The best route to Xinjiang varies depending on the travel time, personal preferences, and itinerary arrangements, but the following classic routes are widely praised by tourists and can be used as a reference when planning an itinerary.?
Kanas Loop (5-7 days):?
This route mainly focuses on exploring the Altay region, including famous attractions such as Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Koktokay, and the Devil’s City. The emerald-green waters of Kanas Lake, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and dense forests, form a picturesque scene. Hemu Village feels like stepping into a fairy tale world, where you can experience the original wooden house lifestyle.?
Ili Loop (6-10 days):?
The Ili Loop covers the Ili River Valley surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, including attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grasslands, and Xiata. This route is suitable for tourists who love the scenery of grasslands, lakes, and mountains. The azure waters of Sayram Lake complement the surrounding flower fields and grasslands, while the vast and magnificent Nalati Grasslands are also captivating.?
Kanas-Ili Loop (11-13 days):?
The Kanas-Ili Loop is a combination of the Kanas Loop and the Ili Loop, allowing visitors to explore the attractions of both routes. It is the most essential natural scenery tour route in Northern Xinjiang. This route is suitable for tourists with more time who want to deeply experience the natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang.?
Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop (13-17 days):?
The Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop is a self-driving route around Northern Xinjiang, covering almost all the essential attractions. From deserts to grasslands, from lakes to canyons, it has it all. This route is suitable for tourists who enjoy self-driving and want to fully experience the scenery of Northern Xinjiang.?
Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop (13-17 days):?
The Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop focuses on experiencing cultural customs, mainly passing through places such as the Taklimakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, etc. This route is suitable for tourists interested in the history, culture, and ethnic customs of Xinjiang. The natural scenery of Southern Xinjiang is quite different from that of Northern Xinjiang, adding a sense of mystery and grandeur.?
In addition, there are also some special routes such as ‘Duku Southern Xinjiang’ (7 days 6 nights) and ‘Tianshan Highway’ (suitable for short-distance self-driving), which can also be selected based on personal interests and time.?
When selecting a route, it is recommended to consider seasonal factors. For example, the best travel time for the Kanas Loop is from September to October, while the Ili Loop is suitable for travel from May to August.?
Please choose the Xinjiang tour route that best suits your actual situation and preferences.?