Urumqi, Duku Highway, and Yili are important tourist routes in Xinjiang, covering natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and special experiences. Here is a comprehensive travel guide:?
Itinerary Planning:?
Departure from Urumqi: As the capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi is the starting point for most tourists. You can visit Hongshan Park and Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to feel the oasis and exotic charm of the city.?
Duku Highway: Known as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Highway’, with cliffs, alpine meadows, snowy mountains, and lakes forming a moving scroll along the way. Free for self-driving, but safety should be taken into consideration.?
Yili Region: Rich in natural landscapes and cultural customs, such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Karajun Grassland, etc.?
Recommended Attractions:?
Sayram Lake: The lake water is clear and blue, captivating the heart. Surrounded by vast grasslands and majestic mountains, it is a core attraction on the Yili loop route.?
Nalati Grassland: One of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers cover the mountains, and in winter, it is covered with snow.?
Karajun Grassland: Deeply explore the natural wonders of Karajun and appreciate the vastness and grandeur of the grassland.?
Dushanzi Grand Canyon, S101 National Defense Highway: Immerse yourself in the magnificent Danxia landform, then explore the unique landscapes of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and marvel at the wonders of nature.?
Special Experiences:?
Self-driving on the Duku Highway: Experience the magnificent scenery of China’s most beautiful highway. You can stop along the way to take photos and enjoy the beauty of nature.?
Horseback Riding Across the Grassland: At attractions like the Nalati Grassland, tourists can experience horseback riding across the grassland and feel the charm of the Kazak culture.?
Cycling Around the Lake and Starry Sky Camping: At attractions like Sayram Lake, it is recommended to go cycling around the lake and camping under the starry sky to enjoy a unique outdoor experience.?
Itinerary Suggestions:?
Time Arrangement: Depending on your personal schedule and preferences, you can choose an itinerary ranging from 3 to 11 days, covering the main attractions of Urumqi, the Duku Highway, and Yili.?
Accommodation Reservation: Book accommodations along the route in advance to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Especially during the peak tourist season, planning ahead is even more important.?
Ticket Reservation: Some attractions such as the Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake require tickets. It is recommended to book online in advance to avoid queuing at the scene.?
Through this route, tourists can fully appreciate the natural scenery and cultural charm of Xinjiang, experience the prosperity of Urumqi, the grandeur of the Duku Highway, and the beauty of Yili. I hope this travel guide can help you with your trip to Xinjiang!?