Xinjiang is so big, how many days at least?
For first-timers, it is recommended to take 6–8 days for the Northern Xinjiang loop; 8–10 days for Southern Xinjiang cultural trips; for both sides, more than 12 days are needed. If time is limited, choose one of the two regions.
The area of Xinjiang is equivalent to the combined size of several European countries, so "covering it all in one go" is unrealistic. Practical divisions: 6–8 days for the Northern Xinjiang loop (Heavenly Lake—Kanas—Hemu—Sayram Lake); 8–10 days for Southern Xinjiang cultural tour (Kashgar—Pamir—Hotan—Kuqa); 12 days or more if considering a combined Northern and Southern Xinjiang trip.
If you only have three to five days: the small loop of Urumqi + Heavenly Lake + Turpan is sufficient, and don’t force a long journey to the grasslands.