Circumnavigating Xinjiang mainly includes classic routes such as the Xinjiang Grand Loop, Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop, Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop, and Kaiyi Loop.?
Xinjiang Grand Loop:?
This is one of the most classic routes in self-drive travel in Xinjiang, spanning a total distance of 12,000 kilometers and taking about 40 days to complete. Starting from Lanzhou, it passes through Dunhuang, Kanas, Ili, Korla, and other places, eventually returning to Xining along Qinghai’s G315. This route covers almost all the essential attractions of Xinjiang and is suitable for tourists with sufficient time and budget.?
Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop:?
The Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop covers a total distance of approximately 4,800 kilometers and takes 13-17 days to complete. This route starts and ends in Kashgar, and along the way, you can enjoy scenic spots such as the Taklamakan Desert, Lop Nur Village, and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. It fully showcases the ethnic customs of the western regions of Xinjiang and the remnants of the Silk Road.?
Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop:?
The Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop also covers a total distance of approximately 4,800 kilometers and takes 13-17 days to complete. This route starts and ends in Urumqi, and along the way, you can visit natural beauties such as Kanas, Hemu, and Tianshan Heavenly Lake. It is an in-depth experience of the natural scenery of northern Xinjiang.?
Kaiyi Loop:?
The Kaiyi Loop covers a total distance of approximately 3,300 kilometers and takes 9-13 days to complete. This route connects the two popular destinations of Kanas and Ili in northern Xinjiang, and along the way, you can also enjoy scenic spots such as the Nalati Grasslands and Huocheng Lavender Manor. It is a condensed version of Xinjiang’s beautiful scenery.?
In addition, Xinjiang has many other attractions and routes worth visiting, such as the Duku Highway, Kuqa Grand Canyon, and Bosten Lake. When planning your itinerary, you can choose suitable routes and attractions based on your time and budget.?
In general, circumnavigating Xinjiang is an unforgettable travel experience, with both natural scenery and cultural landscapes that captivate visitors. Before departing, it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance, understand the local weather and road conditions, and ensure a smooth journey.?