The travel guide from Kashgar to Ili mainly includes four aspects: route planning, scenic spot recommendations, accommodation and food, as well as travel preparations.
I. Route Planning
Self-Driving Tour Route:
Depart from Kashgar and head north along National Highway G314 or the Turpan-Hotan Expressway, passing through the Aksu Region.
Continue前行 and choose to travel through the Duku Highway, which is known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in China" for self-driving. The scenery along the way is breathtaking.
Finally arrive at Yining, the capital of Ili Prefecture. The total distance is about 1,700 kilometers and it takes approximately 4 days.
Two-Day In-depth Travel Route:
Day 1: Depart from Kashgar, travel through the Aksu Region, and visit scenic spots such as Kuqa Old City.
Day 2: Travel through Urumqi and finally arrive at Ili Grassland to enjoy the grassland scenery.
II. Scenic Spot Recommendations
Kashgar City:
Before departing, you can visit Kashgar Old City to experience the charm and exotic atmosphere of this city.
Aksu Region:
Visit famous scenic spots such as the Thousand Buddha Caves and the Tarim River.
Along the Duku Highway:
Scenic spots such as the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains and the Big and Small Dragon Lakes are worth visiting.
Ili Region:
After arriving in Ili, you can visit famous scenic spots such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Valley, and Nalati Grassland.
III. Accommodation and Food
Accommodation Recommendations:
In Kashgar and Urumqi, Atour Hotel and Grand Mercure are recommended.
There are also various accommodation options in towns along the way, and it is recommended to book higher-rated accommodations in advance.
Food Reminder:
Green leafy vegetables may not be very common in Xinjiang, so it is recommended to bring vitamins and other foods that help with bowel movements.
Within scenic areas, food prices may be higher, so it is advisable to purchase dried food in advance in larger cities.
Local specialty foods such as grilled mutton kebabs and hand-grabbed rice are worth trying.
IV. Travel Preparations
Document Preparation:
After arriving in Kashgar, you need to obtain a border defense permit, as Ili also requires a border defense permit.
Physical Sunscreen:
Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays, so it is recommended to bring hats, sunglasses, masks, and other physical sunscreen items.
Vehicle Preparation:
For self-driving tours, ensure that the vehicle is well-maintained and carry necessary emergency tools.
Clothing Preparation:
Prepare clothing according to the weather conditions, such as shorts, T-shirts, thin down jackets, etc.
In summary, the travel guide from Kashgar to Ili covers various aspects including route planning, scenic spot recommendations, accommodation and food, as well as travel preparations. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip and enjoy an unforgettable journey in Xinjiang.