning guides and curated articles to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Discover the best routes from Urumqi to Turpan, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Kanas Lake, and beyond. Explore must-see attractions along the Xinjiang Silk Road and learn how to maximize your experience in this diverse region. Whether you’re captivated by the deserts, grasslands, and lakes of Northern Xinjiang or the ancient ruins and lively bazaars of Southern Xinjiang, there’s something here for every traveler. Read more about Latest Xinjiang Travel Guide >>
Urumqi: The capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi is a vibrant blend of cultures and a gateway to the region's many natural wonders. It is known for its bustling bazaars, such as the International Grand Bazaar, and the Xinjiang Regional Museum.
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan: Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, this stunning alpine lake is known for its clear blue waters and scenic mountain backdrop. It's a perfect spot for day trips and nature walks.
Turpan: This ancient city is an archaeological treasure trove, famous for its historical sites such as the ancient cities of Jiaohe and Gaochang, and the Karez irrigation system, an engineering marvel that sustains life in this dry region.
Kashgar: An ancient Silk Road city, where you can explore the lively Kashgar Bazaar, the historic Id Kah Mosque, and the atmospheric Kashgar Old Town.
Tashkurgan: Located near the borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, this ancient Silk Road stronghold known for the Tashkurgan Fort. Tashkurgan is located on the vast Pamir Plateau, often referred to as the "Roof of the World." The drive along the China-Pakistan Highway (Karakoram Highway) to Tashkurgan takes travelers through breathtaking mountain passes, valleys, and rivers, including the iconic Muztagh Ata Peak.
Kanas Lake and Hemu Village: Located in the northern part of Xinjiang. Kanas Lake known for its changing colors and Hemu Village for its picturesque wooden houses and pastoral lifestyle.
Yining and the Ili River Valley: Known for its lush meadows and wildflowers, particularly in Nalati Grasslands.Visit Sayram Lake, a high-altitude lake with crystal-clear water. Enjoy the region’s unique blend of Kazakh culture.
Taklamakan Desert: The second-largest sand desert in the world, it is surrounded by the Silk Road and offers adventurous visitors the chance to experience its vast, mysterious landscapes.
Xinjiang is a vast region in western China, and getting there is most convenient by air.
By Air
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC): The largest airport in Xinjiang, handling domestic and international flights.
Kashgar Airport (KHG): Convenient for southern Xinjiang destinations.
Kanas Airport (KJI): For travel to northern Xinjiang's Kanas Lake and Hemu Village.
Xinjiang shares borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Mongolia. Some travelers enter Xinjiang via these border crossings:
The Torugart Pass and Irkeshtam Pass are important channels between China and Kyrgyzstan. The Karasu Pass is a crucial gateway between China and Tajikistan. The Khunjerab Pass is the only land border crossing between China and Pakistan. If you plan to arrive via a land border, please contact your travel advisor for specific costs and arrangements.
Nian Chih Hwang
Singapore
Destination(s): Xinjiang
Date of Experience: Jun 21, 2025
Tour Customized by: Cecilia
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Teoh Lee Peng
Singapore
Runny was our travel consultant for a group of 10 people. Runny was professional and very prompt in answering our queries and concerns about the trip. The tour guides provided could speak English which is a plus point for us. The hotels provided were great as the rooms were big and clean. Food was great as we tried the local food and the portions were very generous. One point to note for improvement was that the train ride from Dunhuang to Turpan was at 5pm and hence we arrived very late in Turpan. Flying into Kashgar was also quite late and we were all very tired. However, inspite of this, everyone said that they really enjoyed the trip very much. The sights, food and accommodation were great, so thanks to Runny for a well organised trip. A friend had asked about our trip and I recommended Runny to him.
Destination(s): Huangshan, Xinjiang, Dunhuang/Gansu
Date of Experience: Aug 28, 2024
Tour Customized by: Runny
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Antonio
Brazil
We travelled through China, from Beijing to the western city of Kashgar, in a trip organized by Odyssey Travel. Everything worked perfectly, from the planning and organization by Triston, our ever-present contact with the company, to each of the local guides in Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, and Turpan, which were very well prepared and attentive.
Great trip!
Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Xinjiang, Dunhuang/Gansu
Date of Experience: Feb 23, 2025
Tour Customized by: Triston
You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour