[Airfare]:
Round-trip airfare is over 4,000 yuan, which is really expensive. September is a popular month in Xinjiang, so forget about special discount tickets for airfare. The earlier you buy, the better. It is over 3600 kilometers one-way from Hangzhou, costing more than 2,000 yuan, which is much more economical than taking a taxi at 1 yuan per kilometer.
[Car Usage]:
"Chartered car, group tour, self-driving" have all been tried. After comprehensive comparison, it is still recommended to choose a reliable team or chartered car. Self-driving is not recommended.
Self-driving: After trying it once, I never wanted to try it again. In Xinjiang, the journey can often be 300-500 kilometers a day. After driving, you won’t have the energy to take photos. Moreover, there are many speed limits in Xinjiang, and those unfamiliar with the route can easily get fined. I heard about a family who rented a car to self-drive in Xinjiang and got deducted 65 points after a trip, with fines more expensive than the car rental fee…
Chartered car: Xinjiang drivers are very capable. Generally, we choose SUVs with four people per car. There are many good SUVs in Xinjiang, such as Toyota Prado and Land Cruiser. The daily rate is between 1400-1600 yuan, including road and fuel fees, but not including the driver’s meals and accommodation. The cost over a few days is also not low. With a chartered car, the itinerary is relatively flexible, but you need to plan the itinerary yourself, arrange hotels throughout the trip, and pay attention to the route every day, which can be quite troublesome.
Group tour: It is relatively trouble-free and worry-free, but you must choose a reliable team. Generally, compare a few options and do not be greedy for cheap prices and end up joining a shopping tour. It is recommended to find a photography tour group if you like taking photos, so you can spend more time at each location.
Backpackers: A spontaneous trip is indeed free, but it requires ample time and cannot avoid taking many detours. Public transportation in Xinjiang is not so developed and is not highly recommended.
[Itinerary]:
D1: Hangzhou to Urumqi by flight
D2: Urumqi – Tuyugou Mazhavillage – Kumtag Desert
D3: Shanshan – Jiangbulake (staying within the scenic area)
D4: Jiangbulake – Koksu Lake – Koktokay
D5: Koktokay – Burqin
D6: Burqin – Baihaba (staying within the scenic area)
D7: Baihaba – Kanas (staying within the scenic area)
D8: Kanas – Hemu (staying within the scenic area)
D9: Hemu – Colorful Beach – Burqin
D10: Burqin – Wuerhe Devil’s City
D11: Wuerhe Populus Euphratica Forest – Hongshan Grand Canyon – Kuitun
D12: Kuitun – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Urumqi
You can click the table of contents on the right to directly access the itinerary. The ones with a five-pointed star are key attractions.
There are tips after each scenic area, providing you with some practical information for reference.
For details, please contact: Xinjiang Tourism, Xiao Guo: (same number) 0991-8585456