Exploring Eastern Xinjiang: 5 Days of Adventure at Heavenly Lake and Turpan

Day 2 Urumqi - Heavenly Lake 2hrs driving - Urumqi 1hr driving

Visit sites: After breakfast, your day begins with a departure from your hotel in Urumqi .Your professional English-speaking driver will meet you in the hotel lobby.The drive to the entrance of the Tian Shan Tianchi Geological Park takes approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way, you will enjoy the scenic views of the Tianshan Mountains. Tian Shan Tianchi, also known as Heavenly Lake,  is a clear blue alpine lake located on the north side of the Bogda Shan Mountains. At 1,907 m (6,257 feet) above sea level, it is surrounded by jagged peaks, the highest of which is Bogda Peak (5,445 m or 17,864 feet). In summer, the lake is surrounded by flowers, and the surrounding peaks are all visible. The lake was given the highest possible rating by the Chinese National Tourism Association, making it one of the most beautiful places in China. After the visit, you will return to your bus for the journey back to Urumqi. The drive back takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Accommodation: Meihao Ritz Hotel (5-star)

Day 3

Urumqi - Turpan Tuyugou 2hrs driving - Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - Flaming Mountains - Gaochang Ruins

Visit sites: It takes 3 hours to drive to Turpan. Tuyugou Village (Tuyugou Mazha Village)showcases the local culture and history of the area. It is known for its unique architecture and traditional way of life, offering a glimpse into the rural Uyghur culture. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves is the largest cave group in Turpan with the most murals and is one of the largest Buddhist cave temple sites in Xinjiang. There are 83 numbered caves, among which 40 have preserved murals. The caves were first excavated during the Qu’s Gaochang period, and the existing caves were reconstructed or newly extended by Uighurian people. The name “Gaochang Ancient City” means “King’s City” in the Uighur language. It was the capital of the Gaochang Kingdom (460-640) in ancient times. The city dates from the first century BC and spans an area of over 2,000,000 square meters. It was listed as one of the country’s key protected cultural sites in China in 1961 and is known as the largest site of an ancient city in the Chinese Western region.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Turpan (4-star)

Day 4 Karez System - Jiaohe Ancient City in Turpan

Visit sites: After breakfast, we will visit The Karez System. It is an ancient underground irrigation network that has provided water to the Turpan region for centuries. It is a remarkable engineering feat that has allowed agriculture to thrive in this arid region. The system consists of a series of wells and underground channels that bring water from the mountains to the fields. Visitors can learn about the history and technology of the Karez System at the Karez Museum and see the actual wells and channels. We will have lunch before the afternoon exploration at Jiaohe Ancient City. It is one of the world’s largest and oldest city ruins. It was the capital of the Jiaohe Kingdom and a significant stop on the Silk Road. The city is built on a large plateau and is surrounded by deep ravines, providing natural defenses, The performance "The Night of Jiaohe" can be arranged based on the weather and season (The environment should be kept quiet, with no applause following the performance).

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Turpan (4-star)

Day 5

Sugong Tower(Emin Minaret) - Urumqi Airport

Visit sites: Emin Minaret, also known as Su Gong Pagoda, is a remarkable architectural landmark located approximately 2 kilometers east of Turpan City in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is the largest existing ancient tower in Xinjiang, showcasing a distinctive Islamic architectural style. The construction of this pagoda dates back to 1778 during the Qing Dynasty, making it over 230 years old. Standing at a height of 37 meters, Emin Minaret is a cone-shaped, 7-story building with a thicker base and a slender top, characterized by yellow and gray hues. It is now an iconic structure in Xinjiang, symbolizing the region’s rich history and culture.

Accommodation: Home2 Suites Hilton Hotel (4-star)