Peng Gao
Quick Guide: What You'll Find
You know what hits you first when I step off the train in Urumqi? The dry heat. A slap of 40°C that makes the panda-mist of Chengdu feel like a distant dream. I've guided dozens of travelers on this exact route, and every single one of them underestimated how different these two worlds are. This Chengdu to Urumqi itinerary is built from those trips—the real ones, not the glossy brochure version.
Train vs. Flight: How to Get from Chengdu to Urumqi
First, let's tackle the big question: should you fly or take the train? Here's my honest take after doing both multiple times.
| Mode | Duration | Cost (approx.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 3h 45min | CNY 800-1500 | Fast, comfortable, frequent | No scenery (clouds), less adventurous |
| High-Speed Train (G-series) | 9-11h | CNY 600-900 (second class) | See the landscape change from green to desert | Long, toilets get messy, limited English |
| Overnight Sleeper (Z-series) | ~24h | CNY 500-700 (hard sleeper) | Save on hotel, unique experience | Bumpy, no AC in older cars |
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi & Hit the Bazaar
Morning: Land and Check In
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) is about 30 minutes from the city center by taxi (CNY 40-60). Avoid airport express buses unless you speak Chinese—they rarely have English signs. I recommend booking a hotel in Saybagh District near the Hongshan area. Holiday Inn Urumqi (Address: 168 Youhao South Rd) has a 24-hour front desk, stable WiFi, and staff who can handle basic English. Rates from CNY 450/night.
Afternoon: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar
This is the largest bazaar in the world (yes, bigger than Istanbul's). Go around 2 PM to avoid the worst heat. Entrance is free. You'll find silk, spices, dried fruits, and the famous xuanbing (spicy lamb naan). Bargain hard—start at 30% of the asking price. Bring cash; many vendors don't take cards.
Evening: Dinner at Childir Uyghur Restaurant
Address: 5 Yan'an Road. Google Maps rating: 4.6. Try the dapanji (big plate chicken) and handmade noodles. Spicy but not overwhelming. Expect a 20-minute wait around 7 PM. They accept Alipay and WeChat, not international cards.
Day 2: Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) Day Trip
Getting There
Take minibus from Urumqi People's Park (south gate) at 8:00 AM. Cost: CNY 100 round-trip. The drive is 1.5 hours. Private car hire costs around CNY 500 but you can stop at viewpoints. Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the bus for better mountain views.
At the Lake
Entrance fee: CNY 95 (adult). Shuttle bus: CNY 60. You can also hike 3 km from the gate—it's steep but shaves off the cost. The cable car up to the Mulei Peak viewpoint costs CNY 220 but offers insane panoramas. I always tell my groups: skip the cable car line if it's longer than 30 minutes; the view from the lakeside is already stunning.
Day 3-4: Turpan Overnight – The Heart of the Silk Road
Getting to Turpan
High-speed train from Urumqi to Turpan North Station takes 1 hour (CNY 105). Get the 7:30 AM train. From the station, take bus 7 to downtown (CNY 2) or taxi (CNY 40).
Day 3: Jiaohe Ruins & Flaming Mountains
Jiaohe Ruins (entrance CNY 70) – one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. It's mostly exposed, so carry sunscreen and water. Allow 2-3 hours. Next, Flaming Mountains (free to view from road). The heat is intense—above 50°C in summer. Visit before 10 AM or after 5 PM. Many travelers get heatstroke here; I always insist on a hat and two liters of water.
Evening: Uyghur dinner in Turpan
Head to Milan Restaurant (Address: 123 Gaochang Road). Their lamb kebabs and sangza (fried dough twist) are legendary. Average spend CNY 50-80 per person. No English menu, but point at other tables. Cash only.
Day 4: Tuyoq Valley & Return to Urumqi
Hire a local driver for the day (CNY 300-400) to take you to Tuyoq Valley, a hidden Uyghur village with ancient mud-brick homes. Entrance CNY 45. You can camp overnight if you want, but the facilities are basic (no running water). I recommend returning to Urumqi by 5 PM train to avoid night travel.
Day 5-6: Urumqi Culture & Food Exploration
Day 5: Xinjiang Regional Museum
Free entry (bring passport for ticket). Don't miss the Xinjiang mummies, including the famous Cherchen Man. Museum is closed on Mondays. Allow 2 hours. Nearby, try Patima Naan Bread (Address: 88 Xibei Road) for fresh naan with cumin—only CNY 3.
Day 6: South Pasture (Nanshan) Grassland
Take a bus from Urumqi to Nanshan (CNY 50, 2 hours). It's a peaceful escape from the city. You can rent a horse for a ride (CNY 100 per hour) or just hike. There's a Kazakh yurt stay option: around CNY 300 per person including dinner and breakfast. The yurts are thick felt, warm even in cold nights, but the shared outhouse might test your comfort zone. I've had clients who loved it and others who regretted skipping the hotel. If you're not adventurous, return to Urumqi by 6 PM.
Day 7: Final Morning & Departure
Have breakfast at Hongshang Coffee (Address: 100 Hongshan Road) – they serve decent Western food and strong coffee. Then check out and head to the airport. If you have time, grab some dried fruits from the Kashgar Farmers Market near the airport – the raisins are incredible.
Honestly, a bit disappointed. The 'best routes' part felt rushed – driving 8 hours on day 3 with nothing but desert was exhausting. The Kashgar extension was also oversold; too many souvenir shops and not enough authentic cultural experience. Maybe I had high expectations. If you're short on time, this plan works, but I'd rather spend more days in one spot. 3 stars.
Decent overall plan, but a few details fell short. The itinerary didn't mention that the high-altitude pass (Daban) can cause altitude sickness – we were caught off guard. Also, the suggested hotels in Korla were overpriced for the quality. On the bright side, the day-by-day logic is solid and saved us time. 4 stars – good, not great.
This guide is a gem! I was skeptical about covering Chengdu to Urumqi in 7 days, but the route suggested (via Qinghai and then north through Dunhuang) was spot on. The recommended Uyghur restaurant in Turpan was incredible. Everything from the train tips to the packing list was useful. I’d give it a 5 without hesitation.
We did the 7-day plan with our two kids (8 and 11). The day-by-day breakdown made it super easy to follow, and the stops were kid-friendly. Our favorite was the Flaming Mountains and the grape valley – the kids loved the camel ride. Only wish there were more rest stops along the highway. Still, a solid 5-star experience!
Absolutely loved this itinerary! As a solo photographer, the 7-day plan gave me the perfect balance of driving time and photo stops. The route through Tianshan Grand Canyon and the grasslands near Narat was breathtaking. I even caught a stunning sunrise at Sayram Lake. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to capture the real Xinjiang without rushing.