The Xinjiang North-South Circuit is an excellent travel route that combines natural scenery, ethnic culture, and historical relics. Below is a carefully planned Xinjiang North-South Circuit travel route that covers multiple must-visit attractions and unique experiences.?
I. Route Planning?
North Xinjiang Circuit?
Urumqi: As the starting point, you can freely roam around this city full of ethnic charm, taste local cuisine, and feel the cultural atmosphere of Xinjiang.?
Koktokay: Explore this mysterious mining area and admire the spectacular natural scenery and unique geological landforms.?
Kanas Lake: The lake water is clear and the scenery is enchanting, making it one of Xinjiang’s most famous natural landscapes. You can climb up to the Fish-watching Tower for a panoramic view or take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside trail.?
Hemu Village: This Tuvan village preserves its original natural landscape and ethnic culture, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Colorful Beach: Renowned for its Yardang landform, the hills have various shapes and colors, showcasing the magnificent work of nature.?
Urho Devil’s City: Unique wind-erosion landforms have formed numerous strangely shaped stone pillars, which appear even more mysterious under nighttime lighting.?
South Xinjiang Circuit?
Kashi Old Town: This historic city preserves a large number of traditional Uyghur architecture and folk culture, making it an excellent place to understand southern Xinjiang’s culture.?
Muztagh Ata: Get up close to this ‘Father of Glaciers’ and feel the majesty and grandeur of the snowy mountains.?
Taklamakan Desert: Cross China’s largest desert and experience special activities such as desert off-roading and camel riding.?
Populus euphratica Forest: In autumn, the golden leaves of the Populus euphratica trees contrast beautifully with the blue sky, making it an excellent time for photography.?
Kuqa Grand Canyon: A stunning red cliff canyon showcasing the magical charm of nature.?
II. Itinerary Suggestions?
Time arrangement: The North-South Circuit is relatively long, so it is recommended to allocate at least 15-20 days to fully explore each attraction and experience local culture.?
Transportation: Self-driving is the best choice, but please be aware of road conditions and driving safety. You can also choose to join a group tour to enjoy more professional guide services and itinerary arrangements.?
Best season: May to October is the golden season for tourism in Xinjiang, with July to August being hotter but having the most charming scenery; September to October is a photographer’s paradise with enchanting autumn colors.?
III. Precautions?
Protect against sunburn and heatstroke: Xinjiang has strong UV rays and high temperatures in summer, so please take measures to protect against sunburn and heatstroke.?
Keep warm and prevent cold: The temperatures in mountainous areas and at night are lower, so please bring enough warm clothing.?
Respect local culture: During your visit, please respect the local ethnic culture and customs to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.?
I hope this Xinjiang North-South Circuit travel route will add endless fun and wonderful memories to your Xinjiang trip!?