Departing from Beijing to join a 20-day group tour of Xinjiang, although a specific group itinerary cannot be directly provided (as the specific itinerary may differ depending on the travel agency and departure time), a general travel planning reference can be given based on a typical 20-day self-driving or group tour itinerary in Xinjiang. Such a trip usually covers many famous attractions in Xinjiang, including natural scenery, historical and cultural sites, and special folk customs experiences, ensuring that tourists can fully appreciate the charm of Xinjiang.?
Here is an overview of a possible 20-day group tour plan for Xinjiang:?
Departure and Arrival:?
Day 1: Depart from Beijing and arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, according to the flight or train schedule. Take a brief city tour to adjust to the time difference.?
Scenery of Northern Xinjiang:?
In the following days, tourists may head to famous attractions in northern Xinjiang, such as Tianshan Heavenly Lake, the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley in Turpan, to feel Xinjiang’s natural beauty and unique climate.?
Visit Kanas Lake to admire the lakeside scenery and experience the unique charm of the border area (such as Baihaba Village).?
Visit Hemu Village to experience the traditional culture of the Tuvas and the tranquil rural scenery.?
Ili River Valley:?
Subsequently, the itinerary may turn towards the Ili River Valley to visit Sayram Lake, where tourists can enjoy a self-driving or cycling tour around the lake, immersing themselves in the lakeside scenery.?
Explore the lavender fields in Huocheng (if the season is right) to feel the purple romance.?
Visit the Nalati Grassland to experience pastoral ballads and the nomadic life of the Kazakhs.?
The Charm of Southern Xinjiang:?
Next, tourists may venture deeper into southern Xinjiang to visit the Old Town of Kashgar and experience the traditional culture and handicrafts of the Uyghur people.?
Head to the edge of the Taklamakan Desert to feel its vastness and mystery.?
Visit the jade market in Hotan to understand jade culture.?
Special Experiences:?
During the journey, some special experience activities may also be arranged, such as participating in local ethnic festivals, tasting Xinjiang cuisine (such as roast whole lamb, hand-grabbed rice, naan, etc.), and learning Xinjiang dances and music.?
Return Trip:?
In the last few days, according to the itinerary, tourists may head to Urumqi for final shopping and rest before taking a flight or train back to Beijing.?
It should be noted that the specific itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic conditions, the travel agency’s itinerary planning, and the personal needs of tourists. Therefore, when choosing a group tour, it is recommended to communicate with the travel agency in advance to understand the detailed itinerary and the content of the fees included, to ensure that the trip meets one’s expectations and needs.?
In addition, due to Xinjiang’s vast territory and the long distances between attractions, joining a group tour may be a more convenient and worry-free option. Travel agencies usually provide one-stop services such as transportation, accommodation, and catering, allowing tourists to focus more on enjoying the scenery and experiencing the culture.?