There are numerous travel routes starting from Xinjiang, which can be selected based on personal preferences and time arrangements. Here are some suggested travel routes and scenic spots:
Northern Xinjiang Snow Valley Ice and Snow Tourism Route (Suitable for Winter):
Starting from Urumqi, heading north along the northern slope of Mount Tianshan to the Altai Mountains, experience the earliest opening, longest ski trails, highest altitude, and largest vertical drop ski resorts in China, such as Jikepulin Ski Resort and Koktokay Ski Resort.
Visit scenic spots such as Mount Tianshan and Tianchi Lake, Kajangetohai Village, Yileimu Lake, and feel the charm of the icy world.
In-depth Northern Xinjiang Tour Route:
Visit scenic spots such as Mount Tianshan and Tianchi Lake, Koktokay, Colorful Beach, Kanas, Hemu, and appreciate natural beauty such as snowy forests, silver-clad icefalls, etc.
You can also explore the frozen Ulungur Lake, the wind-carved and snow-sculpted World Devil’s City, and other strange and magnificent landscapes.
Great Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop Route (Suitable for tourists with ample time):
Starting from Urumqi, the entire journey is 4,800 kilometers, allowing you to experience both the autumn scenery of Kanas in Northern Xinjiang and the charm of the Taklamakan Desert in Southern Xinjiang.
The Northern Xinjiang Loop Route includes popular attractions such as Qinggeda Lake, Koktokay, Colorful Beach, Kanas, Hemu Village, etc.; the Southern Xinjiang Loop Route covers ancient cities, Thousand Buddha Caves, desert highways, Populus euphratica forests, and other relics of the Silk Road.
7-Day 6-Night Self-Driving Tour Route:
On the first day of arrival in Urumqi, you are free to explore. It is recommended to visit the Autonomous Region Museum.
In the following days, visit Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Kazanqi Folk Village, Qiaxi Forest Park, Nalati Aerial Grassland, Bayinbrooke, and other scenic spots successively, before returning to Urumqi to end the journey.
16-Day Tour Around Xinjiang Route:
This is a more detailed self-driving tour route, starting from Urumqi and passing by multiple scenic spots such as Tianchi Lake, Jiangbulake, Koktokay, Fuhai County, Colorful Beach, Kanas, Hemu, Wuerhe魔鬼城 (Ghost Town), Sayram Lake, Kazanqi, Yizhao Highway, Xiata, Karajun, Nalati, Bayinbrooke, the northern section of Duku Highway, Hundred-Mile Gallery, and more.
Finally, return to Urumqi International Grand Bazaar along S101 National Defense Highway to end your pleasant journey.
Xinjiang boasts rich natural and cultural landscapes. No matter which route you choose, you can appreciate the unique charm of Xinjiang. It is recommended to select the most suitable travel route based on personal interests and time arrangements.