A 20-day travel guide to Xinjiang can cover multiple famous attractions and experiences in both Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Here is a detailed itinerary:
Day 1-2: Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, you can have a free day on the first day to adjust to the time difference, rest, and relax.
The next day, you can head to Tianshan Heavenly Lake to experience the tranquility and beauty of the alpine lake. You can also choose to take a cable car to the top of the mountain to overlook the panoramic view of the Heavenly Lake
Days 3-4: Urumqi – Burqin – Kanas
On the third day, depart for Burqin, and you can enjoy the sunset at Colorful Beach along the way.
On the fourth day, visit Kanas Lake, where the lake water changes color with the seasons and weather, as if it is a nature’s palette. You can take a boat tour to admire the lake scenery and mountains.
Days 5-6: Kanas – Hemu Village – World Ghost City
On the fifth day, head to Hemu Village to experience horseback riding adventures in the primitive forest, and you can also take photos of the Milky Way and starry sky at night.
On the sixth day, head to the World Ghost City and Dushanzi Grand Canyon to feel the wonders of nature.
Days 7-8: Karamay – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge
On the seventh day, head to Sayram Lake for a circumnavigation tour, and the Guozigou Cliff offers an excellent photo opportunity.
On the eighth day, you can visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland, where the morning light is perfect for taking photos.
Days 9-10: Ili – Bayinbuluke
On the ninth day, head to Bayinbuluke to admire the scenery of the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River, and remember to bring mosquito repellent.
On the tenth day, you can experience the northern section of the Duku Highway and witness the miraculous changes of the four seasons in a single day.
Days 11-12: Duku Highway – Mysterious Grand Canyon of Mount Tianshan – Kuqa
On the eleventh day, cross the Duku Highway to feel its grandeur and steepness.
On the twelfth day, visit the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Mount Tianshan to experience the magical charm of nature.
Days 13-14: Kuqa – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Wensu Grand Canyon
On the thirteenth day, visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to learn about the Buddhist culture of Xinjiang.
On the fourteenth day, visit Wensu Grand Canyon to feel the wonders of nature.
Days 15-16: Aksu – N39 Desert Highway – Kashgar
On the fifteenth day, depart from Aksu and head to Kashgar along the N39 Desert Highway.
On the sixteenth day, take a one-day tour in Kashgar City to experience the unique charm of this ancient city.
Days 17-18: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Tahman Wetland – Mount Muztagata – Taxkorgan County
On the seventeenth day, depart from Kashgar, visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Tahman Wetland, and finally arrive in Taxkorgan County at the foot of Mount Muztagata.
On the eighteenth day, visit the Golden Grass Marsh Wetland and the盘龙 (Dragon Coiled) Ancient Road in Taxkorgan County to feel the magnificent scenery of the plateau.
Days 19-20: Taxkorgan County – Yarkant – Taklamakan Desert – Luntai – Korla – Bosten Lake
On the nineteenth day, depart from Taxkorgan County, passing through Yarkant and the Taklamakan Desert along the way, and arrive in Luntai.
On the twentieth day, after visiting the Populus euphratica Forest in Luntai, head to Korla, and finally visit Bosten Lake to end this Xinjiang tour.
This itinerary covers many famous attractions in Xinjiang, including Tianchi Lake in Mount Tianshan, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluke, Duku Highway, and the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Mount Tianshan, allowing tourists to fully experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Xinjiang. Remember to adjust the itinerary according to the season and weather to enjoy the purest Xinjiang style.