Itinerary

Let’s craft a delightful 7-day itinerary for your trip to Urumqi, filled with authentic experiences, beautiful sights, and delicious food. Since you’ll be arriving late on November 3rd, we’ll kick off the adventure on November 4th.

## Day 1: November 4 - Explore Urumqi

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try some traditional Xinjiang naan and yogurt.
• Visit Xinjiang Museum: Head to the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. It opens at 10 AM, so you can spend a couple of hours here. Entry is usually free or very inexpensive.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a local meal at a nearby restaurant. Try the lamb skewers (kebabs) and hand-pulled noodles (laghman).
• Hongshan Park (Red Hill): After lunch, take a taxi to Hongshan Park. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Urumqi. The park is beautiful, especially in the fall.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar for dinner. You can find a variety of local dishes and snacks. Don’t miss the roasted lamb and the sweet melon!
• Shopping: Explore the bazaar for souvenirs. Look for traditional Uyghur carpets, dried fruits, and spices.

## Day 2: November 5 - Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Morning:

• Breakfast: Grab breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
• ## Day Trip to Tianchi Lake: Take a taxi or book a tour to Tianchi Lake (about 1.5 hours from Urumqi). The views are stunning, and you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Pack a picnic or eat at a local restaurant near the lake.
• Explore: Spend the afternoon hiking or taking photos of the beautiful scenery.

Evening:

• Return to Urumqi: Head back to the city.
• Dinner: Try a local Uyghur restaurant for a traditional meal.

## Day 3: November 6 - Turpan Ancient City of Jiaohe

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
• Travel to Turpan: Take a train to Turpan (about 2 hours).

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch in Turpan. Try the local specialty, "polo" (rice pilaf).
• Visit Jiaohe Ancient City: Explore the ancient ruins of Jiaohe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Turpan before heading back to Urumqi.
• Return to Urumqi: Take the train back to Urumqi.

## Day 4: November 7 - Local Culture and Markets

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a local breakfast.
• Visit the Uyghur Cultural Museum: Learn about the diverse cultures in Xinjiang.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Try a local restaurant for some delicious dumplings.
• Explore Local Markets: Visit the local markets for shopping. Look for traditional handicrafts, silk scarves, and dried fruits.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at a local eatery. Try the Uyghur-style pizza (samosa).
• Evening Stroll: Take a leisurely walk around the city center.

## Day 5: November 8 - Nanshan (Optional)

Morning:

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
• ## Day Trip to Nanshan: If you’re feeling adventurous and the weather permits, take a taxi to Nanshan (about 1.5 hours).

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Nanshan.
• Explore: Take in the beautiful mountain scenery. If it’s too cold, consider visiting a local hot spring instead.

Evening:

• Return to Urumqi: Head back to the city.
• Dinner: Try a local restaurant for a warm meal.

## Day 6: November 9 - Relax and Reflect

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Visit the People’s Park: Spend the morning relaxing at the park, enjoying the local atmosphere.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby café.
• Last-minute Shopping: Head back to the Grand Bazaar for any last-minute souvenirs.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Try the Uyghur hot pot for a unique experience.

## Day 7: November 10 - Departure

Morning:

• Breakfast: Have a final breakfast at your hotel.
• Pack and Relax: Spend the morning packing and relaxing at the hotel.

Afternoon:

• Check-out: Make sure to check out of your hotel in time.
• Last-minute sightseeing: If time allows, take a quick stroll around the city or visit any spots you may have missed.

Evening:

• Departure: Head to the airport for your flight at 23:20.

Souvenir Suggestions:

• Uyghur Carpets: Beautiful and authentic, prices can range from $20 to $100 depending on size and quality.
• Dried Fruits and Nuts: Great for friends and family, prices vary but expect around $5-$15 per bag.
• Silk Scarves: A lovely and lightweight option, usually around $10-$30.
• Spices: Local spices can be found at the Grand Bazaar for about $5-$10.

Tips:

• Always carry cash, as some places may not accept cards.
• Dress warmly, especially for outdoor activities.
• Try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; it can be helpful!

Enjoy your trip to Urumqi! It’s a beautiful region with so much to offer. Safe travels!