Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456
The Tianshan Mountains are a symbol of Xinjiang
When mentioning Xinjiang, many people first think of the word ‘Tianshan’ in their minds
The Tianshan Mountains stretch across central Xinjiang, running east to west
Xinjiang people are accustomed to calling the area north of the Tianshan Mountains Northern Xinjiang and the area south of the Tianshan Mountains Southern Xinjiang
Some people like the colorful scenery with green mountains and clear waters in Northern Xinjiang
And some people have a unique love for Southern Xinjiang’s desolation and vicissitudes
Three Obvious Differences Between Northern and Southern Xinjiang
1. Climatic Differences
Northern Xinjiang, north of the Tianshan Mountains, has a relatively humid climate and slightly more rainfall due to the influence of the Siberian warm and wet air currents. Southern Xinjiang, south of the Tianshan Mountains, has a dry climate and scarce rainfall due to the towering Tianshan Mountains blocking the warm and wet air currents from entering.
2. Differences in Landscape Characteristics
Due to obvious climatic differences, there are huge differences in landscape characteristics between Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Northern Xinjiang has a humid climate, which has nurtured a large number of natural landscapes such as forests, grasslands, and lakes, with the most famous being the Kanas Lake Tourist Area and Ili Grassland Tourist Area; while Southern Xinjiang has a dry climate, with natural landscapes dominated by deserts, plateaus, and poplar forests. The religious sites and ancient cities left over from the Silk Road more than a thousand years ago have also been preserved due to its dry climate, becoming an important part of Southern Xinjiang’s human landscapes. Therefore, it can be said that Northern Xinjiang’s landscapes are mainly natural, while Southern Xinjiang’s landscapes are a combination of natural and human landscapes.
3. Differences in Travel Methods
Northern Xinjiang’s natural landscapes, such as Kanas Lake and Ili Grassland, are relatively mature and well-developed due to earlier tourism development. Various transportation options are convenient, with airplanes, trains, and highways directly reaching the scenic areas. Southern Xinjiang’s tourism development is relatively later and less developed compared to Northern Xinjiang, where tourists can either choose to rent a car or travel independently.
II
The most classic recommended way to play in both Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Recommended Ways to Play in Northern Xinjiang
Northern Xinjiang boasts breathtaking wonders such as the fairyland-like Kanas Lake, the idyllic Hemu Village, the grassland pearl Sayram Lake, the fertile Kangnas Grassland, the colorful Colorful Beach, the forbidden land Ulhor, and many other magnificent sights.
1. Small Loop Route Around Kanas in Northern Xinjiang
The small loop route around Kanas focuses on Kanas Lake scenic area, with surrounding attractions such as the primitive villages of Hemu and Baihaba, as well as the best viewpoint for Kanas: Fish Viewing Terrace. Along the small loop route, you can see landscapes like the World Geological Park – Koktokay, and two different types of Yardang landforms: Colorful Beach and Ghost City.
Therefore, the highlights of the Kanas loop route include Kanas Lake, Hemu, Fish Viewing Terrace, and Colorful Beach; the panoramic tour includes Kanas Lake, Hemu, Haba River, Fish Viewing Terrace, Colorful Beach, Koktokay, and Ghost City.
Hemu
3-Day Kanas Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Kanas (Take a direct flight to Kanas scenic area and visit Kanas Lake on the same day)
Day 2: Kanas – Fish Viewing Terrace – Hemu (Take the shuttle bus within the scenic area for sightseeing)
Day 3: Hemu – Urumqi (After staying one night in Hemu Village, fly directly back to Urumqi from Kanas Airport)
Kanas
Many people may not have much time to travel due to work and other reasons, so flying to Kanas scenic area within Xinjiang has become the preferred route. They can spend more time in the scenic area without delaying their personal work and schedule. The whole trip lasts only 3 days but allows a good exploration of Kanas scenic area, Hemu scenic area, and other highlights.
6-Day Kanas Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Koktokay (Along National Highway 216 East, Attraction: Koksu Lake, Koktokay)
Day 2: Koktokay – Haba River (Attraction: Birch Forest)
Day 3: Haba River – Kanas (Attraction: Kanas Lake, Fish-watching Tower)
Day 4: Kanas – Hemu (Attraction: Hemu Village)
Day 5: Hemu – Burqin (Attraction: Colorful Beach)
Day 6: Burqin – Urumqi (Along National Highway 217 West, Attraction: Devil’s City)
Haba River
This is an itinerary without taking any detours. Starting from G216, it passes through Koktokay, known as a World Geopark, to the primitive Birch Forest, then heads to Kanas with Swiss scenery to search for the traces of lake monsters, and returns to Urumqi via G217, passing by the Devil’s City with eerie sounds. Along the way, you will pass through deserts, lakes, Danxia landforms, primitive villages, etc. It is the best route to Kanas by car.
2. The Yili Grassland Mini Loop Itinerary in Northern Xinjiang
The Yili Grassland Mini Loop itinerary mainly targets Nalati Grassland. The conventional itinerary includes Sayram Lake and lavender fields as a complete grassland tour route; while the in-depth itinerary incorporates Bayinbrook Grassland, Zhaosu Grassland, and Karajun Grassland, forming a panoramic and in-depth grassland tour route.
Nalati Grassland
2-Day Yili Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Yining (Depart from Urumqi to Yining by plane early in the morning, and then visit Nalati Grassland)
Day 2: Yining – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Valley – Lavender Field – Urumqi (Visit Sayram Lake, Lavender Base, and return to Urumqi on an evening flight)
Sayram Lake
Due to geographical and climatic reasons, Yili in Northern Xinjiang is more suitable for the growth of flowers and plants compared to Southern Xinjiang. The lavender fields in June and July are known as China’s Provence, so flower enthusiasts should not miss it.
6-Day Yili Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake (Attraction: Sayram Lake Circuit Tour)
Day 2: Sayram Lake – Zhaosu (Attraction: Yizhao Highway, Rapeseed Field)
Day 3: Zhaosu – Karajun (Attraction: Koksu Grand Canyon, East and West Karajun)
Day 4: Karajun – Nalati (Attraction: Nalati Aerial Grassland, Valley Grassland)
Day 5: Nalati – Bayinbrook (Attraction: Nine-Bend-Eighteen-Turn River, Swan Lake)
Day 6: Bayinbrook – Duku Highway – Urumqi (Attraction: Duku Highway)
Bayinbrook Grassland
If you have enough time to visit Yili in Northern Xinjiang, you can choose to depart from Urumqi and take the Duku Highway across the Tianshan Mountains, experiencing the four seasons (snow-capped mountains, grasslands, jungles) along the way.
3. The Grand Northern Xinjiang (Kanas + Yili) Loop Itinerary
The Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop includes Kanas Lake and Yili Grassland, which is a relatively popular itinerary in recent years. Without taking any detours, the most essential attractions can be visited in 8 days if the itinerary is well-paced; for a deeper exploration, around 10 days would be best.
8-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Burqin (Along East Route 216 National Highway)
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas (Attraction: Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Platform)
Day 3: Kanas – Hemo – Burqin (Attraction: Hemo, Colorful Beach)
Day 4: Burqin – Kuitun (Attraction: Ghost City)
Day 5: Kuitun – Yining (Attraction: Sayram Lake, Lavender Base)
Day 6: Yining – Nalati (Attraction: Nalati Grassland)
Day 7: Nalati – Bayanbulak – Hejing (Attraction: Bayanbulak Grassland, Nine-Bend-Eighteen-Turn River, Swan Lake)
Day 8: Hejing – Urumqi
10-Day In-depth Northern Xinjiang Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Burqin (Along East Route 216 National Highway; Attraction: Colorful Beach)
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas (Attraction: Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Platform; Stay in Kanas Scenic Area to View Morning Fog)
Day 3: Kanas – Hemo (Attraction: Hemo; Stay in Hemo Scenic Area to View Morning Scenery)
Day 4: Hemo – Haba River (Attraction: Birch Forest)
Day 5: Haba River – Karamay (Attraction: Ghost City)
Day 6: Karamay – Sayram Lake (Attraction: Sayram Lake; Stay by Sayram Lake to Watch Sunrise)
Day 7: Sayram Lake – Karakjun (Attraction: Karakjun Grassland)
Day 8: Karakjun – Nalati (Attraction: Nalati Grassland; Stay in Nalati Grassland)
Day 9: Nalati – Bayanbulak (Attraction: Bayanbulak Grassland, Nine-Bend-Eighteen-Turn River, Swan Lake)
Day 10: Bayanbulak – Urumqi (Attraction: Duku Highway)
Recommended Ways to Play in Southern Xinjiang
There is a saying, ‘Not visiting Kashgar is like not visiting Xinjiang.’ The strong exotic flavor of ethnic minorities in Kashgar City and the breathtaking scenery of the Pamir Plateau have become the tourist cards of Kashgar. Other regions, such as Hotan, Kuqa, Aksu, Korla, etc., also have some beautiful scenery.
1. Ways to Explore Around Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang
3-Day Southern Xinjiang Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Kashgar – Taxkorgan (Attraction: Khunjerab Pass, Pamir Plateau)
Day 2: Taxkorgan – Kashgar (Attraction: Karakul Lake)
Day 3: Kashgar – Urumqi (Attraction: Old Kashgar City)
3-Day Southern Xinjiang Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Kashgar – Taxkorgan (Attraction: Khunjerab Pass, Pamir Plateau)
Day 2: Taxkorgan – Kashgar (Attraction: Karakul Lake)
Day 3: Kashgar – Urumqi (Attraction: Old Kashgar City)
Great Southern Xinjiang Circuit Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Korla (Attraction: Lop Nur Village)
Day 2: Korla – Kuqa (Attraction: Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon)
Day 3: Kuqa – Aksu (Attraction: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves)
Day 4: Aksu – Kashgar (Attraction: Old Kashgar City)
Day 5: Kashgar – Taxkorgan (Attraction: Khunjerab Pass)
Day 6: Taxkorgan – Kashgar (Attraction: Karakul Lake)
Day 7: Kashgar – Hotan (Attraction: King of Walnut Tree)
Day 8: Hotan – Minfeng (Attraction: Scenery of Kunlun Mountains)
Day 9: Minfeng – Luntai (Attraction: Desert Highway)
Day 10: Luntai – Korla (Attraction: Night View of Peacock River)
Day 11: Korla – Urumqi
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456