There are multiple options for the best routes to travel in Xinjiang in August, here are three recommended routes:?
Ili Grand Loop (Tianshan Grand Loop):?
This route circles along the Tianshan Mountains, crossing the Ili Valley, covering grasslands, snow-capped mountains, canyons, rivers, and glacial zones, with concentrated and exquisite scenery.?
Scenic spots along the way: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grasslands, Guozi Valley, Huocheng Lavender Fields, Jiongkushitai, Karajun Grasslands, Bayinbuluk Grasslands, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, Xiata Glacier, Qiaxi Grasslands, Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, etc.?
Driving time: 7-10 days, with a total distance of about 2,100 kilometers?
Kai-Yi Loop:?
This is a combination of the Ili Grand Loop and the Kanas Loop, allowing tourists to travel around both Ili and Kanas scenic areas simultaneously.?
Scenic spots along the way: Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Koktokay, Burqin, Hemu, Kanas, Baihaba, Urho Devil’s City, as well as some scenic spots on the Ili Grand Loop.?
Driving time: 9-13 days, with a total distance of about 3,000 kilometers?
Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop:?
This route covers multiple famous attractions in Northern Xinjiang, including Turpan’s hometown of fruits and vegetables, with rich landscapes and distinctive Yadan features of the Western Regions.?
Scenic spots along the way: Gongnais Forest Park, Bosten Lake, Lop Nur Village, Flaming Mountain, Grape Valley, Tuyugou Valley, Kumtag Desert, Gaochang Ancient City, as well as some scenic spots on the Kai-Yi Loop.?
Driving time: 13-17 days, with a total distance of about 4,800 kilometers?
Summary: August is the golden period for tourism in Xinjiang. The three routes mentioned above all cover the essence of Xinjiang’s attractions. The Ili Grand Loop focuses on the Tianshan Mountains and Ili Valley, suitable for tourists who love natural scenery and photography; the Kai-Yi Loop combines the dual beauty of Ili and Kanas, suitable for tourists with more time; the Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop is more comprehensive, covering multiple famous attractions in Northern Xinjiang, suitable for tourists who want to deeply understand Xinjiang. Based on personal interests and schedules, tourists can choose the most suitable route for their trip.?