4 Days Best Turpan to Urumqi Tour with Tianchi Lake Sightseeing
The Best Essence of Turpan and Urumqi
The Best Essence of Turpan and Urumqi
If you just have 4 days and want to see as many aspects of Xinjiang as you can, just go to Urumqi and Turpan - top two destinations that you can't miss. Turpan is an oasis along the edges of a vast desert and a charming outpost along the Silk Road while Urumqi is the provincial capital with attractive suburbs. Because of the short distance, traveling them together is convenient.
This 4-day Turpan Urumqi tour takes you to enjoy some of Xinjiang's most extraordinary natural landscapes - barren red sandstone hills, eroded city ruins, snow-capped mountains, greenish-blue waters, etc., as well as the cultural relics along the ancient Silk Road. You will start your tour from Turpan, which is well connected with other Silk Road cities (like Dunhuang, Zhangye, Lanzhou…) by train and then drive to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan for a nature feast and go to Urumqi for a short glimpse at last.
Day 1 Turpan Arrival
Urumqi airport/train station pick up
Welcome to Turpan - China's hottest city and its highest temperature reaches about 50°C in summer and an outpost on the Silk Road and a lot of cultural heritage sites can be explored. Meet your tour guide and driver at the airport/train station, then transfer a short while to the downtown of Turpan. Check in to your hotel. The rest time is free for you to relax. Feel free to ask for recommendations of places to go from your guide.
How to get to Turpan? There are nonstop flights to Turpan from Lanzhou (2.5 h), Changsha (4.5 h), Zhengzhou (4.5 h)… as well as high speed trains from Xian (12.5 h), Xining (8 h), Lanzhou (10 h), Zhangye (6.5 h), Dunhuang (3.5 h)…
Warm Tip: Be ready for the hot weather in Turpan, especially in Flaming Mountain and always remember to drink more water.
Turpan North Railway Station
Day 2 Turpan Sightseeing (B, L)
Today's highlights: Tuyuk Valley, Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez System
After breakfast in the hotel, you will drive to Tuyu Valley along Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon, which condenses the essence of the landscape of Flaming Mountain - the hottest spot in Turpan. Flaming Mountain is immortalized in the Chinese classic Journey to the West as a blazing mountain that the monk Xuan Zang has to pass through. Finally, they use a magic fan to extinguish the blaze and go on with their trip. Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon splits the whole mountain in half and you will clearly admire the unique landform - red sandstones looking like flaming fire, distinctive rocks showing the uncanny workmanship of nature and deep gorge with crisscross valleys. The magnificence, strangeness, danger, and elegance of Flaming Mountain are fully shown here.
The winding road hanging on the cliff of Flaming Mountain will soon lead you to Tuyuk Valley (Tuyugou in Chinese) which is an Uighur valley with lots of historical sites. Mazar Village, the oldest existing Uighur village with a history of over 2,600 years, is a big highlight of the valley. Mazar Village holds a significant status in Buddhism and Islam. It is said that 6 Muslims came to China and started preaching there, so Mazar Village is called Eastern Mekka. Before Islam, it once was a Buddhist center as well. Many Buddhist caves can be found in the village, but the statues and murals failed to survive. The villagers still live peacefully in the village and you can clearly see how they run their daily lives in the old mud adobe houses.
Next to drive back to Turpan City to discover the brilliant project of Karez System. Together with the Great Wall and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Karez System is regarded as one of China’s Three Greatest Ancient Projects. It is a special kind of irrigation system consisting of vertical wells, underground canals, ground canals and waterlogging pond. The vertically dug wells are linked together to channel the water which occurs during summer rain season, or is melted from snow mountains of Tianshan range to desired farmlands in the desert area. Visiting Turpan Karez Museum, you will not only see the pictures and models detailing the history of Karez System, but also visit the real underground tunnels.
Your last stop is the famous relic - Jiaohe Ancient City - an ancient city that was strategically located along the ancient Silk Road. Perching on a plateau, it acted as a natural barrier from the attacking enemies in the old times. Now, it is renowned as the best-preserved earthen architecture in the world. The interesting sculptures, videos and some other displays in Jiaohe Cultural Village Museum will give you an appreciation of the history of Jiaohe City before you start exploring. Then, take a shuttle bus to the core scenic area. Walking up along the pathway uphill, you can see many historical structural remains, including the residential area, official area and Buddhist temples. It is also available to walk to the central platform for a more awesome view of the whole park. When the night drops, you will feast on a breathtaking sunrise over the ruins.
Stay overnight at Turpan.
Day 3 Turpan - Tianchi Lake (B, L)
Today's highlight: Heavenly Lake full day exploration
In the morning, you will drive about 4.5 hours to Heavenly Lake (or Tianchi in Chinese) which is only about 290 km away from Turpan downtown. To protect the authenticity of the natural environment, our private car can only bring you to the entrance of the park. You will then shift on to a park bus to the parking lot around the lake area. Walking about 15 minutes, you will get to the lakeside of the Heavenly Lake. The rest time is free for you to stroll along the periphery of the lake, breathe the remarkably fresh air, and soak in the wonderful scenery. With an altitude of 1980m, Heavenly Lake and its alluring surroundings truly offer you a visual feast like heaven, featuring in serene alpine lake, rugged slopes with snow-capped mountains, pure glaciers, wild forest, vast grassland as well as unique ethnic culture.
Generally speaking, there are three ways to explore Heavenly Lake. You can go to walk around the lake, take a boat cruise, or ride a cable car to the mountain top. If time allows, you can even enjoy all the experiences. The Boat cruise and cable car need extra fees. Tell your preference to your guide who will then arrange accordingly for you.
- Walking around the lake. Plank roads were constructed to encircle the lake. But since the lake is very large, it takes about 5 hours to finish the circle. You can decide the hiking length on your own according to your physical condition and time. Fee: free.
- Boat Cruise on the lake. It is very popular among travelers to take a boat cruising to the deeper area of the lake and back, which is leisure and scenic. There are modern ships, Chinese-style ships and high-speed boats available at different prices. Fee: about CNY 100.
- Panoramic view from Maya Mountain. If you want more landscape, you can take a cable car up to Maya Mountain where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Heavenly Lake and a closer view of Tianshan Mountain Range. Fee: about CNY 220.
After the landscape trip, take a park bus to exit the park, and drive back to Urumqi
Day 4 Urumqi Departure (B)
Today's highlights: Xinjiang Regional Museum, Red Hill Park, International Bazaar
This morning after breakfast, you will be taken to have an educational visit to the Xinjiang Regional Museum. It is the most important ancient Silk Road themed museum in China which exhibits about 50,000 historical relics including more than 400 National First-class relics (60% of the total in Xinjiang). Among all the exhibitions, the most unique exhibition is the Mummy Hall. It collects 10 more than 4000 years old mummies which were mostly found in Loulan Ancient Kingdom Ruin and preserved almost intact. Loulan Princess, the most famous mummy in the museum, will definitely strike you with its typical European face. All these important exhibitions help you learn deep into the history and culture of Xinjiang as well as ancient Silk Road.
Continuing your Urumqi city tour, you will move to Red Hill Park which is regarded as the symbol of Urumqi. It is the most popular place for the locals to relax and gather. For travelers, it is a great place to experience folk culture and living style. Finding a higher location in the park, you are rewarded with a pleasant panoramic view of Urumqi city. Leaving the Red Hill Park, you will get to Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar to enjoy a leisure stroll. If you want to purchase some souvenirs, here is the best place.
The rest of today is free for you to relax until you are escorted to catch your flight/train to the next destination. Tour ends.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel
and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your
traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of
currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change
according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Thank you Rita.
We are very sad that our trip is coming to an end. So far we have had a fantastic time and seen and done some amazing things.
I had a bit of spare time on the high-speed train so came up with this to help your customers. Up to you if you want to use it or make any adjustments (but I think it would be most helpful once people have booked) it reads as follows...
As part of your journey around fascinating and spectacular China, you will most likely take one or more of China Railways High Speed Trains.
These trains are both fast and efficient, enabling you to cover great distances quickly and in comfort.
You may be required to board the train without the assistance of a guide. This may occur depending on station regulations.
The following is suggested as information for travelers. Please note that this is not a definitive guide, as there may be differences depending on station and location, and may be subject to change.
First and most importantly, there are plenty of clean toilets at the stations, and the trains also have Western toilets in each carriage.
Whether you travel First or Second Class is up to you, but there is plenty of leg room in both classes. All trains are non smoking.
AT THE STATION.
Once at the station you will be required to go through security. You will need your passport for this. Your passport is linked to your ticket. We recommend wheeled suitcases or suchlike as luggage trolleys are not provided. Please note that your main bag will travel with you on the train. Unlike a plane where certain items can travel in the hold, prohibited items will be confiscated. Eg. Knives or souvenir swords.Check ahead for prohibited items to avoid disappointment.
You will need your passport, the train number, carriage number and seat allocation for your journey. This will be provided by your guide or on your itinerary. It will also pay to know your departure time.
There are departure boards in multiple places in the stations. These will link your train number with a boarding gate.
Your trains details will be in one of 3 colours.
Yellow: information stage
Green: boarding stage
Red: departure stage.
In order to run efficiently the trains do not wait. Please be in the correct place ready to board. Depending on the number of train carriages, there may be 2 boarding gates. Eg. 4A and 4B. These will correspond to the carriage number. Don't panic if you get it wrong, but it may result in having to walk a little further on the platform to get to your carriage.
You will need your passport to leave the station to go to the platform. There are lines for self check-in and another for passports/ assisted check-in. This may be detailed overhead, or look for the person manning the assisted check-in line. Use this line to proceed to the platform.
PLATFORM / TRAIN
If no train in platform: There are markings on the ground showing the approximate carriage location. You should wait there. If in doubt you can ask for help.
If train is at platform: Check the train number on the side of carriage.(in case two trains either side of platform)
Find your carriage number and board. Seat numbers are clearly labeled. Place your big luggage overhead. Some trains have additional storage at carriage end. Do not store drink bottles overhead as they may leak, due to cabin pressure.
Depending on the length of your journey some basic food may be available (cashless transactions.) You can take your own food if you wish. Hot water is also available on board.
Enjoy your safe and comfortable journey. Be sure to take in the scenery as you travel.
ARRIVAL
Not all train services may terminate at your destination. The next station is shown on a display at both carriage ends (in English also) . Knowing your arrival time will further assist you in getting off at the correct station.
If you are being met at the station your previous guide should give you directions where to meet, as the stations are normally large with multiple exits. You can also have your next guides name and phone number if you wish. You will need your passport again to exit the station terminal, at the manned checkout line.
Depending on the station layout you will be met at the terminal exit, or the arranged location. Your happy, smiling guide will have your name on a signboard to welcome you, and be ready to assist as required.
Dave
Hi Ariel,
It was really great! Thank you for organising!
Fritz
Hello Jack,
Good Morning!
Just a note to say thank you for organizing our Xinjiang tour from 9 April 24 to 24 April 24. We are now in Perth Australia.
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
We will recommend you and your company to my family and friends.
Best regards
Alan and Lily
Dear Leo
I am writing this letter to express our thanks and gratitude to you for making our recent trip an unforgettable one.
The guides provided (David,Gila & Sally) were very professional and exhibited excellent attitude in providing a great service to us taking into consideration our needs and preferences. The group had a wonderful time thanks to your organisation and arrangement of the efficient team for us in this trip,
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
On behalf of our group of 11 pax, we sincerely thank you for organising this wonderful trip for us.
Looking forward to more trips to China in the future with your company.
Best regards
Chan
Dear Rita,
Thank you for organising our tour.
We are satisfied with the service, especially day 1 tour in Beijing.
The guide was very professional and we enjoined the tour.
Wish you many more successful tours.
Best regards
Katarina
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
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The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Turpan North Railway Station
Jiaohe Anicent City Sunset
Vertical Well of Karez
Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon
Traditional Mud Houses in Mazar Village
Aluring Heavenly Lake Scenery
Urumqi city view from Red Hill Park
Uygur dancers at Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar
Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Tashkurgan
Urumqi / Turpan / Kumtag Desert / Urumqi
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