The 6-day self-guided tour itinerary in Xinjiang can include multiple route options. Here are two classic routes for reference:
Route 1:
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi, visit Colorful Beach to admire the "Colorful Riverbank at Sunset", overnight stay in Burqin.
Day 2: Depart from Burqin, explore the "Mystery of the Color-Changing Lake" in Kanas, overnight stay in Kanas.
Day 3: Depart from Kanas, visit Hemu’s fairy tale wooden cabins, observe the starry sky, overnight stay in the Wind-Eroded Devil’s City.
Day 4: Depart from乌尔禾, circumnavigate Sayram Lake’s "Mirror of the Sky", overnight stay in Yining/Qingshuihe.
Day 5: Depart from Yining/Qingshuihe, visit Bayin布鲁克’s "Nine Curves and Swan Lake", overnight stay in Kuitun.
Day 6: Depart from Kuitun, visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Erdaoqiao International Bazaar, return to Urumqi for airport transfer.
Route 2 (Winter Northern Xinjiang Specialty):
Day 1: Urumqi – Tianchi – Burqin. Experience the romantic myths and legends of Tianchi and traditional Taoist culture.
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas – Hemu. Appreciate the misty and snow-covered scenery of Kanas, and experience winter activities such as water splashing into ice in Hemu.
Day 3: Hemu Photo Session + Boiling Tea Around the Fire, enjoy a carefree winter time.
Day 4: Hemu -乌尔禾. Continue exploring the winter scenery of northern Xinjiang.
Day 5:乌尔禾-Sayram Lake. Admire the miracles of Sayram Lake such as blue ice and blue bubbles.
Day 6: Second Visit to Sayram Lake – Urumqi. End the pleasant journey.
Both of the above routes cover the essence of Xinjiang’s attractions, but with slightly different focuses. Route 1 emphasizes the combination of natural scenery and cultural landscapes, while Route 2 focuses more on the unique experiences of northern Xinjiang in winter. Tourists can choose a suitable route based on their interests and schedule. During the trip, attention should also be paid to weather changes, traffic conditions, and local customs and habits.