Xinjiang Travel:<br>Silk Road Cities and Mountain Lakes

Northwest China · Silk Road

Xinjiang Travel:
Silk Road Cities and Mountain Lakes

Urumqi → Turpan → Kashgar → Taklamakan Desert → Kanas Lake, on one long route

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Location: Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
Best season: May to October
Suggested length: 8–10 days
Airport: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

In one line

Xinjiang travel with a dedicated guide: Kashgar's old town, Kanas Lake, the Taklamakan Desert and Urumqi. Small groups, private vehicles and no shopping stops.

Location Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous RegionBest season May to OctoberSuggested length 8–10 daysAirport Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

Xinjiang lies in China's far northwest, a single region that holds Silk Road oasis towns, deserts, grasslands and snow peaks. Cities such as Kashgar and Urumqi still carry the marks of the old trade routes, while Kanas Lake in the north is known for its valleys and forest.

We run our Xinjiang tours as a small group of 2 to 8 guests, with a private vehicle and a dedicated guide and no shopping stops. Because the distances are long, we spread the driving across comfortable days. Ask us for a quote and we will build the route around your dates.

Desert, grassland and plateau meet in the same region, so temperatures vary widely by area and season. We also advise on warm layers and sun protection to suit your dates and route.

Key sights

Kashgar Old Town

The historic heart of the Silk Road trading city of Kashgar. Mud-brick lanes and markets run through it, and food stalls fill the night bazaar every evening.

Kanas Lake

A lake in the Altai Mountains of northern Xinjiang. Deep turquoise water meets forest and snow peaks, and the colours shift with the seasons.

Taklamakan Desert

China's largest desert, wide enough that an old saying warns travellers not to enter. Oasis towns sit along the desert highway that skirts its edge.

Lipan Village

A traditional village where earthen houses and narrow lanes survive. We visit it alongside the Kashgar section, so you see everyday local life up close.

Urumqi Grand Bazaar

A large market in central Urumqi. Dried fruit, spices and textiles from across the region are gathered in one place.

Turpan Grape Valley

A valley in the Turpan Basin lined with vineyards and old irrigation channels. Summers are very hot here and winters are cold, so the seasons differ sharply.

Season by season

Period	What to expect
March–May	Temperatures rise slowly, but mornings and evenings stay chilly. Blossom appears and the desert is already warm by day.
June–August	The grasslands are at their greenest and Kanas Lake looks its best. Daytime heat and UV are strong, so a hat and sun protection help.
September–October	Autumn colour around Kanas Lake meets clear desert skies. Day-to-night swings widen, so bring layers.
November–February	Temperatures drop sharply and some mountain roads may close. The snow scenery is striking, but allow extra time for travel.

Getting there

Flights

Fly from Incheon to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, direct or with a connection. Regional cities such as Kashgar connect from Urumqi by domestic flight.

Trains

Urumqi links to Turpan and Kashgar by rail. On long legs, a high-speed or overnight train cuts down travel time.

Local transport

Distances between regions are very long, so we combine a private vehicle with domestic flights. A dedicated guide travels with the group and keeps each day's driving reasonable.

Sample 4-day plan

Day 1

Arrive in Urumqi and visit the Grand Bazaar, then rest at a city hotel.

Day 2

Drive to Turpan for the Grape Valley and the old city ruins, returning to Urumqi in the evening.

Day 3

Fly to Kashgar for the old town and the night bazaar, with a chance to try local food.

Day 4

Visit Lipan Village, then finish in Kashgar and continue to the next leg.

FAQ

Does Xinjiang need a special permit?

As a general rule, foreign visitors may need agency accompaniment and extra permits for some parts of Xinjiang. Rules vary by area and season, so please confirm with official sources before departure; we help prepare the paperwork.

When is the best time for Kanas Lake?

The grasslands are green from June to August, and the autumn colour peaks in September. In high season, hotels and vehicles book out early, so plan ahead.

Can we include the desert?

Yes. We can add the oasis towns along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Desert days are hot, so pack layers and carry water.

Will we have a Korean-speaking guide?

Yes. A dedicated guide and Korean interpretation travel with you, and they help with restaurants and markets throughout.

Is any of the route at high altitude?

Some areas such as Kanas and Turpan sit high or swing widely in temperature. We avoid overloading the days, and you should drink water often and tell your guide at once if you feel unwell.

Official sources

Always re-check the latest conditions on the official sites before you travel.

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