6-Day Budget Xinjiang Tour: Explore Silk Road Wonders from Urumqi to Kashgar

Summary

Day 1 Urumqi Xinjiang Arrival:Xinjiang International Bazaar
Day 2 Urumqi:Hongshan Park, Shuimogou Park
Day 3 Urumqi-Turpan by train: Flaming Mountain, Jiaohe Ruins
Day 4 Turpan-Kashgar by overnight train: Grape Valley, Karez Folk Custom Garden
Day 5 Kashgar: Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old City
Day 6 Kashgar Departure: Xiangfei Garden

Day 1 Urumqi Arrival

Our professional guide, fluent in multiple languages, will be accompanying you on this 6-day Silk Road journey. With excellent language skills and in-depth knowledge of Xinjiang’s history and culture, the guide will provide informative insights into each attraction and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. In addition, our experienced and skilled driver, equipped with excellent driving capabilities, will safely transport you throughout the tour. The vehicle is well-maintained, ensuring both comfort and safety during the entire excursion.Upon your arrival at Urumqi Airport or Railway Station, our guide will be waiting for you with a distinctive "Your Way Holiday" welcome sign, offering a warm greeting. We will arrange a safe and comfortable transfer to your pre-booked hotel, allowing you to rest and adjust to the local climate.

For lunch, you can go to a halal restaurant near the bazaar to enjoy flexible dining services. You can taste local characteristic dishes such as roasted buns and hand-grasped rice, understand the unique local dining culture, and there are also vegetarian options to meet different dietary needs of customers.

In the afternoon, we go to Xinjiang International Bazaar. A famous cultural and commercial scenic spot in Urumqi, Xinjiang International Bazaar is located in the Erdaoqiao area of Tianshan District, Urumqi, covering an area of 40,000 square meters. Built in the early 21st century, it combines Islamic, Central Plains and Uyghur architectural characteristics, as well as architectural styles from ancient Greece and other places, reflecting that Xinjiang is the center of cultural exchange between the East and the West. The 80-meter-high Silk Road Tower in the center of the scenic spot is a landmark of Urumqi, with large reliefs of the Twelve Muqam on the outer wall. The bazaar is a lively gathering place for traditional crafts, local snacks and unique souvenirs. Visitors can appreciate traditional national costumes, carpets, musical instruments and other exquisitely made products, immerse themselves in the strong ethnic customs, and even watch traditional Uyghur song and dance performances to experience the rich cultural connotation of Xinjiang.

After the trip, our guide and driver will safely take you back to the hotel.

Day 2 Urumqi

In the morning, our guide will pick you up from the hotel on time and take you to Hongshan Park, a national 4A-level scenic spot, Hongshan Park is located on Hongshan Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, covering a total area of 4.1 square kilometers. The western cliff of the scenic spot is composed of Permian sandstone, which is ochre red, hence the name Hongshan. The pagoda on the top of Hongshan was built in 1788, with many magical legends passed down from generation to generation. The park has a long afforestation history, with lush vegetation and fresh air. There are rare fossil resources in the park, such as ancient cod fossils from 270 million years ago, which are precious witnesses of geological evolution. Climbing to the viewing platform on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the majestic Tianshan Bogda Snow Peak and the panoramic view of Urumqi, enjoying the magnificent integration of natural scenery and urban style.

For lunch, you can go to a local characteristic restaurant near Hongshan Park to taste authentic Xinjiang dishes such as braised mutton and cold noodles. You can also understand the eating habits of local ethnic groups and deeply experience the local catering culture. Vegetarian and halal options are available to meet your needs.

In the afternoon, go to Shuimogou Park. A national 4A-level scenic spot, Shuimogou Park is located in Shuimogou District, Urumqi, covering an area of 3123 mu. It is a comprehensive tourist resort integrating natural beauty, cultural landscapes and historical sites. The park gets its name from the water mill facilities built in the Qing Dynasty, and there are many legendary stories such as "Fragrant Concubine Taking a Bath" and "Ji Xiaolan Writing Poems" closely related to it. The hot spring mountain, Qingquan mountain, Shuita mountain and Shuimo River in the park complement each other, with towering ancient trees, gurgling springs and cool air, making it an ideal summer resort. There are also many cultural relics and historic sites in the park, which carry rich historical and cultural connotations and show the unique cultural charm of Urumqi.

After the trip, our guide and driver will safely take you back to the hotel.

Day 3 Urumqi to Turpan by train

In the morning, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and send you to Urumqi Railway Station, helping you go through the ticket check and boarding procedures smoothly. After arriving in Turpan by train, our local guide will pick you up at Turpan Railway Station.

In the morning, after arriving in Turpan, go to Flaming Mountain first. A famous scenic spot in Turpan, Flaming Mountain is located in the north-central part of the Turpan Basin, known as "Kizil Tag" in Uyghur, meaning "Red Mountain". It stretches east-west, about 10 kilometers wide from north to south, with an altitude of 500 meters. The mountain is mainly composed of red sandstone, which glows brightly under the intense summer sunlight, like burning flames, hence the name. It is closely related to the legends in "Journey to the West", adding a strong mythical color to this scenic spot. The viewing platform on the mountain allows visitors to fully experience the unique "fireland" scenery, and it is one of the hottest places in China, with the highest temperature reaching more than 47 degrees Celsius in summer.

For lunch, you can go to a local farm restaurant near Flaming Mountain to taste characteristic dishes such as Turpan braised chicken and grape paste. These local dishes are closely related to the arid climate of Turpan, and halal and vegetarian options are also provided to ensure that every customer can enjoy delicious food.

In the afternoon, go to Jiaohe Ruins. A world cultural heritage site, Jiaohe Ruins is located on the platform between the two riverbeds of Yarnazigou, about 10 kilometers west of Turpan. It is the best-preserved, longest-lasting and largest adobe structure ancient city site in the world, known as the "Most Perfect Ruins in the World". Built in the Western Han Dynasty, it was once the capital of the Cheshi Front Kingdom and the seat of the Anxi Protectorate in the Tang Dynasty, witnessing the glory of the ancient Silk Road. The ruins retain the remains of the central avenue, pagoda group and other buildings, with unique adobe architecture, showing the wisdom of ancient people in adapting to the local environment.

After the trip, our guide and driver will safely take you back to the hotel.

Day 4 Turpan-Kashgar by train

In the morning, go to Grape Valley. A national 5A-level scenic spot, Grape Valley is the largest gully in the Flaming Mountain Valley, like a green ribbon floating in the center of the basin. It is 7 kilometers long and about 2 kilometers wide at the widest point. The Buyiluoke River from the Tianshan Mountains flows through the valley, bringing abundant water sources, making the valley lush with trees and cool in climate. Turpan has a history of grape planting for more than 3,000 years, and there are 52 grape varieties in the valley, including seedless white grapes, red grapes and black grapes. Visitors can walk along the grape corridor, taste fresh and sweet grapes, and experience the local grape picking culture up close. There are also many grape processing workshops in the valley, where you can watch the production process of grape products such as grape wine and grape paste.

For lunch, you can go to a Uyghur family restaurant in Grape Valley to taste characteristic dishes such as grape leaf wrapped meat and raisin pilaf. You can understand the dining customs of the Uyghur people, and even participate in the process of making grape food, experiencing the fun of local catering. Vegetarian and halal options are fully provided.

In the afternoon, after visiting Grape Valley and having lunch, we will take you to Turpan Karez Folk Custom Garden, a iconic scenic spot reflecting Turpan's unique water conservancy culture. Turpan Karez Folk Custom Garden is a national 4A-level scenic spot, located in the western suburbs of Turpan City, with convenient transportation and close to Grape Valley. It is a comprehensive scenic spot integrating Karez culture display, folk custom experience and historical inheritance, which perfectly shows the ancient Turpan people's wisdom of adapting to the arid climate and creating a livable environment. The scenic spot preserves a well-preserved ancient Karez water system, including wells, underground channels, ground channels and reservoirs, allowing visitors to intuitively understand the working principle of this "underground Great Wall" which has a history of more than 2,000 years.

After the visit, we will go to Turpan Railway Station to check in and board the train. Relevant matters needing attention during the overnight train ride will be reminded in advance to ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey to Kashgar.

Day 5 Kashgar

In the morning, after arriving in Kashgar by overnight train, our local guide will pick you up at Kashgar Railway Station and take you to the hotel to rest for 1-2 hours.

In the morning, go to Id Kah Mosque. A national key cultural relic protection unit, Id Kah Mosque was built in 1442 during the Ming Dynasty, located in the center of Kashgar, west of Id Kah Square, covering a total area of 16,800 square meters. It is an ancient building complex with strong ethnic style and religious color, mainly composed of the gate tower, prayer hall, call tower and other auxiliary buildings. The gate tower is tall and magnificent, with exquisite carvings and inscriptions, showing the superb architectural craftsmanship of the ancient Uyghur people. The hand-woven Hetian wool tapestry in the prayer hall is exquisite and precious, carrying profound cultural heritage, and it is an important carrier of local religious culture and ethnic customs.

For lunch, you can go to a halal restaurant near the mosque to taste authentic Kashgar dishes such as tank meat and naan pit meat. You can learn about the origin and production method of each dish, and there are flexible dining options including vegetarian and halal food to meet different dietary needs.

In the afternoon, go to Kashgar Old City. A world cultural heritage site, Kashgar Old City is located in the center of Kashgar, with a history of more than 2,000 years. It is the best-preserved ancient Uyghur city in China, with crisscross alleys and unique adobe houses. The old city retains the original style of ancient Uyghur dwellings, with houses built close to each other and walls painted with bright colors and unique patterns. There are a large number of local handicraft workshops and characteristic stores in the old city, where visitors can appreciate traditional handicrafts and experience the strong Uyghur customs, feeling the unique charm of the ancient city.

After the trip, our guide and driver will safely take you back to the hotel.

Day 6 Kashgar Departure

In the morning, go to Xiangfei Garden. A national 4A-level scenic spot, Xiangfei Garden covers an area of more than 300 mu, located in Aiziret Village, Haohan Township, 5 kilometers northeast of Kashgar City. It is a tourist scenic spot with "Xiangfei" culture as the theme, telling the legendary story of Xiangfei from birth to death. The scenic spot is built in the style of Uyghur courtyards, with lush flowers and trees, exquisite pavilions and corridors, and unique architectural style. It includes scenic spots such as Xiangfei's former residence and folk custom museum, which fully displays the unique folk culture of Kashgar and the memory of ethnic cultural integration.

For lunch, you can go to a characteristic restaurant near Xiangfei Garden to taste local snacks such as Kashgar naan and lamb soup. You can understand the local food culture and ensure you taste authentic Kashgar flavors before departure. Vegetarian and halal options are available.

After an enriching 6-day Silk Road journey from Urumqi to Kashgar, this unforgettable trip has now come to a gentle end. As you reflect on the magnificent natural scenery, profound historical and cultural heritage, and unique local flavors you’ve encountered along the way, you’ll leave with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s splendid history and diverse traditions. This thoughtfully crafted 6-day tour is designed to immerse you in the essence of the Silk Road, offering a truly personal and enlightening experience that connects you with the charm of every destination from Urumqi to Kashgar. With the seamless arrangements and careful care throughout the journey, your visit to these iconic Xinjiang landmarks will be both enjoyable and memorable, providing you with lasting impressions of this unique and magnificent land.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: For itineraries involving high-speed rail travel, assistance with booking ensures a smooth and efficient experience. 7. Selected Hotels and Daily Breakfast: Experience a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, each chosen for its quality and amenities. Enjoy a daily breakfast at the hotel, starting your day on a delicious note. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. The tipping standards are as follows: Driver: 50-100 RMB per day/group; Guide: 100-200 RMB per day/group. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.