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    • Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours

      Unique Experiences

      Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.

      Well-Selected Local Guides 

      Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

      Your Booking is Risk-Free 

      Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
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    3 Days Urumqi Heavenly Lake and Turpan Tour

    3 days
    All Months

    Embark on this 3-day Xinjiang tour from Urumqi to explore the alpine beauty of Heavenly Lake, wander the bustling International Bazaar, and discover Turpan’s ancient treasures—including Silk Road caves, a historic irrigation system, and the UNESCO-listed Jiaohe Ruins.

    Itinerary Quick Look

    Day 1: Heavenly Lake & Urumqi International Bazaar

    Departure & Heavenly Lake Visit

    You’ll be picked up as arranged (see departure details). Meet your friendly guide and driver at your hotel lobby. Set off around 08:30 for Heavenly Lake. The drive to the lake’s entrance takes approximately 1.5 hours. Next, take a 40-minute shuttle bus. It winds through the scenic Tianshan Mountains, leading you straight to the lake’s tranquil edge.

    Tianchi Forest Park (Stop: 4 hours, admission excluded)

    This mountain lake has long been a favored retreat. Visitors are drawn to its alpine charm and proximity to towering Tianshan peaks. Spend your time here however you like: hike along the lake’s tree-lined shores, glide across the water on a peaceful boat cruise, or ride a cable car up Maya Mountain. You’ll get a stunning bird’s-eye view of snow-capped Bogoda Peak.

    Afternoon: International Bazaar

    In the afternoon, drive back to Urumqi. The trip takes another 1.5 hours. Then head to Xinjiang International Bazaar. It’s the largest and most vibrant market in the city.

    International Bazaar (Stop: 60 minutes)

    Explore this bustling hub. It’s filled with piles of fresh, juicy fruits, colorful ethnic clothing, exquisite handicrafts, traditional knives and handwoven carpets. You’ll find nearly everything you can imagine. Optional add-on: Enjoy a lively cultural show paired with a local banquet. It starts at $45 per person.

    Day 2: Turpan – Tuyoq Village & Bezeklik Grottoes

    Morning: Drive to Turpan & Tuyoq Village

    Start your day with a 3-hour drive to Turpan. Along the way, pass Asia’s largest wind power station. It spreads across the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Catch a glimpse of the shimmering Dabancheng Salt Lake. You’ll soon be amazed by Turpan’s unique blend of historic sites and lush oasis landscapes.

    Tuyugou Service Area (Stop: 2 hours)

    Your first stop is Tuyoq Village. It’s the oldest Uyghur village, nestled in the heart of Flaming Mountain Canyon. It once served as a sacred crossroads for both Buddhism and Islam. The village is divided into four distinct parts: dramatic canyon scenery, ancient Thousand Buddha Caves, sacred Maza Tombs and well-preserved ancient village buildings. These buildings tell tales of centuries past.

    Afternoon: Bezeklik Grottoes

    Enjoy a flavorful local lunch at a nearby restaurant. Then drive to Bezeklik Grottoes.

    Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (Stop: 60 minutes, admission excluded)

    This complex of Buddhist caves dates from the 5th to 14th centuries. It stands as a testament to Turpan’s role as a key Silk Road cultural hub. It is located between Turpan and Shanshan, northeast of the Taklamakan Desert. It sits near the ancient Gaochang ruins in Mutou Valley. Some murals feature a large Buddha surrounded by Turks, Indians and Europeans. Many are masterpieces of religious art. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of surrounding Flaming Mountain. Its reddish rocks glow beautifully in the sun.

    Day 3: Turpan City Tour & Return to Urumqi

    Morning: Karez System & Emin Minaret

    Karez System (Stop: 40 minutes, admission excluded)

    Start the day with a visit to the Karez Well. It’s a unique ancient irrigation system. It showcases the extraordinary wisdom of Turpan’s ancestors in arid climates. Locals cleverly use Turpan’s terrain to draw groundwater. The water irrigates farmland, sustaining desert oases for generations.

    Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) (Stop: 40 minutes, admission excluded)

    Next, visit Sugong Minaret. It’s the largest Islamic minaret in China, built in 1778 by Turpan’s ruler Sulaiman. It commemorates his father’s great achievement in reunifying Xinjiang. Admire its elegant, tapering structure. Check out the intricate brick carvings that blend Islamic and local architectural styles.

    Afternoon: Ancient City of Jiaohe & Return

    Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) (Stop: 2 hours, admission excluded)

    End the day’s tour with a visit to Jiaohe Ruins. It’s a 2,300-year-old site perched on a 30-meter-high loess cliff. It sits between two rivers and was once a thriving Silk Road trading and military hub. It’s one of China’s best-preserved ancient ruins. It was added to the World Heritage List on June 22, 2014. Wander through remains of city walls, temples and residences to step back in time.

    Return to Urumqi

    In the late afternoon, drive back to Urumqi. The tour ends with a convenient drop-off at your hotel. You’ll carry unforgettable memories of Xinjiang’s natural wonders and historic treasures.

     

    Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

    Free cancellation

    Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund

     

     

    • Included
      Private transportation
      Professional English Speaking Guide
      Bottled water and paper napkins
    • Not Included
      Accommodation in Urumqi and Turpan
      Lunch and Dinner
      Entrance fee listed in the itinerary
      Some activities not listed in the itinerary, such as boating, camel riding
      Optional The Culture Show with Banquet $45/pp
      Entry/Admission - Tianchi Forest Park
      Entry/Admission - Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
      Entry/Admission - Karez System
      Entry/Admission - Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta)
      Entry/Admission - Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto)

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    3 Days Urumqi Heavenly Lake and Turpan Tour

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