An 8-day tour from Yinchuan to Xinjiang can be arranged to be rich and diverse, covering natural scenery, historical culture, food experiences, and more. Here is a recommended 8-day itinerary:?
Day 1: Yinchuan – Zhongwei?
Morning: Depart from Yinchuan and head to Zhongwei, passing by Shuidonggou, the earliest excavated Paleolithic cultural site in China, known as the "birthplace of prehistoric archaeology in China".?
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Zhongwei, visit Shapotou, a nature reserve integrating desert, Yellow River, mountains, and oasis. You can experience camel riding, sandboarding, and other desert activities.?
Day 2: Zhongwei – Jiuquan?
Drive to Jiuquan all day, enjoying the northwest scenery along the way. Upon arrival, visit the Jiuquan Museum and the Han Great Wall ruins to learn about the historical changes of the ancient Silk Road.?
Day 3: Jiuquan – Urumqi?
Continue driving to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, which boasts rich historical culture and modern urban landscape. Upon arrival, you can taste local specialties such as big plate chicken and mutton skewers.?
Day 4: Urumqi – Tianchi Lake?
Morning: Head to the Tianchi Lake scenic area in Tianshan Mountains and take a hike along the lakeside to admire the natural scenery of snow-capped mountains, clear waters, and forests blending together.?
Afternoon: Return to the urban area of Urumqi and stroll through the Nanshan Scenic Area to experience the fusion of nature and culture.?
Day 5: Urumqi – Koktokay?
Drive to Koktokay, a scenic natural area where you need to present your ID and obtain a border pass within the scenic area. You can enjoy magnificent natural scenery and unique geographical landforms.?
Day 6: Koktokay – Burqin – Hemu?
Morning: Depart from Koktokay and head to Burqin.?
Afternoon: Arrive in Hemu and take a shuttle bus to the core scenic area. You can take a walk by the river and in the birch forest, or ride a horse up the mountain to experience the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Hemu.?
Day 7: Hemu – Kanas?
Depart from Hemu and head to Kanas. Kanas is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and mysterious legend of lake monsters. Upon arrival, you can taste the best grilled meat in Xinjiang and enjoy the riverside.?
Day 8: Kanas – Burqin – Urumqi – Yinchuan?
Morning: After visiting Kanas, head to Burqin.?
Afternoon: Depart from Burqin, return to Urumqi, and take a plane or train back to Yinchuan to end the pleasant 8-day trip.?
(Note: The actual itinerary may be adjusted due to factors such as traffic and weather)?
This itinerary covers multiple classic attractions and unique experiences along the way from Yinchuan to Xinjiang, but the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time arrangements. I hope this itinerary can provide a useful reference for your 8-day trip from Yinchuan to Xinjiang.?