Traveling in Xinjiang, Southern or Northern Xinjiang – this is the question.
With the rapid economic development in recent years, more and more people have started to include travel in their list of daily necessities. Tibet and Xinjiang, which were relatively remote before, are now within reach. Today, I will discuss with you the route selection issue when traveling in Xinjiang.
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has a typical terrain of three mountains sandwiching two basins. The basin to the north is usually called Northern Xinjiang, and the basin to the south is called Southern Xinjiang. Northern Xinjiang refers to the northern part of Xinjiang. The Tianshan Mountains divide Xinjiang into two major parts, with the area north of the Tianshan Mountains being called Northern Xinjiang, including Urumqi, Karamay, Altay Prefecture, Tacheng Prefecture, Changji, Shihezi, Beitun, Kekedala, Ili, Bortala, and other regions. South of the Tianshan Mountains is Southern Xinjiang, mainly including Kashgar, Aksu, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Hotan, and several other county-level cities administered by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. In addition to the cities in Northern and Southern Xinjiang, Xinjiang also has Turpan and Hami, which are sometimes referred to as Eastern Xinjiang or can be directly considered part of Northern Xinjiang.
After saying all this, some people may start to feel confused. I just want to quietly go on a trip to Xinjiang. Why are you telling me about so many places? Actually, Xinjiang tourism can be basically divided into two major destinations: Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang. As for which one you should choose, it depends on your specific situation.
1, Travel time: If your travel time is relatively short, only around seven to eight days, it is recommended to choose Northern Xinjiang as your destination. If your vacation can reach twelve days or more, you will basically be able to cover the highlights of Southern Xinjiang. Of course, if your vacation can reach more than 20 days, then you can enjoy a complete tour of both Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
2, Travel budget: Northern Xinjiang tourism started early, with corresponding complete supporting facilities, relatively large tourist reception capacity, and concentrated tourism resources. Therefore, the general travel prices are relatively low. Southern Xinjiang tourism started later, with long physical straight-line distances between tourist attractions, longer travel cycles, and more fixed expenses. Therefore, the travel budget for Southern Xinjiang is generally higher.
3, The mode of transportation is also an important factor affecting whether to go to Southern or Northern Xinjiang. If you are self-driving or planning to rent a car upon arrival, your itinerary will be flexible and can be adjusted according to actual conditions. If you are joining a tour group or participating in an outdoor activity, the flexibility of your itinerary will be greatly limited, and you will often have to follow the pre-agreed route.
4, Regarding previous travel experience, the altitude of the Northern Xinjiang route varies little, so there is no need to worry about altitude sickness. The Southern Xinjiang route, however, generally incorporates parts of the Duku Highway and the Hongqilafu Port, with some sections at higher altitudes. There is a possibility of altitude sickness, so for those without experience of high-altitude travel, choosing the Southern Xinjiang route directly may pose certain uncertainties and risks. If this is your first trip to Xinjiang, we recommend setting your travel destination in Northern Xinjiang. For those who have been to Xinjiang once or more, the Southern Xinjiang route can be given priority consideration.
Sharing two regular travel itineraries for Northern and Southern Xinjiang with everyone:
12-day Southern Xinjiang Brief Itinerary (including Duku Highway)
Day 1 Various locations nationwide – Urumqi (Assembly)
Arrive at Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, famous for its songs and dances, fruits, and gold and jade.
Day 2 Urumqi – Lop Nor Village – Korla (about 620KM)
Day 3 Korla – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Kucha (about 400KM)
Day 4 Kucha – Kucha王府 (王府 is a place name and remains untranslated) – Taklamakan Desert – Hotan (about 650KM)
Day 5 Hotan – Yecheng – Kashgar (about 520KM)
Day 6 Kashgar – Kalakuli Lake (Mount Muztagh Ata) – Kashgar (about 400KM)
Day 7 Kashgar – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu (about 600KM)
Day 8 Aksu – Kucha (about 255KM)
Day 9 Kucha – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Bayinbrook (about 265KM)
Day 10 Bayinbrook – Nalati (about 80KM)
Day 11 Nalati – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Urumqi (about 640KM)
Day 12 Urumqi – Various locations nationwide (Disband)
Recommended Travel Time: Every year from June to September
Nine-day Northern Xinjiang Regular Itinerary:
Day 1: Various locations – Urumqi (Assembly)
Day 2: Urumqi – Karamay – Colorful Beach – Burqin (about 680KM)
Day 3: Burqin – Hemu – Jiadenyu (180km)
Day 4: Jiadenyu – Kanas (Three Bays and One Lake) – Burqin
Day 5: Burqin – Urho (Ghost City) – Kuitun/Wusu (about 600KM)
Day 6: Kuitun/Wusu – Sayram Lake – Huocheng – Yili (about 550KM)
Day 7: Yili – Nalati – Bayinbrook (about 370KM)
Day 8: Bayinbrook – Hejing – Turpan (about 630KM)
Day 9: Turpan – Grape Valley – Tianshan Tianchi Lake – Urumqi (Disband)
These two itineraries are relatively tight, with longer average daily driving time and distance. However, this is due to the actual geographical conditions of Xinjiang, and there is relatively little room for adjustment.
Xinjiang Travel Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456