Starting from Ningbo to travel to Xinjiang is a journey full of exotic charm and natural beauty. Here are some detailed travel tips:?
Itinerary planning?
Self-driving tour?
Itinerary arrangement:?
Day 1: Ningbo to Xi’an (about 1700 kilometers, driving time of about 17 hours)?
Day 2: Rest and prepare for the subsequent itinerary in Xi’an?
Day 3: Xi’an to Urumqi (about 1900 kilometers, driving time of about 20 hours)?
Day 4: Urumqi to Yining City (about 600 kilometers, driving time of about 7 hours)?
Day 5: Yining City to Nalati Forest Park and Karajun Grassland?
Day 6-8: Visit the Nalati and Karajun Grasslands, return to Urumqi, and end the trip?
Precautions:?
Document preparation: Necessary documents such as ID cards, driver’s licenses, and vehicle licenses must be carried with you. Some scenic spots may require a border defense certificate, so it is recommended to apply for it in advance.?
Vehicle inspection: Before a long-distance self-driving trip, be sure to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle to ensure driving safety.?
Road conditions and weather: The distances between attractions in Xinjiang are far, and the road conditions are complex. It is necessary to understand the weather conditions in advance and prepare corresponding clothing and rain gear.?
Altitude sickness: The Yili area has a relatively high altitude, and some tourists may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare in advance.?
Airplane + ground transportation?
Airplane: Take a direct flight from Ningbo Lishe International Airport to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, with a flight time of about 5 hours.?
Ground transportation: After arriving in Urumqi, you can choose to rent a car, charter a car, or take a coach to various attractions.?
Must-visit attractions?
Tianshan Tianchi: Located about 110 kilometers east of Urumqi in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains, it is a natural scenery area integrating snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands. The lake scenery of Tianchi in summer is extremely beautiful.?
Kanas Lake: Known as the "Eastern Switzerland", the lake water is clear and transparent, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque view. Climbing up to the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the lake scenery is even more breathtaking.?
Nalati Grassland: Located in the middle of the Yili River Valley, it is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China. The scenery here is enchanting, with green grass in summer and flocks of sheep and cattle, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Hemu Village: Known as the "God’s Reserve", it is the settlement of the Tuvans. Here, primitive wooden buildings and traditional lifestyles are preserved. Morning chimney smoke and evening sunsets are the most beautiful scenes in Hemu.?
Devil’s City: A typical Yadan landform scenic area. It is very spectacular in the evening, with the sunset adding a mysterious color to the strange rocks.?
Kashgar Old Town: With a long history and rich cultural heritage, the buildings in the town are full of Uyghur characteristics. The Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Residential Area, and other attractions are worth visiting.?
Food recommendations?
Mutton Kebab: One of Xinjiang’s most representative delicacies, it is made of fresh mutton grilled over charcoal fire, crispy outside and tender inside, with a fragrant aroma.?
Hand-Grabbed Rice: The main ingredients include mutton, carrots, onions, rice, etc. It is nutritious and delicious.?
Big Plate Chicken: Tender chicken and soft potatoes, served with wide noodles, offer a rich taste and are a very popular homemade dish.?
Nang: Xinjiang’s traditional staple food comes in various flavors and shapes, such as oily nang, sesame nang, meat nang, etc. It can be eaten dry or soaked in soup.?
Travel tips?
Sunscreen and moisturizing: Xinjiang has a dry climate and strong ultraviolet rays. It is necessary to take sunscreen and moisturizing measures, carrying items such as sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, sun hats, and lip balm.?
Time zone adjustment: Xinjiang is about two hours different from the mainland in time zone. It is necessary to adjust your schedule to adapt to Xinjiang’s lifestyle.?
Respect local customs: Xinjiang is a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups. It is necessary to respect local religious beliefs and customs to avoid unnecessary trouble.?
Starting from Ningbo to Xinjiang for tourism, whether choosing self-driving or flying + ground transportation, you can appreciate Xinjiang’s unique natural scenery and multiculturalism. During the trip, please pay attention to safety, respect local customs, and enjoy this unforgettable journey to your heart’s content.?