The best 15-day travel guide to Xinjiang includes multiple classic routes. Here is a comprehensive recommended itinerary:
Days 1-2: Urumqi and Surroundings
On Day 1, arrive in Urumqi to start the Xinjiang tour, and spend the evening strolling around the city to feel the bustling atmosphere of a modern metropolis.
On Day 2, visit Tianshan Tianchi, cross the Junggar Basin, and admire the lake and mountain scenery and magnificent natural landscapes.
Days 3-5: Kanas and Hemu Village
On Day 3, depart from Urumqi and head to the Kanas scenic area, enjoying the scenery of Northern Xinjiang along the way.
Spend Days 4-5 exploring Kanas in-depth, visiting attractions such as Kanas Lake and Guanyu Platform, experiencing the natural beauty of Xinjiang.
. Afterwards, head to Hemu Village to experience the rural charm and natural scenery.
Days 6-7: Burqin and Colorful Beach
On Day 6, leave Hemu Village and head to Burqin, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the way.
On Day 7, visit the Colorful Beach in Burqin, watch the sunset, and then arrange accommodation at a hotel.
Days 8-9: Sayram Lake and Guozigou Valley
On Day 8, head to Sayram Lake, passing by attractions such as the乌尔禾魔鬼城 (Wuerhe Devil’s City) along the way.
On Day 9, admire the lake and mountain scenery at Sayram Lake, feel the tranquility and beauty of nature, and choose to stay at a campervan campsite by the lake at night.
Days 10-12: Yili and Grassland Scenery
On Day 10, head to Yili, enjoying the stunning scenery of the Yili River Valley along the way.
Spend Days 11-12 exploring the famous attractions of Yili, such as the Nalati Grassland and Kalajun Grassland, experiencing the vastness and splendor of the grasslands.
Days 13-14: Duku Highway and Bayanbulak
On Day 13, head to Bayanbulak along the Duku Highway, a breathtakingly beautiful highway where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Tianshan Mountains along the way.
On Day 14, visit Bayanbulak and admire scenic spots such as the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River, then return to Urumqi.
Day 15: Urumqi and Return Trip
Stroll around Urumqi city, purchase some specialty products and souvenirs, and then take a flight back to the departure point to end this Xinjiang self-driving tour.
This itinerary combines multiple classic attractions and unique landscapes of Xinjiang, including Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Yili Grassland, and the Duku Highway, allowing a full experience of Xinjiang’s natural beauty and cultural customs. Of course, depending on personal interests and physical condition, the compactness and order of the itinerary can be appropriately adjusted.