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Silk Road Wonders of Northern Xinjiang
Experience the core of the ancient Silk Road in this 5-day journey. Discover the alpine beauty of Tianshan Heavenly Lake, the archaeological wonders of Turpan, and the golden dunes of the Kumtag Desert.
5days
14stops
552km
Day 1: Xinjiang Regional Museum → International Grand Bazaar → Hongshan Park
31min · 17km3 stops
Xinjiang Regional Museum
09:00 – 11:00
16min · 11km
International Grand Bazaar
12:00 – 14:00
15min · 5.3km
Hongshan Park
15:00 – 17:00
Day 2: Tianshan Heavenly Lake → Maya Mountain Viewpoint → Urumqi City Center
4h 3min · 237km3 stops
Tianshan Heavenly Lake
09:00 – 11:00
1h 43min · 101km
Maya Mountain Viewpoint
12:00 – 14:00
2h 20min · 136km
Urumqi City Center
15:00 – 17:00
Day 3: Jiaohe Ancient City → Karez Irrigation System → Emin Minaret
2h 49min · 197km3 stops
Jiaohe Ancient City
09:00 – 11:00
2h 30min · 188km
Karez Irrigation System
12:00 – 14:00
19min · 9.2km
Emin Minaret
15:00 – 17:00
Day 4: Flaming Mountains → Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves → Kumtag Desert
51min · 41km3 stops
Flaming Mountains
09:00 – 11:00
50min · 41km
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
12:00 – 14:00
1min · 0.3km
Kumtag Desert
15:00 – 17:00
Day 5: Tuyugou Ancient Village → Urumqi Diwopu International A…
1h 35min · 61km2 stops
Tuyugou Ancient Village
09:00 – 11:00
1h 35min · 61km
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport
12:00 – 14:00
Heads Up
- 1. Checkpoints are frequent; always keep your passport and travel permits easily accessible.
- 2. Expect significant temperature swings between day and night, especially in the desert regions.
- 3. The Duku Highway usually remains closed until June; stick to the main G30 corridor for May travel.
- 4. Day 5: 5h 28m driving — plan rest stops
- 5. Day 5: Tuyugou Ancient Village → Urumqi Diwopu International Airport flight transit only 3.0h — allow ≥5h door-to-door