The optimal length of a trip to Xinjiang depends on the route and attractions you wish to visit. Xinjiang has a vast territory, rich in natural scenery and cultural landscapes. Different routes require different amounts of time. Here are several recommended travel durations and corresponding routes:?
6-8 days: You can choose the Kanas loop to visit attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, and Keketuohai in the Altay region, experiencing the natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang.?
8-10 days: You can choose the Ili loop to visit the Ili River valley surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, including attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Xiata, suitable for tourists who enjoy the stunning scenery at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.?
10-15 days: You can choose the Kanas + Ili loop, which is the most essential natural scenery travel route in Northern Xinjiang, combining attractions from both the Kanas loop and the Ili loop.?
13-17 days:?
You can choose the Northern Xinjiang Grand Ring Road to self-drive around the entire Northern Xinjiang, enjoying desert and Gobi landscapes in areas such as Turpan, Hejing, and Hami, suitable for tourists who enjoy self-driving tours.?
You can also choose the Southern Xinjiang Grand Ring Road to experience its cultural charm, mainly passing through places such as the Taklamakan Desert, the Pamir Plateau, and the Kunlun Mountains, feeling the unique charm of Southern Xinjiang.?
15-20 days: To experience Xinjiang more comprehensively, you can choose the combination of the Northern Xinjiang Grand Ring Road and the Southern Xinjiang Grand Ring Road, also known as the Entire Xinjiang Grand Ring Road, which takes 40-50 days. Starting from the Hexi Corridor in Gansu, crossing the Qilian Mountains, entering Hami in Xinjiang, and after separately traveling around Northern and Southern Xinjiang, you exit Xinjiang along Mangya in Qinghai. This is the most comprehensive Xinjiang travel route, suitable for tourists with ample time.?
In summary, the recommended minimum number of days for a trip to Xinjiang is 7 to fully experience its beautiful scenery and culture. If time allows, the best travel time in Xinjiang is from September to October, when you can enjoy the autumn colors of Northern Xinjiang and the cultural charm of Southern Xinjiang.?
. Of course, the specific number of days depends on personal interests, itinerary arrangements, and actual circumstances.?