A 30-day self-guided tour of Xinjiang can cover the main attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang, combining historical culture, natural scenery, and food experiences. Here is a detailed guide:?
I. Itinerary Planning?
Days 1-7: Essence tour of northern Xinjiang?
D1: Arrive in Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Museum, and learn about the local history and culture.?
D2: Depart from Urumqi, visit Tianshan Tianchi, and overnight in Koktokay Town.?
D3: Visit the Koktokay Scenic Area, take photos at the Colorful Beach, and overnight in Burqin.?
D4: Depart from Burqin, visit Baihaba Village, and overnight in the Kanas scenic area.?
D5: Take a tour around Kanas Lake, including Guanyuting, Shenxianwan, Yueliangwan, and Wolongwan, and overnight in the Kanas scenic area.?
D6: Depart from Kanas, visit the Hemu River and Hemu Bridge, take a walk in the Birch Forest, and overnight in the Hemu scenic area.?
D7: Enjoy the morning fog and sunrise in Hemu, observe the stars, and overnight in the Hemu scenic area.?
Days 8-14: In-depth exploration of northern Xinjiang?
D8: Free activities in Hemu, return to Burqin.?
D9: Depart from Burqin, visit the Devil City and Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and overnight in Kuitun.?
D10: Depart from Kuitun, take a tour around Sayram Lake, and overnight in Qingshuihe.?
D11-D13: Depart from Qingshuihe, visit the Lavender Base and Kazanzi Folk Village (D11), proceed to Yining, visit the Yizhao Highway and the Rapeseed Flower Sea (D12), visit the Xiata Ancient Road National Park and Zhaosu Wetland Park in Zhaosu (D13), and overnight according to the itinerary.?
D14: Depart from Zhaosu, head to Jongkushitai, and enjoy the natural scenery.?
Days 15-30: Experience the customs of southern Xinjiang?
D15: Depart from Jongkushitai, visit the Karakun Grassland and Tekes Eight Trigrams City, and overnight in Tekes.?
The subsequent itinerary can include attractions in southern Xinjiang such as the Taklamakan Desert, the Tarim River Populus Euphrates Forest, and the Kashgar Old Town. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and actual conditions.?
II. Food Recommendations?
Xinjiang’s authentic cuisine such as BBQ, mutton kebabs, big plate chicken, stir-fried rice noodles, handmade yogurt, Xinjiang-style pilaf, baked naan, naan wrapped with meat, and baked stuffed buns should not be missed.?
In places like Kashgar in southern Xinjiang, you can also taste unique dishes such as roasted pigeon, pigeon soup, and pilaf.?
III. Precautions?
Xinjiang is vast, and the distance between attractions is far. It is recommended to rent a car or go on a self-drive tour to flexibly arrange your itinerary.?
Xinjiang has a dry climate, so pay attention to sunscreen and hydration. At the same time, respect the local customs and habits.?
Plan your itinerary in advance and book hotels and tickets to avoid delaying your schedule.?
This guide is for reference only. The specific itinerary and arrangements can be adjusted according to personal interests and actual conditions. Wish you have a great and fulfilling 30-day self-guided tour in Xinjiang!?