With the rapid economic development in recent years, more and more people have started to include travel in their list of daily necessities. Tibet and Xinjiang, which were relatively remote before, are now within reach. Many people lack understanding of traveling to Tibet and Xinjiang. Today, the strategy expert will talk to you about route selection when traveling in Xinjiang.
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has a typical terrain of three mountains sandwiching two basins. The basin on the north is usually called Northern Xinjiang, and the basin on the south is called Southern Xinjiang. Northern Xinjiang refers to the northern part of Xinjiang. The Tianshan Mountains divide Xinjiang into two major parts, with the area north of the mountains being called Northern Xinjiang. It includes Urumqi, Karamay, Altay Prefecture, Tacheng Prefecture, Changji, Shihezi, Beitun, Kekedala, Yili, Bortala, and other regions. South of the Tianshan Mountains is Southern Xinjiang, mainly including Kashgar, Aksu, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Hotan, and several other county-level cities under the management of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. In addition to the cities in Northern and Southern Xinjiang, Xinjiang also has Turpan and Hami, which are sometimes referred to as Eastern Xinjiang or can directly be considered part of Northern Xinjiang.
After saying all this, some people may start to feel confused. I just want to quietly go on a trip to Xinjiang. Why are you telling me about so many places? Actually, generally speaking, Xinjiang tourism can be basically divided into two main destinations: Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang. As for which one you should choose, it depends on your specific situation.
1, Travel time: If your travel time is relatively short, only about seven to eight days, it is recommended to choose Northern Xinjiang as your destination. If your vacation can last for twelve days or more, you will basically be able to cover the highlights of Southern Xinjiang. Of course, if your vacation can reach more than 20 days, then you can enjoy a complete tour of both Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
2, Travel budget: Northern Xinjiang tourism started earlier, with complete supporting facilities, a relatively large tourist reception capacity, and concentrated tourism resources. Therefore, the general travel prices are relatively low. Southern Xinjiang tourism started later, with physically long distances between tourist attractions and a longer travel cycle. Therefore, the travel budget for Southern Xinjiang is generally higher.
3, The mode of transportation is also an important factor affecting whether to go to Southern Xinjiang or Northern Xinjiang. If you are self-driving or planning to rent a car upon arrival, you can adjust your travel route according to the actual situation. If you are joining a tour group or participating in an outdoor activity, the flexibility of your itinerary will be greatly limited, and you will often have to follow the predetermined route.
4, Regarding previous travel experience, the altitude of the Northern Xinjiang route does not vary much, so there is no need to worry about altitude sickness. The Southern Xinjiang route generally includes parts of the Duku Highway and the Hongqilafu Pass, with higher altitudes in some sections. There is a possibility of altitude sickness, so for those without high-altitude travel experience, choosing the Southern Xinjiang route directly may involve some uncertain risks. If this is your first trip to Xinjiang, we recommend setting your travel destination in Northern Xinjiang. For those who have visited Xinjiang once or more, the Southern Xinjiang route can be given more consideration.
Sharing two regular travel itineraries for Northern and Southern Xinjiang with everyone:
12-Day Southern Xinjiang Brief Itinerary (Including Duku Highway)
Day 1 Various Locations Nationwide – Urumqi (Assembly)
Arrive at Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, famous for its songs and dances, fruits, and gold and jade.
Day 2 Urumqi – Lop Nur Village – Korla (about 620KM)
Day 3 Korla – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Kuqa (about 400KM)
Day 4 Kuqa – Kuqa王府 (王府 should be translated based on context, assuming it’s a palace or mansion) – Taklamakan Desert – Hotan (about 650KM)
Day 5 Hotan – Yecheng – Kashgar (about 520KM)
Day 6 Kashgar – Karakul Lake (Muztagh Ata) – Kashgar (about 400KM)
Day 7 Kashgar – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu (about 600KM)
Day 8 Aksu – Kuqa (about 255KM)
Day 9 Kuqa – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak (about 265KM)
Day 10 Bayanbulak – Nalati (about 80KM)
Day 11 Nalati – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Urumqi (about 640KM)
Day 12 Urumqi – Various Locations Nationwide (Dismissal)
Recommended Travel Time: Every year from June to September
Nine-Day Northern Xinjiang Regular Itinerary:
Day 1: Various Locations – Urumqi (Assembly)
Day 2: Urumqi – Karamay – Colorful Beach – Burqin (about 680KM)
Day 3: Burqin – Hemu – Jiadenyu (180km)
Day 4: Jiadenyu – Kanas (Three Bays and One Lake) – Burqin
Day 5: Burqin – Urho (Ghost Town) – Kuitun/Wusu (about 600KM)
Day 6: Kuitun/Wusu – Sayram Lake – Huocheng – Yili (about 550KM)
Day 7: Yili – Nalati – Bayanbulak (about 370KM)
Day 8: Bayanbulak – Hejing – Turpan (about 630KM)
Day 9: Turpan – Grape Valley – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Urumqi (Dismissal)
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456