Top 50 Best Things to Do near Mulei
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Top 50 Best Things to Do near Mulei

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Jiangbulak
    󰺂6.9
    207.82
    Qitai51.3 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    󱓊Tianshan views & unique slopes
    󰀆Oasis culture on Silk Road
    󱨠1785 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    斧头帮帮主至尊宝斧头帮帮主至尊宝

    I followed the scenic area's shuttle bus along the southern route. It was November, and the landscape felt rather desolate; the scenery is much better in summer. Crossing the Grand Canyon leads to the other side, but there's a lot of snow now, making the shaded mountain paths unsuitable for travel. The wheat harvest is complete, and there are no golden waves of autumn wheat to be seen. The "gravity hill" is definitely not caused by a visual difference based on a reference point.

  • Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
    󰺂5.6
    332.51
    TurpanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    󰀆1400-year-old Silk Road caves
    󱓊Ancient Silk Road Buddhist art
    󱨠Saved by 101 users󱨠148 positive reviews
    4.2/5
    M23***52M23***52

    This attraction is small but has great historical value. Many murals have been cut and stolen by foreigners, and some have been vandalized by local people. It is heartbreaking for the cultural relics. If you like history, you can come and take a look. It only takes half an hour to complete the tour.

  • Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum)
    󰺂5.1
    374.07
    TurpanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    󱨠44% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Desert Art Museum is so unique! It is full of exaggerated sculptures made of mud by local artists in Xinjiang, such as giant Buddha statues and weird human faces. It is very photogenic! The place is not big but very novel. It is worth visiting on the way. It is suitable for friends who like curiosity and art~

  • Tuyugou
    󰺂6.0
    249.38
    ShanshanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    󱨜Explore the charm of yellow clay culture in Maza Village
    󱨜Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves Religious Culture Intersection
    󱨠72% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M34***05M34***05

    The architectural style is indeed the same as the one on the way there. The main reason for buying a ticket to go in is to take pictures of the mosque-themed building. You can also go up to the roof. Otherwise, it's pretty much the same. The panoramic view seems to be accessible by car from the opposite mountain.

  • tu yu gou shi ku
    󰺂5.6
    ShanshanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    󱨜A Journey to Explore the Buddhist Grottoes of the Silk Road
    Hike the canyon to discover ancient cliff paintings
    󱨠93% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    小龙丨追景的人小龙丨追景的人

    A First Look at Tuyugou Grottoes: A Millennial Secret with a 300-Person Limit, Murals Revealing the Silk Road Code Who understands?! Gazing upon the millennia-old murals at Tuyugou Grottoes, I was immediately struck by the profound weight of Silk Road civilization! As a "Silk Road Buddhist Kingdom" even earlier than Mogao Grottoes, it holds countless unknown surprises and details. Here's my honest, heartfelt experience after my first visit! 🚨 Key Points: The grottoes limit visitors to 300 per day, and reservations must be made 3 days in advance via Ctrip! Going in without a reservation will result in disappointment—don't ask me how I know 😭 The 5 newly opened grottoes (opened in 2025) are definitely worth seeing. The murals are more vibrant than I imagined, and the Western Region musical instruments and flying apsaras are breathtakingly clear—far from being just "damaged frames." ✨ Must-Experience Immersive Moments: Be sure to visit Grotto 3 at 11 AM! Sunlight slants into the caves, casting shadows on the flying apsara murals, making it seem as if immortals from a thousand years ago are flowing across the walls. Wearing white for photos creates a natural light and shadow filter, making every snapshot a stunning, time-traveling masterpiece. The new caves in the Goudong area contain multilingual Buddhist scriptures, with faint traces of Han and Uyghur script, bearing witness to the prosperous Silk Road where multiple religions coexisted. Those in the know will linger for a long time. 🌿 Bonus Activities: After visiting the caves, don't rush off! A 10-minute walk will take you to Tuyugou Mazar Village, with its earthen-yellow honeycomb walls and donkey carts, reminiscent of a secluded Moroccan village. At the village entrance, freshly baked buns for 1 yuan each burst with juicy oil, and 5 yuan plum juice is refreshing and thirst-quenching. Enjoying these under a century-old mulberry tree is far more delicious than in the tourist area restaurants. From May to June, the mulberry trees are laden with red fruit, and from July to October, you can interact with the villagers to pick grapes – a truly authentic experience. ⚠️ Real Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: 1. The ground in the scenic area is covered in loose soil. Don't walk too fast, or your nostrils will get muddy. Wearing non-slip shoes and a mask is recommended. 2. If you're driving, park directly in the newly opened large parking lot and walk 600 meters to the visitor center. Don't waste money on the shuttle bus. 3. Smell the clothing at the photography studios before renting. Some may have an odor, so avoid making a mistake. 4. The layout of the scenic area is a bit confusing. If you get lost, just return the way you came. The panoramic view of the mosque from the highest point is absolutely stunning. Here, there's no excessive commercialization or hustle and bustle, only the tranquility of the cliffside grottoes, the warmth of the ancient villages, and the thousand-year-old stories in the murals. As a living fossil of civilization on the Silk Road, Tuyugou is worth a special trip. The awe-inspiring experience of facing history head-on will truly stay with you for a long time. #TuyugouGrottoes #XinjiangTravel #SilkRoadSecrets #TurpanGuide #OffTheBeatenPath #MillennialGrottoes #RealTravelReview #MazarVillageFood

  • Mazar Village of Tuyuk Valley
    󰺂5.8
    ShanshanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    Experience traditional life sleeping on a summer rooftop
    󱨜Stroll an ancient village and experience Xinjiang's cultural style
    󱨠148 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M41***72M41***72

    It's not far from Huoyan Mountain, and with the recent high temperature, it's too hot. After entering the scenic area, I first cooled down in the visitor center for a long time, got off the sightseeing bus, and went straight to the place where I could take pictures. I drank four bottles of water in 40 minutes, left the scenic area, and then cooled down in the visitor center for a long time. I felt like I would get heatstroke if I stayed any longer. If you don't take pictures, it's not recommended to run all the way there with young children.

  • Flaming Mountain Scenic Area
    󰺂7.3
    332.51
    TurpanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    󱓊Journey to the West experience
    󰀆Microlight flight over Flaming Mountains
    󱨠Saved by 158 users󱨠1451 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    M25***20M25***20

    Finally, we arrived at the legendary Flaming Mountain. Once inside, it looked exactly the same as it did from the outside. It was incredibly hot! But there were plenty of statues and landmarks to take photos with, and the staff were very helpful. It was a delight! Don't forget to try the baked eggs.

  • The Ancient City of Gaochang
    󰺂5.2
    581.88
    TurpanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    󱨠118 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    M23***52M23***52

    The scenic spot is unexpectedly good, with few people and very close to the Flaming Mountain. You can take photos with the Flaming Mountain. It would be nice to ask a scenic spot to explain it, but you can come back to make up for it...

  • Grape Valley
    󰺂7.0
    TurpanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    󱓊Food & dance at Uyghur homestays
    󱨜Flaming Mountain & Grape Valley contrast
    󱨠Saved by 100 users󱨠1494 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    红枫2018红枫2018

    Turpan's Grape Valley truly lives up to its reputation; it's definitely worth a visit! Upon entering Grape Valley, you're immediately enveloped in a refreshing coolness, a stark contrast to the scorching heat of the Flaming Mountains outside—a veritable haven of tranquility in this "land of fire." Everywhere you look, there are layers upon layers of grapevines, like stepping into a green fairytale. The vines are laden with clusters of tempting grapes, including hundreds of varieties such as seedless white, mare's milk, and red grapes, each one intoxicatingly sweet. The seedless white grapes, in particular, are crystal clear, crisp, sweet, and incredibly high in sugar. Here, you can also deeply experience the rich Uyghur culture. The hospitable Uyghur people will invite you to sit under the grapevines, taste freshly picked grapes, and enjoy their captivating song and dance performances. The performers, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, twirl and leap, showcasing the charm of the Western Regions. The scenic area boasts comprehensive facilities, making it a complete complex integrating dining, accommodation, sightseeing, vacationing, and shopping. And with free admission now, it offers exceptional value. Whether you're coming to taste delicious grapes or experience unique ethnic culture, Grape Valley won't disappoint. I'll definitely come back again next time!

  • Kumtag Desert
    󰺂7.0
    250
    ShanshanMore than 100 km from Mulei
    Highlights:
    󱓊Desert off-road & sand sliding
    󱨜Experience ancient Uyghur sand therapy
    󱨠Saved by 167 users󱨠1295 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    乐观小妮子乐观小妮子

    The Millennial Wonder of "Green Never Retreats, Sand Never Advances" Who says deserts can only be barren? The Kumtag Desert has been adjacent to Shanshan City in Xinjiang for millennia, forming "the world's only desert connected to a city"🌆! The sand dunes here have graceful lines like a maiden's spine, shimmering with golden ripples under the sunlight—every snapshot is a masterpiece📸! Legend has it that it's a remnant of the Flaming Mountains, passed by the Tang Monk and his disciples, carrying the legendary color of the Silk Road~🗺️ 🌅 Sunset: The Desert's Golden Hour After 6 PM, the desert begins its "cooling performance"! We recommend climbing to the top of a dune to watch the sunset paint the sand sea into a gradient of orange and red🎨. Light and shadow dance on the sand ridges, the shadows growing longer and longer, leaving only the sound of the wind and your heartbeat in the world—remember to wear a red or white dress! When the wind lifts your clothes, you'll be snapping photos non-stop! (Friendly reminder: Sunset time is approximately 9:30 PM in summer and 6:50 PM in winter. Please check in advance! ⏰) 🚙 Sandboarding Experience: Desert Roller Coaster + Soul Massage A must-do! The off-road sandboarding experience is incredibly thrilling! The driver takes you on a 60-degree descent into the sand dunes, the feeling of weightlessness is comparable to a roller coaster 🎢, and the billowing sand spray looks like a golden waterfall! You can also try sandboarding, sliding down a hundred-meter sand slope – pure fun!

Best things to do in Mulei (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Mulei? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Mulei offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Mulei

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Mulei experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Jiangbulak

• Qitai | 51.3 km from Mulei

• : Tianshan views & unique slopes,Oasis culture on Silk Road

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

• Turpan | More than 100 km from Mulei

• : 1400-year-old Silk Road caves,Ancient Silk Road Buddhist art

Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum)

• Turpan | More than 100 km from Mulei

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Mulei

If you want to explore attractions just outside Mulei, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Mulei, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Mulei special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Mulei

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Mulei

Ready to explore the best of Mulei? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near Mulei?
Some Best Things to Do near Mulei include:Jiangbulak, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum), Tuyugou, tu yu gou shi ku
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Mulei?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Mulei include:Jiangbulak:4.7, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves:4.2, Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum):4.3, Tuyugou:4.3, tu yu gou shi ku:4.7
Where are Best Things to Do near Mulei located?
The Best Things to Do near Mulei are mainly located in:Jiangbulak:Qitai, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves:Turpan, Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum):Turpan, Tuyugou:Shanshan, tu yu gou shi ku:Shanshan
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