The best route from Urumqi to Ili mainly passes through the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, G312 National Highway, and S101 Provincial Highway, with a total length of about 600 kilometers. This is a golden route where natural scenery and cultural landscapes complement each other.?
. Here are specific itinerary planning suggestions:?
Departure and first section of the itinerary:?
Starting from Urumqi, you will first pass through the Tianshan Mountains, a journey of about 150 kilometers, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of mountains and rivers. Along the way, you can also taste Xinjiang’s special cuisines, such as roast whole lamb and hand-grabbed meat.?
Mid-section itinerary and attractions:?
Continuing onward, you will arrive at the Changji to Shihezi section, which is about 170 kilometers. Although the scenery along the way is relatively monotonous, you can experience the vast rural landscapes of Xinjiang and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle in Shihezi City.?
Next is the Shihezi to Kuitun section, about 200 kilometers, passing through the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains with beautiful scenery. You can enjoy the snowy landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains and have the opportunity to visit the museum in Shihezi City.?
Subsequent recommendations and extensions:?
Before and after arriving in Ili, you can also arrange visits to multiple famous attractions such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Kalajun Grassland, Qiongkushitai, and Nalati Tourist Scenic Area. These attractions each have their own unique characteristics, such as the lake and mountain scenery of Sayram Lake, the magnificent view of Guozigou Bridge, and the vast and magnificent scenery of Kalajun Grassland.?
If you have more time, you can also consider extending your trip to the Duku Highway to enjoy the scenery that changes with the seasons or explore unique cultural landscapes such as Tekes Eight Trigrams City.?
This route not only covers the magnificent natural scenery of Xinjiang but also incorporates rich ethnic culture and historical heritage, making it an ideal choice for self-drive travel enthusiasts. During the trip, please adjust the itinerary pace and stopping time according to the actual situation to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.?