12 Surreal Xinjiang You Need to Experience

Honestly, nothing could have prepared me for Xinjiang! After years of dreaming about this incredible corner of China, seeing the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains reflecting in Heavenly Lake took my breath away. Standing there, watching the pristine water mirror those massive peaks, I couldn’t believe my eyes. And don’t even get me started on the surreal rainbow mountains of Zhangye!

From ancient Silk Road cities to vast deserts and towering peaks, these are the most beautiful places in Xinjiang that left me completely speechless. The sheer scale of everything here blew my mind, and trust me, photos don’t do it justice. Ready to discover 12 incredible spots that will change how you see this fascinating region of China forever?

Top Sights to See in Xinjiang

Looking for the coolest things to do in Xinjiang? Explore the majestic Bogda Shan Mountains, marvel at the breathtaking Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and experience the vast beauty of the Human Grassland in Karajun Grassland. Don’t miss the stunning scenery of Jiangbulak Grassland, a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re into adventure, landscapes, or culture, here are the top attractions to visit in Xinjiang.

1. Bogda Shan Mountains

• 📍 Location: Northern Xinjiang, 40 miles east of Urumqi in the Tianshan Range
• 🏆 Best For: Mountaineers 🧗‍♂️, hikers 🥾, nature photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Tianchi Lake, climbing Bogda Peak, exploring alpine meadows
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for clear skies, early July for wildflower season 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Tianchi International Hotel – Cozy mountain-view lodgings with easy access to the lake and trekking routes

The Bogda Shan Mountains rise like ancient giants from the Xinjiang landscape. The snow-capped peaks create a dramatic backdrop for the jewel-like Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) nestled at 6,500 feet elevation. The pristine waters mirror surrounding peaks in a perfect reflection that photographers dream about.

Take the moderate trail circling the lake for panoramic views. The vibrant meadows burst with wildflowers in summer. Nearby Kazakh yurt camps offer authentic cultural experiences and horseback riding opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts often spot rare birds and mountain goats in this pristine wilderness.

2. Dushanzi Grand Canyon

• 📍 Location: Northern Xinjiang, 35 miles south of Dushanzi City
• 🏆 Best For: Geology enthusiasts 🪨, photographers 📸, adventure seekers 🧭
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking rim trails, photographing colorful formations, exploring side ravines
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October for vivid colors 🌈
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Wanda Jin Hotel Karamay Dushanzi Huiyang – Luxurious accommodations with modern amenities nestled in the scenic Dushanzi region, offering convenient access to local attractions and industrial heritage sites

Dushanzi Grand Canyon showcases nature’s artistic side with its rainbow-colored rock layers. The 20-mile gorge features towering cliffs that display a mesmerizing palette of reds, yellows, and purples. Many visitors call it “Earth’s Art Gallery” for good reason.

The well-maintained boardwalk leads to stunning viewpoints overlooking the canyon depths. Light transforms throughout the day, making sunrise and sunset particularly magical for photographers. Hidden waterfalls and narrow slot canyons await those willing to venture beyond the main paths. This geological wonder rewards explorers with new perspectives around every bend.

3. Human Grassland in Karajun Grassland

• 📍 Location: Northern Xinjiang, 50 miles north of Urumqi near Kazakhstan border
• 🏆 Best For: Cultural experiences 🏇, nature lovers 🌿, stargazers ✨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Horseback riding, staying in yurts, attending Kazakh cultural performances
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-August for lush green landscapes 🌱
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Jili Lodge – Charming boutique accommodations in Urumqi with traditional Xinjiang decor, providing a comfortable base for exploring the vibrant capital city and surrounding mountain landscapes

Karajun Grassland unfolds like an endless green ocean across the northern horizon. This vast prairie has sheltered Kazakh herders for centuries. Their traditional lifestyle continues largely unchanged in the area known as Human Grassland.

Stay in a beautifully decorated yurt under impossibly starry skies. Sample authentic Kazakh cuisine while watching skilled horseback riders perform stunning demonstrations. The landscape transforms seasonally from wildflower-dotted spring fields to lush summer meadows. This peaceful retreat offers a genuine glimpse into nomadic life far from urban distractions.

4. Jiangbulak Grassland

• 📍 Location: Northern Xinjiang, 280 miles northeast of Urumqi in the Altai Mountains
• 🏆 Best For: Landscape photographers 📸, wilderness lovers 🌄, cultural explorers 🏇
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking alpine meadows, visiting nomadic families, witnessing festivals
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to mid-August for wildflowers and festivals 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Ruby Elegant Hotel Xinjiang Uygur – Stylish urban retreat in Urumqi featuring traditional Uyghur design elements, comfortable rooms, and excellent access to the city’s cultural attractions and marketplaces

Jiangbulak Grassland lives up to its name as “Spring Water Grassland” with hundreds of natural springs nourishing vibrant alpine meadows. Nestled in the Altai Mountains between 5,900-7,200 feet, this remote paradise showcases nature at its most pristine.

Trek alongside bubbling brooks that crisscross flower-filled meadows in every color imaginable. Hospitable Kazakh families welcome visitors with homemade dairy treats and warm smiles. Early July brings carpets of edelweiss, gentian, and wild poppies stretching to the horizon. This untouched wilderness represents the authentic heart of Central Asian nomadic culture.

5. K2 Mountain

• 📍 Location: China-Pakistan border in the Karakoram Range, accessed via Kashgar
• 🏆 Best For: Serious mountaineers 🧗‍♀️, trekkers 🥾, adventure photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Base camp trek, glacier hiking, photographing the “Savage Mountain”
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for stable weather conditions ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: K2 Base Camp – Tent accommodations for the ultimate mountain experience

K2 Mountain commands respect as a colossus of rock and ice standing 28,251 feet tall. Known as the “Savage Mountain,” this formidable peak creates one of the most imposing silhouettes on earth. The Chinese approach through Shaksgam Valley offers turquoise glacial rivers cutting through dramatic gorges.

Trekkers can reach advanced base camp at 16,400 feet for breathtaking views. The route passes massive glaciers and alpine meadows dotted with snow leopard tracks. The moment when K2’s perfect pyramid first appears on the horizon stops hikers in their tracks. This remote journey rewards adventurers with unparalleled wilderness experiences.

6. Kanas Lake

• 📍 Location: Northern Xinjiang, near the borders with Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia
• 🏆 Best For: Nature enthusiasts 🌲, landscape photographers 📸, folklore seekers 🐉
• 📸 Top Experiences: Boating on the emerald lake, hiking viewpoint trails, exploring Tuvan villages
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to early October for fall colors and clear water 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Turpan – Reliable international accommodations offering comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a convenient location for exploring Turpan’s ancient ruins, vineyards, and desert landscapes

Kanas Lake glimmers like an emerald jewel nestled among snow-capped peaks and pristine forests. This 24-square-mile glacial lake changes colors throughout the day from sapphire blue to turquoise green. Local legends speak of a mysterious lake monster lurking in its depths.

Visit the “Three Bay” scenic area where the lake curves into dramatic coves surrounded by mountains. The indigenous Tuvan people maintain unique cultural traditions in nearby villages. Autumn transforms the landscape when golden larch trees create a spectacular display reflected perfectly on the lake’s mirror surface. This remote paradise feels worlds away from urban life.

7. Karakul Lake

• 📍 Location: 200 km from Kashgar City, at the foot of Mt. Muztagata in Xinjiang’s Pamir Plateau
• 🏆 Best For: Mountain photographers 📸, nature lovers 🏞️, cultural explorers 🧕
• 📸 Top Experiences: Photographing the lake’s reflection of snow-capped mountains, staying in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt, horseback riding around the lake
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: August-September when weather is best, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Vatica Kashgar Ancient City of Muir Hotel – Charming accommodations blending traditional architecture with modern comforts, ideally situated for exploring Kashgar’s historic old town, vibrant bazaars, and rich Uyghur cultural heritage

Karakul Lake will steal your breath twice – first from its 3,600-meter altitude and then from its stunning beauty. This sapphire jewel reflects the massive snow-capped peaks of Muztagh Ata and Kongur Tagh like a perfect mirror. Local Tajik families welcome visitors to stay in their yurts along the shoreline.

The journey here along the China-Pakistan Highway is almost as spectacular as the destination itself. I’ve never seen watercolors shift so dramatically with the changing light – from deep blue to emerald green throughout the day. Early mornings offer the most magical experience as mist rises from the water’s surface while golden sunlight hits the mountain peaks. Watch for local Kyrgyz shepherds tending their flocks against this postcard-perfect backdrop.

8. Kumtag Desert

• 📍 Location: Eastern edge of Turpan Basin, 90 km from Turpan City in Eastern Xinjiang
• 🏆 Best For: Desert adventurers 🏜️, photographers 📸, thrill-seekers 🎢
• 📸 Top Experiences: Sand sliding, camel riding, Jeep safari tours, desert camping, sunrise/sunset viewing
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-September, with optimal conditions in spring and autumn to avoid extreme summer heat 🌡️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Super 8 Hotel Toksun Shengyuan Central City – Practical and affordable lodgings in central Toksun offering clean, comfortable rooms and convenient access to local attractions, shopping areas, and transportation hubs

Kumtag Desert holds a world record you can witness yourself – it’s the desert closest to any city on earth. The name means “Sand Mountain” in Uyghur, perfectly describing its rolling dunes that ripple to the horizon. Despite existing for thousands of years, these sands have mysteriously never invaded nearby Shanshan County.

The silky-soft sand transforms through amber and golden hues as the sun moves across the sky. Adventure awaits at every turn here. Nothing beats the thrill of racing down massive dunes on a sandboard or bouncing across the landscape in a desert Jeep. For photographers, dawn casts magical shadows across the rippled sand surfaces. The stark contrast between this golden sea and the nearby oasis towns makes you appreciate the resilience of life in Xinjiang.

9. Sayram Lake

• 📍 Location: Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, 100 km from Bole City and 520 km from Urumqi
• 🏆 Best For: Nature enthusiasts 🏞️, wildlife watchers 🦅, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Circumnavigating the lake by sightseeing bus, hiking nearby trails, photographing wildflowers, participating in summer Naadam festival events
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-July when wildflowers bloom across surrounding grasslands and create a stunning contrast with the blue water 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Ruby Elegant Hotel Xinjiang Uygur – Elegant accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, free parking, and convenient access to local cultural attractions in the beautiful Xinjiang region

Nicknamed “the last tear of the Atlantic,” Sayram Lake shimmers like a massive sapphire nestled among the Tianshan Mountains. At 2,073 meters elevation, this alpine wonder spans over 450 square kilometers and never completely freezes despite harsh winters. Locals refer to it as “the lake on the mountain range.”

Summer transforms the surrounding grasslands into a painter’s palette. Purple flowers dominate the northern shore, while yellow blooms carpet the western edge. The contrast between blue waters, green pastures and snow-capped peaks creates postcard-perfect views from every angle. Try to visit during July when Kazakh horsemen gather for the exciting Naadam festival. The thundering hooves of traditional horse races and skilled wrestling matches provide cultural experiences you won’t find elsewhere in China.

10. Taklamakan Desert

• 📍 Location: Central Tarim Basin in Southern Xinjiang, spanning over 330,000 square kilometers
• 🏆 Best For: Adventure travelers 🚙, history buffs 🏛️, photography enthusiasts 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the desert highway, camel trekking, visiting oasis towns, exploring ancient Silk Road ruins
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are moderate 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Four Points by Sheraton – Modern upscale lodging with comfortable rooms, excellent amenities, and reliable service in a convenient location for both business and leisure travelers

The legendary Taklamakan Desert isn’t nicknamed “the Sea of Death” for nothing. This vast ocean of sand spans 337,000 square kilometers, making it China’s largest desert and the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert. Ancient travelers whispered that its name meant “enter and never return” in Uyghur.

Modern adventurers can now cross this once-impenetrable barrier via two incredible desert highways. Golden dunes rise over 300 feet high in some places, creating an otherworldly landscape. The desert’s edges hide historic treasures – ancient cities that once served Silk Road caravans before being swallowed by sand. Don’t miss the striking contrast where rivers create green corridors through the arid landscape. These lifelines allowed trade and culture to flourish for centuries along China’s most mysterious frontier.

11. Tianshan Lake

• 📍 Location: 110 km east of Urumqi, nestled in the Tianshan Mountains at 1,980 meters elevation
• 🏆 Best For: Mountain hikers 🥾, nature photographers 📸, cultural explorers 🏮
• 📸 Top Experiences: Boating on the crystal-clear waters, hiking forest trails, riding the cable car to Maya Peak, visiting lakeside temples
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, winter for skiing at nearby resorts ⛷️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Yunbo Youth Hostel – Budget-friendly accommodation with a social atmosphere, comfortable dormitories, and private rooms perfect for backpackers exploring the diverse landscapes of Xinjiang

Ancient Chinese mythology places the Queen Mother of the West at Tianshan Lake, and one glance at this alpine paradise explains why immortals would choose it as home. This crescent-shaped jewel nestles between snow-capped peaks and emerald forests of spruce and pine. Formerly called “Yaochi” (Jade Lake), it changes character with each season.

Summer brings wildflowers carpeting the shoreline, while autumn transforms surrounding forests into a golden wonderland. Take the cable car to Maya Peak for breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles. The eastern path leads to “Black Dragon Pond,” a smaller lake surrounded by pristine forest. Most tourists cluster near the main entrance, but a short hike rewards you with tranquil spots to absorb the mountain serenity. No wonder this heavenly spot became one of National Geographic’s “50 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime.”

12. Urumqi

• 📍 Location: Capital city of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, situated at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains
• 🏆 Best For: Urban explorers 🏙️, culture enthusiasts 🏛️, food lovers 🥘
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the International Grand Bazaar, visiting Xinjiang Regional Museum, strolling through Red Hill Park, day trips to nearby natural attractions
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October for comfortable weather and abundant fresh local fruits and vegetables 🍇
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Urumqi Station – Convenient and reliable mid-range hotel offering clean, comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to transportation links for exploring the region

As the world’s most inland major city, Urumqi sits farther from any ocean than any other urban center on earth. This modern metropolis serves as the perfect gateway to Xinjiang’s natural wonders while offering its own cultural treasures. The name means “beautiful pasture” in Mongolian, hinting at its history.

The International Grand Bazaar buzzes with activity as vendors sell everything from handcrafted knives to dried fruits and textiles. Don’t miss the Xinjiang Regional Museum, where eerily well-preserved mummies showcase the region’s diverse ancient inhabitants. Evening brings the city’s food streets alive with aromas of lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles. You’ll be surprised by the diversity here – Urumqi hosts all 56 of China’s recognized ethnic groups, creating a cultural mosaic unlike anywhere else in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Xinjiang

Looking to expand your knowledge about the most scenic spots in Xinjiang? Here are some common questions I get a lot about the best Xinjiang attractions.

What is Xinjiang best known for?

Xinjiang is best known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from sprawling deserts to towering mountain ranges. It’s a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, home to various ethnic groups including Uighurs, Kazakhs, and Han Chinese. The area is also famous for its role in the ancient Silk Road, serving as a crucial link between East and West. Additionally, Xinjiang is known for its unique cuisine, which blends flavors from different cultures. It’s a destination that offers a mix of adventure, history, and culinary delights.

Is Xinjiang China beautiful?

Absolutely, Xinjiang is one of the most beautiful places to visit in China. The region is a showcase of natural wonders, from the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains to the serene waters of Kanas Lake. Its beauty isn’t just skin-deep; it extends to the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up its social fabric. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or a foodie, Xinjiang has something beautiful to offer you. The region is a testament to the diverse beauty that China has to offer.

How safe is it to travel in Xinjiang?

While Xinjiang is under tight governmental control, it’s generally safe for travelers who follow the rules and guidelines. However, some areas may be restricted, so it’s essential to do your research and possibly obtain permits in advance. Always respect local customs and laws to ensure a smooth travel experience.

What is the best time to visit Xinjiang?

The best time to visit Xinjiang is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to October. The weather is pleasant, and most of the Xinjiang destinations are accessible. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the various natural wonders.

Are there any local customs I should be aware of?

Yes, Xinjiang is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own set of customs and traditions. It’s advisable to dress modestly and to be respectful of local religious practices. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or their property.

What are the must-try foods in Xinjiang?

Xinjiang cuisine is a blend of flavors, heavily influenced by Turkish, Mongol, and Central Asian cooking. Don’t leave without trying dishes like lamb kebabs, Uighur-style noodles, and the region’s famous naan bread. The food is one of the best parts of Xinjiang, offering a culinary journey that’s as diverse as its landscapes.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Xinjiang 

Xinjiang is a land of contrasts, a place where natural beauty meets cultural diversity, and where ancient traditions coexist with modern amenities. From the towering peaks of the Bogda Shan Mountains to the bustling streets of Urumqi, this region offers a travel experience that’s as varied as it is enriching. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart, a history aficionado, or someone who simply wants to soak in the Xinjiang beauty, there’s something here for everyone.

This guide has taken you through some of the most beautiful places in Xinjiang, each offering its unique charm and allure. But remember, the real magic of Xinjiang lies in its ability to surprise and captivate you at every turn. So pack your bags, book your ticket to China and set your sights on this incredible region, and prepare to be amazed. Your Xinjiang adventure awaits, and it promises to be a journey like no other.