The following is a 13-day itinerary suggestion for traveling from Urumqi to Ili:?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and optionally pass through the S101 Hundred-Mile Danxia Highway to enjoy the scenery along the way, arrive in Kuitun, and visit the Asian Geographic Center?
Day 2: Depart from Kuitun, circumnavigate Sailimu Lake, climb up the Guozigou Viewing Platform to enjoy the lake scenery and mountain views, as well as the sunset over the lavender farmland, and then head to Yining?
Sailimu Lake is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, and is worth savoring?
Day 3: Depart from Yining, proceed along the Yizhao Highway, visit the Xiata scenic spot, and then arrive in Zhaosu?
Day 4: In Zhaosu, you can choose to visit the Kalajun Grasslands, experience the fun of horse riding and flower viewing, and then head to Tekes?
Or explore the Jade Lake and Bagua City to feel the unique natural scenery and cultural atmosphere?
Day 5: Depart from Tekes and visit Qiongkushitai Village, or proceed along the northern section of the Duku Highway to visit the Nalati Grasslands and watch the sunset over the nine-bend and eighteen-turn Bayinbruk Grasslands?
Day 6: Depart from Bayinbruk and continue along the southern section of the Duku Highway, visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon, taste Western Regions specialty foods, and then arrive in Kuqa?
Or choose to spend the entire day in Qiongkushitai Village to deeply experience the local customs?
Day 7: Depart from Kuqa, visit the Wensu Grand Canyon, tour the Military Reclamation Museum, and then head to Alar?
Or return from Qiongkushitai Village to Tekes and then head to Kuerdining Scenic Area?
Day 8: Depart from Alar and proceed along the Taklamakan Desert Highway to enjoy the desert scenery, taste Hotan specialty foods, and then arrive in Hotan?
Or depart from Xinyuan County and visit the Nalati Flower Sea and Nalati Scenic Area before heading to Nalati Town?
Day 9: Depart from Hotan, visit Kashgar Old Town, apply for a border pass, experience local customs, and taste specialty foods?
Or depart from Nalati Town and head to Bayinbruk Scenic Area?
Day 10: Free day in Kashgar. You can deeply understand the Western Regions culture, experience folklore, taste local cuisine, and visit the Xiangfei Tomb?
Or after visiting Tangbula in Bayinbruk Town, head to Dushanzi?
Day 11: Depart from Kashgar and continue your journey, or choose to explore Kashgar more deeply?
Or you can depart from Dushanzi and take the S101 National Defense Highway to arrive at Tuyugou Mazhavillage?
Day 12: Based on the previous day’s itinerary, you can choose to visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Tuyugou Mazhavillage, Puchang Village, or visit the Desert Soil Art Museum and taste the delicacies of Putaogou?
Day 13: End the pleasant journey and return to Urumqi?
The above itinerary is only a suggestion and can be adjusted according to personal interests and time arrangements. During the trip, please pay attention to safety and respect local customs and habits.?