Ancient trade routes. Heavenly waters.
Journey through the landscapes and ancient trading routes of Xinjiang, from the regional capital of Urumqi to the spectacular waters of Sayram Lake and the historic Silk Road city of Kashgar.
This journey combines dramatic natural scenery, diverse cultural heritage and destinations shaped by centuries of exchange along the legendary Silk Road.
The Vibrant Side. The Serene Side. The Ancient Side.
Welcome to Xinjiang, Silk Road Legend.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The overall best time to visit Xinjiang is May to October, when conditions are well suited to exploring the region’s cities, landscapes and Silk Road heritage. May and June bring milder temperatures and increasingly green landscapes, while July and August showcase the grasslands at their most vibrant, particularly around the Ili region and Sayram Lake. September and October offer another spectacular season, with cooler temperatures, clearer days and striking autumn colours transforming the valleys and mountain landscapes.
CLIMATE
Dry continental
Summer:
June to August, approx. 15°C to 35°C
Winter:
December to February, approx. -15°C to 5°C
CONNECTIVITY
By Air
Entry city: Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the principal gateway, with extensive domestic connections across China and onward flights to Yining and Kashgar.
Airport: Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
Major Airlines: China Southern Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Urumqi Air
By Coach
From Yining, a scenic private coach journey of approximately three hours leads through the Ili region to Sayram Lake. The journey then continues via Yining to Kashgar by air, allowing guests to comfortably travel from modern Urumqi to spectacular mountain landscapes and finally into the historic heart of the Silk Road.
Speak to Realm about Xinjiang!
Be prepared for changing temperatures throughout the day, particularly when travelling between cities, grasslands and higher-altitude areas. The temperature difference between day and night can reach approximately 10–15°C, so comfortable footwear, layers and a warm jacket are recommended even during the warmer travel months.
THE VIBRANT SIDE
Discover Urumqi – Markets & Silk Road Flavours
Begin the journey in Urumqi with an exploration of the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, bringing together traditional architecture, regional food, local handicrafts and the diverse cultures that have shaped Xinjiang.
For incentive groups, the experience can be curated with local tastings, market discoveries and storytelling, providing an engaging introduction to the flavours, traditions and Silk Road influences of the region.
Stay: 2 nights at Conrad Urumqi
THE SERENE SIDE
Heavenly Waters of Sayram Lake
Travel through the Ili region to spectacular Sayram Lake, the highest and largest mountain lake in Xinjiang and poetically known as the “last tear of the Atlantic.”
Surrounded by mountains and expansive grasslands, guests can explore the shoreline and take in brilliant blue waters and dramatic scenery. During the warmer months, the surrounding meadows come alive, creating an extraordinary setting for scenic walks, photography and a curated lakeside picnic or refreshment experience.
The journey to Sayram Lake travels via Yining City, the capital of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Ili River Valley, this multi-ethnic border city is known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall of China.” Sayram Lake is approximately a three-hour coach journey from Yining City.
Stay: 1 night at Shui Yun Shan Hotel, Sayram Lake
THE ANCIENT SIDE
Step Inside Ancient Kashgar
Discover the atmospheric lanes of Kashgar Old City, one of Xinjiang’s most distinctive Silk Road destinations. A privately guided exploration reveals traditional architecture, local crafts, neighbourhood life and the cultural influences created by centuries of trade and exchange along the Silk Road.
Continue into Kashgar’s famous market culture, including the Sunday Grand Bazaar, where local produce, spices, textiles, handicrafts and regional specialties bring the city’s longstanding trading traditions to life.
Known as Shule in ancient times, Kashgar was a core commercial centre along the ancient Silk Road and remains one of the most fascinating places to experience the region’s history and cultural heritage.
Stay: 2 nights at Radisson Blu Hotel, Kashgar
WHERE TO STAY IN XINJIANG
Conrad Urumqi
A contemporary luxury hotel in Urumqi’s Central Business District, Conrad Urumqi combines sophisticated accommodation with panoramic city and Tianshan Mountain views. With direct access to Maison Mode Shopping Center, multiple dining venues, an indoor pool, executive lounge and extensive event facilities, it provides a strong luxury base for incentive and corporate groups beginning their journey through Xinjiang.
Event Space:
The hotel offers seven customisable function rooms with modern audiovisual technology. Its 853 sqm Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 700 guests theatre-style or 450 for a banquet, while the 537 sqm Oasis Room accommodates up to 300 theatre-style or 280 for a banquet. A selection of smaller meeting and boardrooms provides additional flexibility for executive sessions and breakout groups.
Ideal for:
Luxury incentive groups, conferences, executive meetings, gala dinners, corporate events and groups beginning or ending a wider Xinjiang itinerary.
Guest Rooms: 230
Shui Yun Shan Hotel, Sayram Lake
Located within the spectacular Sayram Lake Scenic Area, Shui Yun Shan Hotel provides a nature-focused stay surrounded by the mountain, grassland and lake landscapes for which the region is known. Opened in 2024, the resort combines accommodation, dining and leisure facilities and provides an ideal overnight base for groups exploring Sayram Lake.
Event Space:
Facilities include the Saihu Banquet Hall and a multifunction performance hall, together with restaurant, café and entertainment facilities. Detailed event-space dimensions and capacities should be confirmed directly with the hotel for group programs.
Ideal for:
Incentive groups, leisure groups, nature-based programs, intimate group gatherings and overnight stays incorporated into a Sayram Lake experience.
Guest Rooms: 270
Radisson Blu Hotel, Kashgar
An upscale hotel positioned at the foot of the Pamir Mountains, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kashgar offers modern accommodation with panoramic city and mountain views and convenient access to Kashgar’s attractions, including its famous Grand Bazaar. With extensive conference facilities, restaurants, an indoor pool and fitness centre, the hotel is well suited to both incentive and corporate groups exploring this historic Silk Road destination.
Event Space:
The conference facilities include the 700 sqm Tian Shan Ballroom, with seven-metre-high ceilings and capacity for up to 480 guests. The ballroom can also be divided for smaller functions. Additional meeting rooms provide options for breakout sessions and smaller gatherings, while the hotel’s overall event facilities can accommodate events of up to 1,000 guests. An outdoor terrace provides an additional space for networking and informal gatherings.
Ideal for:
Incentive groups, conferences, corporate meetings, gala events, executive groups and programs incorporating Kashgar’s Silk Road heritage and cultural experiences.
Guest Rooms: 261
