Urumqi is a surprisingly versatile city for travelers eager to explore Xinjiang’s stunning landscapes and ancient sites. Its location makes it a natural hub for day trips to Turpan with its famous ruins and unique attractions, or adventures around Heavenly Lake with options that include private guides and scenic drives. What we really appreciate are tours that combine cultural insight with authentic experiences—like visiting Uyghur family homes or exploring UNESCO-listed sites—making your trip both memorable and meaningful. For example, the All Inclusive Private Day Trip to Turpan offers a stress-free way to see the highlights of this historic oasis, including the Bezeklik Caves and the Gaochang ruins.
Urumqi’s strategic location and diverse attractions make it ideal for a variety of tours—whether you’re after a quick cultural fix or a multi-day adventure through the Silk Road. With options ranging from half-day excursions to comprehensive 10-day journeys, there’s something for every traveler. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the best tours in Urumqi, helping you decide which fit your interests, time, and budget.
1. All Inclusive Private Day Trip to Turpan from Urumqi
At number one, this private day trip to Turpan is perfect if you’re after a seamless, all-in-one experience. For around $269, you’ll get a full day exploring some of Xinjiang’s most extraordinary sights—without the hassle of organizing transport or guides yourself. The tour starts with a comfortable 3-hour drive in a private vehicle, giving you time to enjoy views of windmill farms, saltwater lakes, and the Tianshan Valley. Once in Turpan, the highlight is the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where frescoes from the 15th century await. You’ll also visit the Gaochang ruins, an ancient Silk Road city, and the impressive Emin Minaret.
Guests consistently praise the clear English explanations, comfortable transport, and the inclusion of a traditional local lunch. The tour’s personalized approach makes it ideal for those who want a flexible, in-depth day with a knowledgeable guide. The only potential drawback is the long day—packing a lot into 13-14 hours—but for history lovers, it’s worth every minute.
Bottom Line: This tour provides a comprehensive, stress-free way to see Turpan’s highlights with a private guide and local cuisine thrown in.
2. Private Day Tour from Urumqi to Turpan
Number two on our list, this private tour to Turpan offers a similar full-day experience for $269. It stands out for its visits to well-preserved sites like Gaochang and the Karez Irrigation System, a marvel of ancient water engineering. The guide will take you to the Ancient City of Gaochang where you can wander ruins of temples and city walls, and you’ll learn about the region’s historic importance along the Silk Road. Lunch is served at a local Uyghur home, providing a genuine taste of regional cuisine.
This tour is particularly suited for travelers interested in historical sites and local life, with a focus on culture. The reviews mention how smoothly the day runs and how engaging the guide is, making it a good pick for those who prefer a more personal experience. The itinerary is straightforward, and the inclusion of the Karez System adds a unique touch.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a culturally rich day with authentic food and targeted site visits, this tour delivers a memorable experience.
3. 3 Days Urumqi Heavenly Lake and Turpan Tour
If you have three days, this comprehensive tour takes you beyond the city to explore Heavenly Lake and Turpan’s oasis. For $533.34 per person, it combines scenic landscapes with cultural insights. Day 1 features a scenic drive to Heavenly Lake, where you can trek, take a boat, or ride a cable car for views of the snow-capped mountains. Day 2 includes a visit to the Xinjiang International Bazaar in Urumqi, and Day 3 takes you to Tuyoq Village and the ruins of Gaochang.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance—covering natural sights, UNESCO sites, and local village life. The tour is ideal for travelers wanting a mix of landscapes and culture, with the flexibility to choose activities like boating or hiking.
Bottom Line: If you want a multi-day experience that mixes outdoor adventure with cultural exploration, this tour perfectly balances both.
4. Private Day Tour to Tianchi Heavenly Lake From Urumqi
Number four features a private day trip to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at $269. This tour focuses on the spectacular mountain scenery of the Tianshan range, with transfers directly from your hotel. The drive includes a short shuttle ride to the lake, where options like trekking, boat riding, and cable car rides are available to maximize your experience.
Guests appreciate the personalized service and the opportunity to learn about Kazakh culture from your guide. The tour is best suited for those who want a scenic escape and don’t mind a full day out. The highlight is the lake itself, with its pristine waters and the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers who want a flexible, private day exploring Tianchi Lake’s stunning landscape.
$269 per person
5. Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
At number five, this full-day private tour offers a well-organized trip around Heavenly Lake with a focus on Kazakh culture. For $297.44 (up to 3 people), it includes transport, a guide, and bottled water, but meals are extra. The tour includes a trek around the lake, boat rides, and a cable car trip to Maya Mountain for panoramic views.
Guests mention the informative guide and how the flexible itinerary allows for personal preferences. This tour suits travelers wanting a complete day immersed in nature and culture without the hassle of organizing multiple activities.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for small groups seeking a personalized experience that mixes scenic views with cultural insights.
$297.44 per group (up to 3)
6. All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Tianchi Heavenly Lake from Urumqi
Coming in at number six, this all-inclusive tour at $242.07 covers door-to-door transport, lunch, and visits to Tianchi and Red Hill. The trip includes a scenic one-hour drive to the lake, a boat ride, and a chance to see the Red Hill Pagoda. The private guide shares insights on Kazakh and Uyghur cultures, making it a well-rounded day.
Reviewers appreciate the personalized service and ease of logistics, especially the included lunch and hotel pick-up. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a hassle-free, scenic day with cultural flavor, especially if time is limited.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, stress-free day visiting Tianchi and Urumqi’s landmarks.
$242.07 per person
7. Urumqi Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Number seven offers a simple but essential service—a private transfer from Urumqi airport to your hotel. For just $88.37, you avoid the chaos of airport taxis. The driver will meet you with a name sign and get you directly to your accommodation.
This tour isn’t glamorous, but it’s a must for first-time arrivals who want a smooth start or end to their trip. Reviews are positive, noting how easy it makes settling in after a long flight.
Bottom Line: A practical choice that guarantees a stress-free entry to Urumqi.
$88.37 per group (up to 3)
8. From Urumqi: 12-Day Silk Road Adventure to Kashgar
Number eight is a full-length Silk Road journey covering 12 days for $3,870. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth exploration of ancient cities like Jiaohe and Kuqa, along with scenic sites like Baisha Lake and Karakul. The itinerary is packed with cultural sights, archaeological ruins, and stunning landscapes.
This tour is best suited for history and culture enthusiasts keen on a comprehensive experience. The reviews emphasize its value for a multi-day deep dive into Xinjiang’s diverse history and scenery. It’s a significant investment but ideal for those who want an immersive journey.
Bottom Line: A top pick if you have the time and budget for a thorough Silk Road adventure.
$3,870 per person
9. From Urumqi: 7-Day Silk Road Tour with Kashgar and Turpan
Number nine offers a 7-day tour at $1,898, with highlights including Jiaohe and Baisha Lake. It balances outdoor exploration and cultural visits, including Tashkurgan and Kashgar. This tour emphasizes the natural beauty and archaeological richness of western Xinjiang.
Guests find it a good value for a weeklong trip, especially for those interested in Silk Road history. It’s a manageable length for most travelers wanting an overview without overcommitting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a shorter but comprehensive Silk Road experience with a good mix of sights.
$1,898 per person
10. Urumqi: 10-Day Xinjiang Tour with Transfers & Hotels
This 10-day tour offers a broad exploration of Xinjiang, including Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Sea Devil City. For $1,368, it’s suited for those wanting a deep dive into the region’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to lakes and grasslands.
The tour shines with its scenic variety, guided visits, and comfortable accommodations. If you have ample time and want to see both iconic and lesser-known sites, this is a great pick.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers with a week or more who want a full Xinjiang experience, mixing natural beauty and cultural sites.
$1,368 per person
11. Urumqi: 8-Day Private Tour to Sayram Lake and Yining
Number eleven features an 8-day private tour at $2,198, including Sayram Lake and Xiata Scenic Area. It emphasizes culture and scenic hikes, like the plank walk at Sayram Lake.
Ideal for those wanting a personalized, relaxed experience exploring Yining, with options for folk shows and local markets. The reviews note the beautiful scenery and engaging local culture.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who enjoy tailored journeys with plenty of time to relax and explore.
$2,198 per person
12. Urumqi: 8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Kanas Lake and Hemu Village
This 8-day tour at $2,380 covers Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and the Tianshan Mountains. It’s a favorite for lovers of mountain scenery and small village life. You’ll hike, visit Tuva families, and see some of the most photographed lakes in Xinjiang.
Guests appreciate the balance of outdoor activities and cultural visits. It’s ideal for those wanting to experience the region’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nature lovers and those looking for a mix of scenic hikes and cultural encounters.
$2,380 per person
13. Xinjiang Urumqi: One-day City Tour with Museum & Markets
Finally, this city-focused tour at $216 offers a glimpse into Urumqi’s museum, historic Nanmen area, and Grand Bazaar. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but want to understand the city’s cultural fabric.
The tour includes relaxing moments like coffee or ice cream at People’s Theater, making it a well-rounded city introduction. Reviewers mention the well-organized itinerary and engaging local markets.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a concise, cultural city experience in Urumqi.
$216 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choosing among these options depends largely on your interests, time, and budget. For a quick cultural overview, the Xinjiang Urumqi: One-day City Tour with Museum & Markets offers a compact taste of the city’s highlights. If you’re after scenic landscapes, the All Inclusive Private Day Trip to Turpan or the Heavenly Lake tours are excellent choices.
For those with more time and a desire to immerse in Silk Road history, the 12-day Silk Road adventure or the 7-day Silk Road tour are unbeatable, especially for history buffs. Budget-conscious travelers may prefer private day trips or half-day city tours, while avid explorers should consider multi-day journeys that include Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and the Yining region.
Booking early is essential, especially during peak seasons, as Xinjiang’s tours tend to fill quickly. Whether you want a luxurious private experience or a guided budget trip, there’s a Urumqi tour that’ll suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Urumqi’s diverse offerings mean you can pick a tour that suits almost every interest. From scenic lakes and ancient Silk Road sites to culture with local families, the options are plentiful. For a quick highlights tour, the city’s own museums and bazaars are worth a half-day. For true adventurers, multi-day journeys into the mountains and deserts reveal Xinjiang’s wild beauty.
If you’re planning your trip, consider your time frame, budget, and what sparks your curiosity most. Booking early is wise to secure your preferred dates, especially during busy travel seasons. No matter which experience you choose, Xinjiang’s landscapes and history will leave a lasting impression—so pick your tours wisely, and enjoy every step of your journey in Urumqi.