The Grand Xinjiang Loop is a tourist route covering many famous attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang. Below is a detailed travel guide for the Grand Xinjiang Loop:?
I. Best Travel Time?
May to October: This is the best time period to visit the Grand Xinjiang Loop. Among them, from May to June, you can enjoy the grasslands and wildflowers in the Yili region; July to August is a good time to taste Xinjiang fruits and visit northern Xinjiang scenic areas; from September to October, Xinjiang’s autumn scenery is enchanting, making it a paradise for photographers.?
II. Route Planning?
Northern Xinjiang Loop?
Departing from Urumqi: You can pass through attractions such as Burqin, Colorful Beach, Kanas, Hemu, etc. These places are mainly known for their natural scenery, especially Kanas and Hemu, which are popular destinations for tourism in Xinjiang.?
Yining Direction: You can visit Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Qiaxi Forest Park Grassland, etc. These attractions have both magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural landscapes.?
Southern Xinjiang Loop?
Departing from Kashgar: You can visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Taghman Wetland, etc., to feel the remnants of the Silk Road and unique ethnic customs in southern Xinjiang.?
Taklamakan Desert Highway: This is a self-driving route that cannot be missed. Along the way, you can enjoy landscapes such as deserts and Populus euphratica forests, experiencing the unique desert scenery.?
III. Precautions?
Road Conditions and Driving Safety: Xinjiang has a vast territory with complex road conditions in some sections. It is recommended to learn about road condition information in advance and pay attention to safe driving. Especially on the Duku Highway, the mountain roads are rugged. It is recommended to visit during June to September when road conditions are best.?
Climate and Clothing: The climate in Xinjiang is changeable. It is recommended to bring enough clothing to cope with different climatic conditions. Especially when heading to high-altitude areas, pay attention to keeping warm.?
Folk Customs and Etiquette: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region. It is recommended to respect local folk customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts.?
IV. Recommended Attractions?
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is enchanting. You can climb up the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake.?
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the lake water is clear and azure, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent spot for photographers.?
Duku Highway: Known as the ‘Most Beautiful Highway in the Tianshan Mountains’, it offers diverse and ever-changing landscapes along the way, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, gorges, forests, etc.?
The Grand Xinjiang Loop is a fantastic journey through the magnificent western regions. Whether it’s natural scenery or cultural customs, they will all make you reluctant to leave. I hope this guide can help you better plan your itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!?