Changji

The area on the northern slopes of the Tianshan surrounding Ürümqi, famed for Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and the wheat fields of Jiangbulake.

Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture lies in north-central Xinjiang, its eastern and western parts wrapping around Ürümqi, with the Tianshan to the south and the Junggar Basin to the north. Heavenly Lake of Tianshan in Fukang is part of the "Xinjiang Tianshan" UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Jiangbulake in Qitai is known for its rolling wheat fields, snowy mountains and grasslands, and the golden waves of wheat in summer are especially spectacular. Jimsar has the ruins of the ancient city of Beiting, and deep in the Gobi are geological sights such as petrified wood and dinosaur fossils. Summer and autumn are the best times to visit, and in winter some mountain areas offer skiing. Most visitors arrive via Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport.

Destinations

• Qitai
• Shihezi
• Ürümqi

Itineraries

• Eastern Tianshan Loop: Qitai, Barkol, Hami & Turpan – A loop from Urumqi around the Eastern Tianshan, connecting wheat fields, grasslands, the Hami King's Palace, and the an…
• North Xinjiang Grand Loop: Kanas, Ili & Duku Highway – Depart from Urumqi to loop through Altay, Sayram Lake, and Ili, returning via the northern section of the Duku Highway
• Duku Highway: North-to-South Tianshan Crossing – Drive the entire Duku Highway from Dushanzi to Kuqa, experiencing grasslands, mountain passes, the Nine Curves and Eigh…
• Golden Autumn in Altay: Kanas & Hemu – A spectacular autumn journey through Koktokay, Ulungur Lake, Hemu, Kanas, and Baihaba, ending with the Ahe Highway
• South Xinjiang, Pamir & Desert Highway Grand Loop – Ascend the Pamirs from Kashgar, travel through Yarkand and Hotan, cross the Desert Highway, and return to Urumqi via Ku…
• Classic Silk Road: Urumqi, Turpan & Kashgar – Visit Heavenly Lake, the ancient ruins of Turpan, Kashgar Old Town, and Tashkurgan, using a domestic flight to connect…
• Short Trip: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake & Turpan – Four days to explore museums, the Grand Bazaar, Heavenly Lake, and the ancient city of Turpan, traveling by high-speed…
• Silk Road Rail Journey: Urumqi to Lanzhou – Travel from west to east along the Lanxin Railway, visiting Turpan, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Lanzhou