Discover the Top 10 Places to Visit in Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang, China's largest and most diverse province, is a dream destination for adventurous travelers. From snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes to ancient Silk Road towns and rich nomadic cultures, this region offers some of the most breathtaking and authentic experiences in the country. Whether you're hiking through high-altitude trails, exploring desert oases, or savoring Uyghur street food, every moment in Xinjiang is unforgettable.

✨ Shantour specializes in immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventures in Xinjiang. Our team of local, multilingual travel designers—founded by seasoned backpackers—curates meaningful journeys that focus on people, nature, and culture. Ready to explore Xinjiang differently? Let Shantour guide your next trip.

1. Kalajun Grassland – Poetry in the Prairie

Kalajun Grassland is one of Xinjiang’s most beautiful highland meadows, stretching endlessly across the rolling hills of the Tianshan Mountains. Famous for its soft, velvet-like pastures and seasonal wildflowers, it's a paradise for nature lovers and horseback riders.

Whether you're watching the sunrise over the peaks or galloping across open fields, Kalajun feels like a scene from a Kazakh epic. It’s also a great place to witness nomadic life and enjoy a peaceful moment in the wild.

Kalajun Grassland full with flowers in Summer | By Sylvie Kuang

2. Sayram (Salimu) Lake – The Emerald Lake of the West Tianshan

Sayram Lake is the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush alpine meadows. Surrounded by rolling grasslands and snow-capped peaks, the lake is a true natural wonder and a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.

In summer, herds of Kazakh nomads set up yurts nearby, and the landscape bursts into color with wildflowers. Whether you're here for horseback riding, photography, or cultural connection, Salimu Lake is a tranquil paradise away from the crowds.

Sayram Lake with snow peaks | By Sylvie Kuang

♨️ Bonus: Bianjiang Hot Spring Town – Relaxation After Adventure

Located near Sayram Lake, Bianjiang Hot Spring Town offers rejuvenating mineral baths, scenic alpine views, and authentic Kazakh hospitality—perfect for unwinding after trekking or horseback riding adventures.

3. Karakul Lake – A Jewel of the Pamir Plateau

Framed by the snow-draped peaks of Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake is one of the most iconic places to visit in Xinjiang. Located along the legendary Karakoram Highway, this high-altitude lake glows with vivid blues that contrast against the rugged mountain terrain. It’s a favorite among photographers, hikers, and anyone seeking serenity in the wilderness.

Explore Kyrgyz nomadic culture, ride camels along the lakeshore, and wake up to sunrise over one of China’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Karakul Lake is not just a destination—it’s an experience of pure natural magic.

Karakul Lake in front of Muztagh Peak | By Sylvie Kuang

4. Tashkurgan – Ancient Town on the Roof of the World

Tashkurgan is a peaceful stone fortress town nestled in the Pamir Plateau near the borders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. It was once a thriving stop along the ancient Silk Road and home to the Tajik people of Xinjiang, who still maintain their traditional way of life.

A Tajik playing the traditional Rubab in his milk tea shop | By Sylvie Kuang

Wander through its centuries-old stone city, soak in panoramic views from the grasslands, and experience Tajik hospitality in a place where ancient history and Central Asian culture come alive.

5. Kanas Lake – A Mythical Land of Forest and Water

Kanas Lake is perhaps the most stunning destination in northern Xinjiang. Nestled in the Altai Mountains, this glacier-fed lake changes color with the seasons and is wrapped in pine forests, golden meadows, and snow-dusted peaks. It’s also known for its legendary “Kanas Lake Monster” said to dwell in its depths.

Home to the Tuvan people, a small Turkic ethnic group, Kanas offers a rich cultural experience paired with stunning alpine views. This is an unmissable spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those craving pristine wilderness.

Kanas River in Autumn | By Yimeng Jiang

🛖 Bonus: Hemu Village – A Fairytale Wooden Hamlet

Located near Kanas Lake, Hemu Village is one of the most picturesque villages in China. Its quaint wooden cabins, misty mornings, and surrounding birch forests look straight out of a painting. Staying here is like stepping back in time—ride horses across golden meadows, sip tea in a yurt, and enjoy the tranquility of rural life. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when the forests explode in shades of gold and red. In winter, here is the heaven to ski lovers.

6. Turpan – Oasis of Ancient Civilizations

Turpan is one of the lowest and hottest places in China, but it’s also a treasure trove of Silk Road history and Uyghur culture. Visit the ancient city ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang, marvel at the ingenious Karez underground water system, and explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.

Don’t miss the lush grape valleys and Uyghur music echoing through bustling bazaars. Turpan is a window into a world where desert landscapes meet vibrant cultural traditions.

Ancient City Ruin near Turpan | By Guangxi Liu

7. Kuqa – Gateway to the Ancient West

Once a major Buddhist center on the Silk Road, Kuqa (Kuche) offers a rich mix of history, religion, and natural wonders. Explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves—the oldest in China—then venture into the dramatic red-rock canyons of Tianshan Grand Canyon.

An alley in Kuqa old town | By Sylvie Kuang

With fewer crowds and a strong local identity, Kuqa offers a more intimate look at Xinjiang’s diverse roots. This is a perfect stop for history buffs and adventurous spirits alike.

8. Wusun Ancient Route – Trek the Path of Nomads

The Wusun Ancient Route is a legendary trekking route that winds through the wild Tianshan Mountains. Once used by the ancient Wusun tribe over 2,000 years ago, this trail offers a mix of dramatic mountain scenery, glacial rivers, and alpine meadows.

Join Shantour’s guided trek for an immersive experience with an English-speaking certified guide, local Kazakh horsemen, and a professional support team. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey into Xinjiang’s untouched wilderness and nomadic heritage.

"Heaven" Lake in Wusun Ancient Trail | By Sylvie Kuang

9. Tianshan Grand Canyon – A Geological Wonder

Also known as Keziliya Grand Canyon, this red sandstone canyon near Kuqa offers jaw-dropping views and narrow slot canyons that rival Arizona’s. Wind and water have carved these surreal shapes over millions of years, creating a dramatic desert labyrinth.

Great for hiking and photography, this lesser-known gem provides a thrilling contrast to Xinjiang’s lush north. Pair it with nearby historical sites for a full cultural and natural adventure.

The red sandstone in Tianshan Grand Canyon | By Sylvie Kuang

10. Qiongkushitai Village – Hidden Gem in the Tianshan Foothills

Qiongkushitai is a secluded Kazakh village surrounded by rolling grasslands and pine-covered mountains. Untouched by mass tourism, it’s a place where travelers can truly experience nomadic culture, horseback riding, and traditional Kazakh hospitality.

The village is also the starting point for some of Xinjiang’s most beautiful trekking routes, including the Wusun Ancient Trail. If you're seeking real cultural immersion and scenic serenity, Qiongkushitai is a perfect escape.

Kazakh nomadic yurts close to Qiongkushitai Village | By Sylvie Kuang

🌟 Ready to explore Xinjiang like a local? Let Shantour design a custom itinerary for you. From high mountains to desert oases, cultural villages to epic treks, we know Xinjiang better than anyone—because it’s our home.

📩 Contact us today and start your journey into the heart of western China!