The itinerary planning for a 12-day tour of northern Xinjiang can cover multiple famous attractions and experiences. Here is a detailed itinerary suggestion:?
Day 1: Urumqi?
Arrive in Urumqi by yourself, check into the hotel, and enjoy free activities to feel the unique charm of this city.?
Day 2: Urumqi – Burqin?
Head to Ulungur Lake via S21 Desert Highway and enjoy the lake scenery and mountains.?
Then visit Colorful Beach and feel the amazing workmanship of nature.?
Finally arrive in Burqin and check into the hotel to rest.?
Day 3: Burqin – Kanas?
Head to the Fish-Viewing Pavilion at Kanas Lake and overlook the beautiful scenery of Kanas Lake.?
Stay in wooden cabins in Jiadenyu or the Kanas scenic area to experience local customs.?
Day 4: Kanas – Hemu Village?
Visit the Three Bays of Kanas and appreciate the different natural scenery.?
Head to Hemu Village for free play. You can stay in the wooden cabins in the Hemu scenic area at night to experience the tranquility and beauty of the countryside.?
Day 5: Hemu Village – Burqin?
Get up early to enjoy the sunrise and morning fog in Hemu, then return to Burqin.?
Day 6: Burqin – Kuitun?
Visit the Devil’s City and feel the unique landforms of nature.?
Head to Kuitun and check into the hotel to rest.?
Day 7: Kuitun – Qingshuihe?
Head to Sayram Lake and enjoy the lake scenery and swans dancing gracefully.?
Cross the Guozigou Bridge and arrive in Qingshuihe to check into the hotel.?
Day 8: Qingshuihe – Tekes?
Visit Qiongkushitai or Karajun Grassland and appreciate the vastness and grandeur of the grassland.?
Head to Tekes or Qiongkushitai for accommodation.?
Day 9: Tekes – Nalati?
Visit Nalati’s Aerial Valley Grassland and feel the layers and colors of the grassland.?
Check into Nalati Hotel.?
Day 10: Nalati – Bayinbrook?
Head to Bayinbrook Swan Lake via the middle section of the Duku Highway and admire the elegant posture of swans.?
Visit the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn Scenic Area and feel the magical charm of nature.?
Check into Bayin Hotel.?
Day 11: Bayinbrook – Dushanzi?
Continue along the Duku Highway and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tangbula Grassland’s Hundred-Mile Gallery.?
Arrive in Dushanzi and check into the hotel to rest.?
Day 12: Dushanzi – Urumqi?
Visit the Anjihai Grand Canyon and feel the grandeur and magnificence of nature.?
Return to Urumqi along S101 National Defense Highway to end your pleasant journey.?
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in northern Xinjiang, but specific arrangements may need to be adjusted according to actual conditions and weather. I hope this itinerary can provide a useful reference for your 12-day tour of northern Xinjiang.?