The beauty of Xinjiang is well-known, but the size of Xinjiang surprises many people. With a land area of 1.6 million square kilometers, it accounts for one-sixth of the total area of China. This is equivalent to 15 Zhejiangs or 9 Guangdongs.
Xinjiang Travel Information: Xiao Guo: (same) 0991-8585456
I. Three Reasons to Choose Chartered Car Tours for Traveling in Xinjiang
The large area and distant distances between attractions make chartered car tours more comfortable
Due to the vast size of Xinjiang, the distance between attractions is relatively far. On average, a 10-day tour of Xinjiang covers about 400-500 kilometers per day. If you travel by bus with a tour group, it can be quite tiring. Renting a small car provides a more comfortable ride.
"The most beautiful scenery is on the way"—Chartered car tours are more carefree
The saying "The most beautiful scenery is on the way" probably refers to Xinjiang. The lonely highway stretching to the horizon and the casual encounter with the setting sun on the horizon are the essence of Xinjiang’s scenery. Chartered car tours can meet your needs to stop and view the scenery or take photos at any time.
"The most spectacular scenery is at the perilous peaks." Chartered car tours offer more freedom on special road segments.
Among the top ten most beautiful highways in China, Xinjiang has two: the Duku Highway and the Yizhao Highway. Both of these highways are closed to buses and are only accessible to vehicles with seven seats or fewer. Therefore, renting a five-seat or seven-seat car allows you to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery.
II. Several Classic Routes for Chartered Car Tours in Xinjiang
Xinjiang is divided into southern Xinjiang and northern Xinjiang. Southern Xinjiang is mainly known for its cultural landscapes and historical relics, with major destinations such as Kashgar, Hotan, and Kuqa; while northern Xinjiang is dominated by natural scenery, with major destinations such as Kanas and Ili, featuring lakes, forests, and grasslands as representative attractions. From June to September each year is the most beautiful season for natural scenery in northern Xinjiang, so traveling in northern Xinjiang during this period is the choice of most tourists. Therefore, the routes recommended below mainly focus on northern Xinjiang.
Recommended 5-7 Day Chartered Car Routes
If you only have about 5-7 days, it is recommended that you choose one destination in Northern Xinjiang for an in-depth tour: either Kanas Lake or Yili Grassland. Both start and end in Urumqi, with a round-trip distance of about 2,200 kilometers from Urumqi. The specific itinerary arrangements are as follows:
5-Day In-depth Tour of Kanas Lake Loop
Day 1: Urumqi – Burqin (via East Route 216 National Highway)
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas (recommended to stay within the scenic area)
Day 3: Kanas – Fish Viewing Platform – Hemu
Day 4: Hemu – Colorful Beach – Habahe
Day 5: Habahe – Ghost City – Urumqi (taking the western route on National Highway 217)
5-Day Panorama Tour of Yili Grassland Loop
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake (stay by the lake to watch the sunrise or sunset)
Day 2: Sayram Lake – Karakul Grassland (Karakul is divided into Koksu Grand Canyon and East-West Karakul Grassland; it is recommended to visit East-West Karakul in June and Koksu Grand Canyon in July/August/September)
Day 3: Karakul – Nalati (Nalati is divided into Aerial Grassland and Valley Grassland; it is recommended to visit both)
Day 4: Nalati – Bayinbuluke (Swan Lake and Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn River, best viewed at dusk)
Day 5: Bayinbuluke – Duku Highway – Urumqi (only vehicles with 7 seats or less are allowed; if there are more than 6 people, it is recommended to split into two vehicles)
Yili and Yining confuse many people, who think they are two different places. In fact, "Yili" is a general term for a region, fully named "Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture", and its capital city is "Yining". The Yili region is commonly known as "the south of the Great Wall beyond the Great Wall", and the entire region is dominated by grassland scenery, with five or six large and small grasslands, each with its own unique style. If you have enough time, it is recommended to choose three to four for in-depth tours, and you will be amazed by the different stunning beauty each grassland brings you.
Another way to tour Northern Xinjiang in 7 days is to use two flights, which will make the trip less arduous but require sacrificing some scenery along the way, such as the Duku Highway. The specific itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Urumqi – Kanas (by air)
Day 2: Kanas – Hemu
Day 3: Hemu – Burqin
Day 4: Burqin – Ghost City – Kuitun
Day 5: Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 6: Yining – Bayinbuluke
Day 7: Bayinbuluke – Nalati – Urumqi (by air)
"Northern Xinjiang", in the mouths of local Xinjiang residents, refers broadly to a large area, namely the region north of the Tianshan Mountains. In the past, only local Xinjiang residents understood the meaning of this term. In recent years, with the development of tourism, tourists to Xinjiang are no longer satisfied with just seeing small loop routes such as Tianshan Tianchi, the Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley in Turpan, and the lake monster of Kanas. More people are coming to Xinjiang, hoping to see the most representative natural scenery of Xinjiang, such as lakes, forests, and grasslands. As a result, the Kanas Lake + Yili Grassland Grand Loop route is becoming increasingly popular. And Kanas + Yili represents most of the natural scenery of "Northern Xinjiang" in Xinjiang.
8-10 Days Chartered Car Tour Route
If you have 8-10 days, you can choose to include the two major scenic areas in northern Xinjiang (Kanas Lake and Yili Grassland) in your plan, as it’s not easy to come to Xinjiang. The specific route reference is as follows:
Day 1: Urumqi – Burqin (via East Route 216 National Highway)
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas (recommended to stay within the scenic area)
Day 3: Kanas – Fish Viewing Platform – Hemu
Day 4: Hemu – Colorful Beach – Habahe
Day 5: Habahe – Ghost City – Kuitun
Day 6: Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Nalati
Day 7: Nalati – Bayanbulak
Day 8: Bayanbulak – Duku Highway – Urumqi
If you have 9 or 10 days, the itinerary can be designed a bit more leisurely, such as staying overnight at Sayram Lake or adding the Kalajun scenic area. The most economical time arrangement for northern Xinjiang is 8 days, as it will save one day of accommodation and car rental fees. However, the best time arrangement suggestion is 9-10 days, so it won’t be too tiring.
11-15 Days Chartered Car Tour Route
If you have around 11 to 15 days, you can plan a small loop tour of northern and southern Xinjiang. This loop covers very representative scenic spots in both northern and southern Xinjiang, and the entire journey does not involve backtracking. The specific reference route is as follows:
Day 1: Urumqi – Burqin (via East Route 216 National Highway)
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas (recommended to stay within the scenic area)
Day 3: Kanas – Fish Viewing Platform – Hemu
Day 4: Hemu – Colorful Beach – Habahe
Day 5: Habahe – Ghost City – Kuitun
Day 6: Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 7: Yining – Kalajun – Tekes
Day 8: Tekes – Nalati
Day 9: Nalati – Bayanbulak
Day 10: Bayanbulak – Duku Highway (Kuqa section) – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon – Kuqa
Day 11: Kuqa – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Korla
Day 12: Korla – Lop Nur Village – Urumqi
III. Estimated Cost of Chartered Car Tours in Xinjiang
Chartered car fees
The cost of chartered car tours in Xinjiang is higher compared to other places. The reason is simple: Xinjiang has long distances and high costs.
Generally, the daily cost for a 5-seater sedan is around 1000-1200 yuan, which includes the driver’s labor fee, fuel cost, and toll fees. It does not include the driver’s accommodation and meal expenses. If the travel agency books the hotel, some hotels have agreements with travel agencies for driver’s rooms, some of which are free, while others only charge a bed fee of 80-100 yuan, which is quite cost-effective. This chartered car fee basically does not limit the number of kilometers per day, as long as it doesn’t involve driving at night.
The cost for a 5-seater SUV is slightly higher, about 100-150 yuan more per day. Common models include domestic brands like Haval, Huanghai, Landwind, or joint ventures like Hyundai, Kia, etc.
The price for a 5-seater SUV is a bit higher, such as the frequently used Toyota Land Cruiser, with an average daily cost of around 1600-1900 yuan. This is also an all-inclusive price.
Choose from a variety of car models!!!!
So, you have the beautiful scenery, and I just happen to have the time. What are we waiting for? Pack your bags and let’s go!
For details, please contact: Xinjiang Tourism Xiao Guo: (same) 0991-8585456