The following is a 10-day summer travel guide for Xinjiang:
Recommended Route 1 (Southern Xinjiang Adventure):
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi, head to Kumtag Desert, and participate in a bonfire party at night, enjoying Xinjiang’s special cuisine and music.
Day 2: Depart from Shanshan, visit Hami Dahaitiao, and finally arrive at the Mars Base to experience the unique Martian landforms.
Day 3: Visit Tuyugou Ancient Village, experience the traditional customs of the Uyghur people, and take photos in traditional attire.
Day 4: Head to Lop Nur Village to appreciate the desert, lakes, and poplar forest scenery in this isolated village.
Day 5: Visit the Tarim Poplar Forest, admire its magnificent scenery, and attract countless tourists and photographers.
Day 6: Visit Kuqa王府 (王府 is a specific place name and may require translation based on context, here translated as ‘Kuqa王府’ as a literal translation) and Kuqa Grand Canyon, and enjoy the scenery along the Duku Highway.
Day 7: Head to Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to appreciate the ancient murals and unique landforms.
Day 8: Arrive in Kashgar Old Town, visit the century-old tea house, and taste the unique culture of southern Xinjiang.
Day 9: Visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mount Mushtag, and record the natural scenery here.
Day 10: End your pleasant southern Xinjiang adventure and return to Urumqi.
Recommended Route 2 (Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop):
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi and start your journey in Xinjiang.
Day 2: Cross the S21 Desert Highway, enjoy the beauty of the Colorful Beach, and arrive in Burqin.
Day 3: Explore Kanas Lake, stay in Jiadengyu at night, and feel the mystery of nature.
Day 4: Head to Hemu to enjoy the primitive scenery, as if entering a fairy tale world.
Day 5: Visit Devil City and arrive in Urho or Kuitun at night.
Day 6: Visit Sayram Lake, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and arrive in Yining at night.
Day 7: Visit Bayanbulak and Nalati Town to experience the vastness and beauty of the grassland.
Day 8: Visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland, cross the Duku Highway, and arrive in Kuitun or Urumqi.
Day 9: Cross the S101 highway or continue to explore other attractions such as Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and return to Urumqi at night.
Day 10: End your pleasant journey on the Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop and return from Urumqi.
Precautions:
The attractions in Xinjiang are scattered and far apart, so it is recommended to carpool or rent a car for sightseeing.
Be sure to wear sneakers because there are many places to hike in Xinjiang.
The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang are strong, so be sure to take sunscreen measures.
The signal may be poor on Xinjiang highways and in the depths of scenic areas, so it is recommended to bring some cash.
The temperature difference in Xinjiang is large, so even in summer, you need to bring warm clothing such as a windbreaker.
The above two recommended routes cover the classic attractions of southern and northern Xinjiang, respectively. You can choose one or combine both routes according to your preferences and schedule. I hope this 10-day Xinjiang summer travel guide can help you with your trip to Xinjiang!
