A 20-day travel itinerary in Xinjiang can cover many famous attractions in Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Here is a recommended itinerary**:
Days 1-2: Urumqi and surroundings
Upon arrival in Urumqi, you can take it easy on the first day to adapt to the plateau environment and visit urban attractions such as the International Grand Bazaar.
On the second day, you can visit Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains and admire the magnificent scenery of the alpine lake.
Days 3-5: Kanas and Hemu
On the third day, drive to Burqin and visit Colorful Beach on the way.
Spend the fourth to fifth day in Kanas and Hemu, enjoying the blue-green waters of Kanas Lake and the morning mist-covered wooden cabins of Hemu Village.
Days 6-8: Ili and Nalati
On the sixth day, head to Sayram Lake, take a scenic tour around the lake, and take photos of the Guozigou Bridge.
On the seventh day, visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland and experience the charm of the Internet-famous bridge.
On the eighth day, you can arrange to visit Bayinbuluke and enjoy the sunset scenery of the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River.
Days 9-10: Duku Highway and Mysterious Tian Shan Grand Canyon
On the ninth day, cross the northern section of the Duku Highway and experience the fantastic scenery of ‘seeing four seasons in one day’.
On the tenth day, visit the Mysterious Tian Shan Grand Canyon and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Days 11-13: Kashgar and Tajik Autonomous County in Southern Xinjiang
On the eleventh day, head to Kashgar to visit the Old Town and experience the local customs and traditions of the Uyghur people.
From the twelfth to thirteenth day, head to Tajik Autonomous County to visit attractions such as Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Mount Muztagh Ata, and experience the grandeur of the盘龙古道 (Dragon Coiled Highway).
Days 14-16: Tasha Highway and Yarkant
On the fourteenth day, cross the Tasha Highway and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Stay in Yarkant from the fifteenth to sixteenth day to visit local historical sites and cultural landscapes.
Days 17-19: Luntai and Korla
On the seventeenth day, head to Luntai to visit the Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest.
Stay in Korla from the eighteenth to nineteenth day to visit attractions such as Bosten Lake and experience the local food culture.
Day 20: Return to Urumqi
On the twentieth day, return to Urumqi from Korla to end the pleasant self-driving tour.
This itinerary covers many famous attractions and unique landscapes in Xinjiang, but the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to the actual situation and weather conditions. It is recommended to plan the route and accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth and safe journey.