The 34-day Xinjiang tour route can cover the Grand Circle Route of Xinjiang, providing an in-depth experience of the essential attractions in Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang. Here is a suggested itinerary:
I. Itinerary Overview
Total Days: 34 days
Main Route: Xinjiang Grand Circle Route, including popular and niche attractions in Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
Best Travel Time: It is recommended to travel from June to September, when the Duku Highway is open, the weather is suitable, and the scenery is the best.
II. Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-7: Urumqi and Surroundings
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Museum, and understand the history and culture of Xinjiang.
Days 2-3: Visit Tianshan Heavenly Lake to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the alpine lake, and then head to Koktokay to explore geological wonders.
Days 4-5: In-depth play in Kanas Scenic Area, including famous attractions such as Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Pavilion, and Fairy Bay.
Days 6-7: Head to Hemu Village to experience the lifestyle of the Tuwa people, and enjoy the morning fog, sunrise, and starry sky.
Days 8-14: Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route
Days 8-9: Visit the Devil’s City in Burqin and Dushanzi Grand Canyon to feel the wonders of nature.
Days 10-11: Head to Ili to visit Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge,霍尔果斯国门, etc.
Days 12-13: Deeply explore Tekes Eight Trigrams City and explore the vastness and beauty of the Karakun Grassland.
Day 14: End the Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route, return to Urumqi, and prepare for the Southern Xinjiang tour.
Days 15-21: Southern Xinjiang Kashgar Grand Circle Route
Days 15-16: Fly to Kashgar to visit the Old Town of Kashgar and feel the rich western region flavor.
Days 17-18: Head to Taxkorgan County to visit Stone City and Golden Grass Beach, and experience the plateau scenery.
Days 19-20: Cross the Pamir Plateau, visit Xinghua Village, and enjoy the splendid spring flower sea (best from March to April).
Day 21: Return to Kashgar to prepare for the next stage of the journey.
Days 22-28: In-depth Southern Xinjiang Tour
Days 22-23: Head to Hotan to explore the Hotan Jade Market and understand jade culture.
Days 24-25: Visit Bosten Lake and Lop Nur Village in Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture.
Days 26-27: Head to Aksu to visit the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
Day 28: Return to Urumqi to prepare for the final itinerary.
Days 29-34: Highlights Review and Free Activities Across Xinjiang
Days 29-30: Based on feedback from previous itineraries, select attractions that were not fully visited or particularly loved for a review.
Days 31-32: Free activities in Urumqi, including shopping, tasting local cuisine, and resting.
Day 33: Participate in Xinjiang’s folk experience activities, such as horseback riding, desert camping, plateau picnics, etc., to deeply feel the cultural charm of Xinjiang
Day 34: End the pleasant journey and return to the departure point
III. Precautions
Xinjiang is a vast territory, so please arrange your time reasonably during the trip to ensure adequate rest.
Some attractions may be temporarily closed due to weather, seasons, and other factors. Please check in advance and adjust your itinerary.
The dietary habits in Xinjiang are different from those in the mainland. Please respect the local customs and try the local specialties.
Please pay attention to safety during the trip, abide by the regulations of the scenic areas, and protect the natural environment.