Many people long for the mysterious Xinjiang, but it is too far from the mainland. Moreover, Xinjiang is incredibly large; even a single county like Luntai is as big as Zhejiang Province. The difference is that Xinjiang is mostly gobi and desert, with oasis only visible after traveling long distances.
The vastness of Xinjiang is not the same as the concept we use to measure distance in the mainland. Outside Urumqi, no matter where you go, distances are measured in hundreds of kilometers. Traveling in Xinjiang means you are either on the road or still on the road. The endless roads are a testament to your endurance. The straight-line distance from Urumqi to Kanas is 880 kilometers, and with speed limits in mountainous areas, the driving time is about 12 hours.
If you want to immerse yourself and appreciate the magic of this land, you cannot do it without ten to fifteen days. Because Xinjiang is vast, and its scenic spots are vastly different, some are worth seeing, while others are not.
I. Eastern Route Tourism
The eastern route mainly includes Hami, Turpan, Qitai Jiangbulake, and the Tianchi Lake in Changji. Generally, more people visit Tianchi Lake and Turpan, which can be covered in about two days. It is a relatively mature route. In fact, many people don’t know that Hami is the eastern gate of Xinjiang, with the East Tianshan Mountains standing tall here. There are bullet trains from Hami to Turpan and Urumqi, reaching in just three hours, so visiting Hami is very convenient. Guests coming from Dunhuang, Gansu Province, can consider staying here for two days. Hami City is not large, and the Huiwang Tomb and Gaisi Tomb in the urban area can be reached by taxi or bus. East Tianshan Barilkun, anciently known as Puluhai, boasts the Baishitou Scenic Area, Songshutang Scenic Area, Mingsha Mountain, and historic sites such as the Xiangu Temple in Barilkun County, which are worth visiting.
II. Northern Route Tourism
The northern route is the highlight of Xinjiang. The Kanas and Yili regions are the first choices for many friends visiting Xinjiang for the first time. They mainly showcase natural scenery, particularly grassland landscapes, including wetlands, lakes, mountains, and snow-capped peaks.
III. Southern Route Tourism
Xinjiang is divided into southern Xinjiang south of the Tianshan Mountains. The region from Turpan southwards to Kashgar, covering more than 1,500 kilometers, belongs to southern Xinjiang. The ancient Silk Road entered Xinjiang from the mainland through Hami in eastern Xinjiang, passing through Turpan and crossing the Taklamakan Desert before reaching various European and Asian countries. Everywhere it went, it left historical imprints, such as the famous Xiaohe Tomb, Loulan Ancient City, and Jingjue Ancient City, where many artifacts and mummies were unearthed. The vast desert and road trips in southern Xinjiang offer a more profound experience of desolation and heroism. Sometimes, you may not see a single car on the desert highway for hours.
The editor suggests that traveling by car is definitely the best choice for exploring southern Xinjiang. However, if you drive yourself, the many speed limits and vast territories may intimidate mainland friends. The best choice is to travel with a guided self-drive tour. Local veteran drivers will lead the way, and you can stop at any scenic spot along the way. Whenever there is specialty roasted meat or baked buns, you can enjoy them to your heart’s content.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456