19 Sept to 1 Oct to Xinjiang

Question

Good day

A group of us will like to visit Xinjiang in Sept. We will arrive in Urumqi late afternoon on 19 September flying in from Singapore.

Prefer relaxed pace. Possible to recommend a brief itinerary and driver contact

Thank you in advance for all helps and advices.

Answer

Visiting Xinjiang in late September is a great choice, as the weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures after the summer heat and beautiful landscapes. For a relaxed 12-day itinerary from 19 September to 1 October, you can focus on major highlights around Urumqi, Turpan, and the Tianshan mountains.

Suggested itinerary:

19 Sept: Arrive in Urumqi late afternoon. Check into your hotel and rest. If time permits, take a short evening stroll around the city center or the Erdaoqiao market.
20 Sept: Explore Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to learn about local history and ethnic cultures. Later, stroll through Hongshan Park or visit Red Hill for panoramic views of the city.
21–22 Sept: Day trips to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi). You can spend one day visiting the lake and nearby hiking trails at a relaxed pace, enjoying the alpine scenery.
23–25 Sept: Travel to Turpan. Visit the ancient city of Jiaohe, the Emin Minaret, and the Karez irrigation system. Don’t miss the Flaming Mountains and local grape valleys. Stay in Turpan for 2 nights to fully enjoy the area.
26–28 Sept: Return to Urumqi and take a short trip to nearby grasslands or mountain areas such as Bogda Peak for scenic drives and easy hiking. Alternatively, explore local villages for cultural experiences.
29–30 Sept: Explore smaller towns around Urumqi or revisit any missed attractions. This can include visiting local bazaars for souvenirs and Xinjiang cuisine tasting.
1 Oct: Departure from Urumqi.

Transportation and driver:

Xinjiang is vast, and public transport between cities can be limited. Hiring a private driver is the most convenient option, especially for Turpan day trips and scenic areas outside Urumqi. Many travelers use local agencies or hotel-recommended drivers who are familiar with tourist routes and English-speaking is sometimes limited, so it helps if your group includes someone who can speak basic Mandarin or Uyghur.

You can ask your hotel in Urumqi to recommend reliable drivers or tour agencies.
Local tour agencies such as “Xinjiang Discovery Tours” or “Silk Road Xinjiang Travel” provide private car services with experienced drivers and optional guides.
Confirm pricing, vehicle type, and itinerary before booking. Private drivers usually charge by day and include fuel costs, but check if parking or entrance fees are extra.

Additional tips:

Carry valid ID and passport at all times, as Xinjiang has security checkpoints and occasional identity verification in rural areas.
Dress in layers; September can have warm days and cooler nights, especially in the mountains.
Try local Uyghur cuisine, including lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and fresh fruits in Turpan.
Book accommodations in advance, especially during weekends, as some tourist towns can fill up.

Overall, this itinerary balances sightseeing with a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy both cultural highlights and natural beauty without rushing. Hiring a trusted local driver simplifies transport and ensures a comfortable and safe experience throughout your Xinjiang trip.

19 Sept to 1 Oct to Xinjiang

More Xinjiang Uygur Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions