Traveling along the route from Kashgar to Urumqi in Xinjiang, you can experience rich natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Self-Drive Route and Itinerary Arrangements?
The classic self-drive route starts from Kashgar, passing through Aksu, Korla, Turpan, and finally arriving in Urumqi. This route is relatively long, but with numerous attractions along the way, allowing you to fully experience the scenery of southern Xinjiang.?
A typical itinerary is as follows:?
Day 1: Depart from Kashgar, visit Kashgar Old Town, explore historic and cultural sites such as century-old tea houses and mosques, and then proceed to Aksu. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Taklamakan Desert on the way.?
Day 2: From Aksu to Korla, you can visit the magnificent scenery of the Tianshan Mountains and natural landscapes such as Aksu’s Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon along the way.?
Day 3: From Korla to Turpan, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bosten Lake and the spectacular views of Tianshan Grand Canyon on the way.?
Day 4: From Turpan to Urumqi, visit famous attractions such as Flaming Mountain and Grape Valley in Turpan, and then proceed to Urumqi to conclude this self-drive tour.?
Of course, depending on your time and interests, you can also choose an itinerary with a longer or shorter duration, or make adjustments to the above itinerary.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions Recommendations?
Kashgar Old Town: As an important node on the Silk Road, Kashgar Old Town retains a large number of ancient buildings and a strong Uyghur cultural atmosphere, making it an excellent destination to understand the history and culture of Xinjiang.?
Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon: Located in Aksu Prefecture, it integrates natural landscapes such as canyons, caves, and stone forests, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Bosten Lake: The largest inland freshwater lake in Xinjiang, with breathtaking lake and mountain scenery, it is an excellent destination for leisure and vacation.?
Flaming Mountain: Famous for "Journey to the West", it has unique landforms and spectacular scenery, making it one of the landmark attractions in Turpan.?
Tianshan Heavenly Lake: Located in the eastern suburbs of Urumqi, with emerald-green lake water surrounded by mountains, it is one of the famous natural landscapes in Xinjiang.?
III. Recommendations on Food and Accommodation?
The Xinjiang cuisine along the way is also not to be missed. You can taste authentic Xinjiang dishes such as whole roasted lamb, naan, and hand-grabbed rice. Meanwhile, there are also abundant accommodation options everywhere, ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels, which can meet the needs of different tourists.?
In summary, the tourist route from Kashgar to Urumqi is an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang. Both the natural and cultural landscapes are captivating, making people reluctant to leave. I hope this travel guide can provide useful references for your trip.?