There are multiple classic and scenic routes that can be chosen as the best route for a car to travel to Xinjiang. Here are some recommended routes and their characteristics:
Northern Xinjiang Ring Route: This is a very classic route for self-driving tours in Xinjiang, covering the most classic scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang and suitable for travelers who are self-driving in Xinjiang for the first time. The route is roughly: Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Koktokay – Burqin – Kanas Lake – Hemu Village – Devil’s City – Sayram Lake – Yining – Nalati Grassland – Bayin布鲁克 Grassland – Duku Highway – Urumqi. This route offers a rich and varied landscape, from mountains and lakes to grasslands and deserts, making it an excellent choice for experiencing the natural scenery of Xinjiang.
Kanas Ring Route: If time is relatively tight, you can choose the Kanas Ring Route. This route centers on Kanas Lake and connects the surrounding essence scenic spots, such as the fairyland-like Kanas Lake and the wooden houses of the Tuvas. The beauty here is so stunning that it makes people doubt their own perceptions. This route is suitable for travelers who want to deeply experience the scenery of Kanas.
Yili Ring Route: Yili is the "wet island" of Xinjiang, with four distinct seasons and different scenery in each. In spring, there are apricot blossoms; in summer, grasslands; in autumn, orchards; and in winter, snowy landscapes. The Yili Ring Route connects the essence scenic spots of Yili, such as Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake, making it a good choice for experiencing the diverse natural scenery and rich cultural heritage of Xinjiang.
Central Tianshan Mountain Ring Route: This route takes the Tianshan Mountains as its axis, connecting the essence scenic spots north and south of the mountains, such as Bayin布鲁克 Grassland, Tianshan Grand Canyon, and Kuqa Old Town. This route is suitable for travelers who like to explore the scenery of the Tianshan Mountains, especially from May to August, when central Xinjiang is a sea of flowers, with wildflowers everywhere on the grassland and vast lavender fields, which are very charming.
When choosing a route, pay attention to the following points:
Vehicle Selection: Xinjiang’s road conditions are complex. It is recommended to choose a car with good performance and check the vehicle’s condition in advance to ensure driving safety.
Road Conditions and Navigation: Xinjiang has a vast territory, and some road segments have weak signals. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance and understand the road conditions and traffic restrictions along the way.
Fuel and Supplies: Gas stations in Xinjiang are widely distributed, but there are fewer gas stations in remote areas such as desert highways and the Pamir Plateau. It is recommended to plan fuel stops in advance and stock up on food and drinking water.
In general, the best route for a car to travel to Xinjiang depends on factors such as personal travel time, preferences, and budget. The routes recommended above are all classic routes tested by practice and can be selected according to your own needs.