Young Pioneer Tours
China’s Far West: Xinjiang Tour
From the ancient city of Kashgar, through small Uyghur towns on the southern Silk Road, you’ll cross through the Taklamakan Desert to remote city of Turpan on our China’s Far West: Xinjiang Tour.
Your tour starts in the historic city of Kashgar, closer geographically to Tehran and Damascus than to Beijing, a border town between China and the Central Asian states of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the site where traditional Uyghur life hits the Chinese state head-on.
Here you’ll visit the old town, livestock market and main bazaar and, being YPT, can’t miss out on the huge statue of Chairman Mao in People’s Square.
We check out small Uyghur towns that haven’t been developed along the Kashgar model, yet, and skirt the Taklamakan Desert as we go. On the north of the desert, we spend a day at Kuqa’s amazing Thousand Buddha caves, reminding us that before the spread of Islam southern Xinjiang was the place where Buddhism entered China.
Lastly, we hang out in the Turpan, China’s Death Valley, the lowest and hottest place in China. In the countryside outside the city, it’s surprisingly green though and we wander the ruins of ancient cities and explore a Uyghur holy village.
Saturday 20th September – Kashgar, China
- Arrival in Kashgar at your own convenience and transfer to our hotel.
- Pre-tour meeting at 5:00pm to get to know each other and go through the rough plan for the trip.
- Early and hearty dinner of Uyghur fried rice and mutton before we start walking through the windy lanes of the old town.
- Join the Kashgar night street food tour to experience the bustling atmosphere as you sample delicious local dishes like lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles. Interact with friendly vendors and immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of the Uyghur people for an unforgettable evening.
- Overnight in Kashgar.
Sunday 21st September – Kashgar
Morning
- Breakfast in our hotel.
- Sunday Animal Market – the largest animal market in the region including Central Asia. Dive into the vibrant Kashgar Animal Market, where culture takes over! Explore bustling stalls filled with lively sheep, goats, and camels while mingling with friendly locals. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere and savour traditional snacks, making this an enriching experience.
- Swing by People’s Square and snap a selfie with one of the largest Chairman Mao statues in China.
- Kd kah Mosque and Afaq Khoja Tomb – stroll through the charming, twisty lanes of the old town and give a nod to the majestic Id Kah Mosque – the largest mosque in China. Take a little adventure out of town to the gorgeous Afaq Khoja Tomb, one of the holiest sites in the region, and perhaps the finest example of Islamic example of Xinjiang.
- Chow down on some scrumptious Xinjiang noodles for lunch.
Afternoon
- Get lost in the buzz of the Grand Bazaar, where shopping might just feel like a competitive sport
- Peek into what’s left of Kashgar’s old town for a cheeky glimpse of how life used to roll around here.
- Traditional Uyghur dinner
- Overnight in Kashgar.
Monday 22nd September – Kashgar – Yengisar – Kashgar – Kuqa
Morning
- Breakfast at our hotel.
- Early departure as we set off to the charming Uygur oasis town hugging the Taklamakan Dessert.
- Once we reach Yengisar, home to famous Yengisar knife, we can see how it is made by the local craftsmen in Bazaar.
- Wander around the its stunning 18th- century built Altun Mosque complex and explore the old town and surrounding cemeteries, home to a collection of stunning shrines, where white flags gracefully mark the graves of revered pir (holy men). You might see the elderly Uyghurs gathered in prayer, adding to the serene and spiritual atmosphere.
- Time for a tasty lunch of local dishes, and let’s swing by the Rainbow Market and dive into some delicious fried ice yogurt – it’s a sweet adventure you won’t want to miss!
Afternoon
- Hit the desert for a leisurely stroll or, if you are feeling adventurous, a quick camel trek (optional)
- Hop back in the car and head back to Kahsgar to get ready for overnight sleeper train to Kuqa.
- A barbecue dinner features juicy, smoky meats like ribs and grilled chicken, accompanied by and homemade sauces, creating a feast of rich flavours and delightful aromas.
- Board a sleeper train departing at 11:30pm bound for Kuqa
- Overnight on sleeper train
Tuesday 23rd September – Kuqa
Morning
- Arrive in Kuqa at 7:00am, allowing time for everyone to freshen up, prepare the day and breakfast.
- Our first visit will be to the impressive Kuqa Royal Palace, the palace beautifully blends Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. The Kuqa Royal Palace houses the Kuqa Museum, the Museum of Kuqa Royal Palace Monuments, and the Museum of National Traditions. followed by a tour of the magnificent and Grand Mosque within the city.
Afternoon
- Traditional lunch with the giant naan!
- Drive out of town to see the best-preserved alarm tower along the Silk Road and explore the nearby Kizil Kagha caves, dating back between 3-4th century, the cave showcase breathtaking frescoes and sculptures, including a magnificent 6 metre tall Buddha statue, offering a captivating glimpse into ancient artistry and spiritualty.
- We will then visit the remarkable ruins of the Subashi Ancient Tombs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the regions history. Subashi, one of the renowned ruins in Kuqa, translates to “headwater of a river.” The site is split into two sections by a river and features numerous remnants of stupas, temples, and grottoes dating from the Wei and Jin Dynasties up to the end of the Tang Dynasty. It is the largest Buddhist temple site in Xinjiang.
- Dinner at the our most favourite restaurant in Kuqa
- Overnight stay in Kuqa.
Wednesday 24th September – Kuqa – Kizil – Tian Shan Canyon – Kuga – Turpan
Morning
- Breakfast in our hotel.
- Set off an enchanting journey to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, a stunning testament to the region’s rich pre-Islamic Buddhist heritage. They are said to be the earliest major Buddhist cave complex in China, with development occurring between the 3rd and 8th centuries AD.
- After soaking in the beauty, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch in the countryside.
Afternoon
- Prepare to be awed at the Tian Shan Grand Canyon, where nature’s artistry truly shines. The highest peak in the Grand Canyon is 5222 meters above sea level and its average elevation at 2000m.
- Return to Kuqa for a delicious dinner, explore the local nightlife and gather some supplies for our upcoming train adventure.
- Board our overnight train to Turpan departing at 11:50pm
- Overnight on sleeper train
Thursday 25th September – Turpan – Tuyoq – Turpan
Morning
- Arriving into Turpan at 7:00am in the morning, check into our hotel in Turpan to freshen up and breakfast
- Begin exploring Turpan – famously known as China’s “Death Valley” – the lowest and hottest spot in the country, sitting 142 meters below sea level.
- Our first stop will be the enchanting Karahoja ruins, where we’ll wander through a beautiful preserved ancient town that’s over 1600 years old.
- Head to the holy village of Tuyoq – a picturesque mud-walled Uyghur village nestled beneath the dramatic Flaming Mountains.
Afternoon
- Lunch break and continue exploring and admiring the stunning Flaming Mountain and the unique “Journey to the West” monuments that stand there.
- Make your way back to Turpan for a farewell dinner – prepare for a feast of delicious barbecue, maybe even a whole plate of chicken, and plenty of refreshing Xinjiang beer to toast our adventure!
- Overnight stay in Turpan.
Friday 26th September – Turpan – Urumqi
Morning
- Breakfast in our hotel and a last walk around Turpan in its peaceful morning atmosphere.
- Catch the Chinese bullet train departing at 11:40am to Urumqi – the capital city of Xinjiang
- Arrive at 12:40 into Urumqi.
Afternoon
- Lunch stroll along Hong Teng Street and Embassy alley, a food street where we can sample a variety of local dishes and barbecue.
- Visit the International Grand Bazaar, one of the largest in the world by scale. It is combining Islamic culture, architecture, ethnic commerce, tourism and entertainment.
- Enjoy Hong Shan – the red hill – offering the best panoramic view of Urumqi. Marvel at the Red Hill Pagoda, a Buddhist temple which is the symbol of the city. It stands on a folded fault mountain at an altitude of 910 meters.
- Tour concludes in the early evening.
- YPT can help with accommodation, onward transfers for your next destination, or recommendations to explore Urumqi.
Tour Extensions
Want to extend your YPT adventure? Join one of our great tour extensions
