Top 10 day trips things to do in Urumqi

1. Private Day Trip to Tianchi Lake and Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar from Urumqi

Discover the natural beauty of the Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) and explore the famous Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar from Urumqi on this full-day private tour.As the locals belief:Heavenly Lake is where the immortals have their longevity banquet.Today, you will check out why!The 2-hour ride towards the Heavenly Lake is itself a fabulous sightseeing trip through Mt. Tianshan.You will passes a giant wind-farm, different rivers, and mountain pastures.Your tour will end with a visit to the Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar where you can purchase your souvenirs. Your tour includes informative commentary from your guide, private vehicle, entrance fee, and a delicious Uyghur lunch on own near the Erdaoqiao Bazaar.

2. Private day trip to Kashgar from Urumqi by flight

A full day, round-way flight — explore Kashgar’s old town, Id Ghar Mosque, and Grand Bazaar with a local guide.

3. Five-day private tour of Kanas Lake and surrounding attractions

Five days by private vehicle from Urumqi — Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Ghost City, Rainbow Beach, and Kuitun Grand Canyon with a local guide.

4. Day trip to Heaven Lake from Urumqi

Full day tour including transport — visit Heaven Lake with options for hiking, boating, and a guided experience.

5. Private full-day tour of Urumqi highlights

Full-day private tour by car — visit the Xinjiang Museum, Hongguang Shan Giant Buddha, enjoy à la carte lunch, and shop at Erdaoqiao Market.

6. Private day tour to Turpan from Urumqi

A full-day private tour with a car and English-speaking guide, visiting 2–3 sites like Jiaohe Ancient City or Karez Irrigation System, with local lunch included.

7. Private day tour to Nanshan and Erdaoqiao Bazaar in Urumqi

Full-day private tour with transport to Nanshan for mountain views, Erdaoqiao Bazaar for shopping, and a Uyghur performance with dinner included.

8. Full-day private tour to Heavenly Lake and Urumqi

Eight hours with private transport — visit Heavenly Lake, explore local customs, walk through Urumqi’s largest bazaar, with an English-speaking guide throughout.

“Heavenly Lake of Tianshan offers stunning scenery, though it can be crowded with tourists. Fortunately, our guide Hassan led us on a trek around the lake that kept us away from the masses. The pleasant 15 km walk allowed us to appreciate the tranquil beauty, and we took a break midway for a simple yet tasty lunch while soaking in the sunshine and refreshing breeze. It was a fantastic day filled with good weather and great company. We're grateful to Hassan for his attentive guidance throughout the trip.”— leeguatchoo

9. Private day tour to Nanshan Pasture and Tianshan Grand Canyon

Full-day private car tour from Urumqi — visit Nanshan Pasture, Tianshan Grand Canyon, and a Kazak yurt with a local guide.

“Everything was arranged well. I was picked up directly at the airport. I also want to thank the guide for their positive attitude and willingness to assist.”— Kaspars_S

10. Private day tour to Tianchi Heavenly Lake and Red Hill from Urumqi

Full-day private tour from Urumqi to Tianchi Heavenly Lake and Red Hill, showcasing stunning landscapes and local culture.

“The only way to reach TianShan is by traversing part of the desert, and soon after, you'll feel as though you've stepped into Switzerland. The air is crisp, the lake is stunning, and a sizable waterfall cascades down the mountains, with bright white glaciers glimmering under the sun in the background. If you opt to hike the final segment of the mountain, you'll find yourself over 3,000 meters high, where you can gaze across the Heavenly Lake and observe the swift stretches of desert behind it. Although it follows the typical Chinese tourist experience, with walkways and steps guiding your path, the beauty of this area is undeniable.”— Niko L