The self-driving travel guide for Northern Xinjiang mainly includes itinerary planning, must-visit attractions, and preparations before travel.
I. Itinerary Planning
You can refer to the following two classic self-driving itineraries in Northern Xinjiang:
8-day 7-night itinerary:
D1: First encounter in Urumqi, free activities after landing to adapt to the rhythm of Xinjiang.
D2: Depart from Urumqi to explore the百里丹霞 (Baili Danxia, a type of red rock formation) and Grand Canyon.
D3: Head to Sayram Lake for a trip around the lake, and then visit Kazanqi Folk Village and Liuxing Street.
D4: Depart from Yining, view the Qiapuqihai Lake on the way, arrive at Kuerding to appreciate the natural beauty, and visit a Kazakh family in the afternoon.
D5: Have fun on the Nalati Aerial Grassland, and view the Gongnais Snow Mountain Pass on the way.
D6: Explore the Karez Wells in Turpan to feel the wisdom of the ancients, and then proceed to Kumtag Desert.
D7: View the landform of Flaming Mountains on the way, and arrive at Tuyugou Mazavillage to feel the historical charm.
D8: Farewell in Urumqi, free activities before returning.
10-day Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Urumqi – Koktokay/Kokesuli/Fuyun.
Day 2: Koktokay/Kokesuli/Fuyun – Habahe.
Day 3: Habahe County – Kanas – Jiadenyu.
The subsequent itinerary also includes visiting Hemu Village, Kanas National Geological Park, Colorful Beach, Sayram Lake, Nalati Aerial Grassland, and other attractions, before returning to Urumqi to end the trip.
II. Must-visit Attractions
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the "God’s Back Garden". It is picturesque in all seasons, especially the three bays (Shenxian Bay, Yueliang Bay, Wolong Bay) in autumn, which are extremely beautiful.
Sayram Lake: You can take a pleasant trip around the lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery.
Koktokay National Geological Park: It has unique natural landscapes and geological relics.
Colorful Beach: The peaks are like forests, with unique shapes. The landscapes such as stone peaks, stone walls, and stone pillars are both magnificent and harmonious.
III. Preparations Before Travel
Best Travel Time: From May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang. The scenery varies in different months, so you can choose according to your preferences.
Border Scenic Area Permit: You need to apply for a permit in advance to visit the border scenic areas to avoid making a futile trip.
In addition, you need to prepare corresponding luggage items according to personal needs and travel arrangements, such as clothing, medicine, cameras, etc. During the trip, please pay attention to complying with local regulations and customs to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.