Starting from Urumqi to travel around Xinjiang, you can choose multiple essential routes to experience the natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Xinjiang. Here is a recommended itinerary that combines multiple strategies to help you fully explore the beautiful scenery of Xinjiang:?
I. Northern Xinjiang Route?
Northern Xinjiang boasts the most beautiful natural scenery in Xinjiang and is a must-visit part of a trip to Xinjiang. Here is the recommended itinerary for the northern Xinjiang route:?
Urumqi – Urho Devil’s City – Burqin: Depart from Urumqi and first head to Urho Devil’s City to feel the wonders of nature carved by the elements. Then proceed to Burqin to enjoy the peaceful town scenery.?
Burqin – Kanas – Hemu: After a short stay in Burqin, head to Kanas Scenic Area to admire the emerald-green waters of Kanas Lake and the magnificent scenery of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests. Then proceed to Hemu Village to experience the original Tuva village culture.?
Hemu – Karamay – Kuitun: Depart from Hemu and head to Karamay to visit the local petroleum culture. Then proceed to Kuitun to prepare for the next part of the trip.?
Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Nalati: Depart from Kuitun and head to Sayram Lake to admire the clear waters known as the "Last Drop of Tears from the Atlantic Ocean". Then proceed to Guozigou to feel the depth and beauty of the canyon. Finally, head to Nalati Grassland to experience its vastness and grandeur.?
Nalati – Duku Highway – Urumqi: Depart from Nalati and return to Urumqi along the Duku Highway. This highway is known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in Tianshan", with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and other natural landscapes along the way.?
II. Southern Xinjiang Route?
Southern Xinjiang attracts tourists with its unique cultural landscapes and desert charm. Here is the recommended itinerary for the southern Xinjiang route:?
Urumqi – Kashgar: Depart from Urumqi and fly to Kashgar to experience the ancient city charm of southern Xinjiang. Kashgar Old City is a treasure trove, not only with honest residents but also with beautiful scenery everywhere.?
Kashgar – Taklamakan Desert – Populus euphratica Forest: After a short stay in Kashgar, head to the Taklamakan Desert to experience its vastness and mystery. At the same time, you can also appreciate the resilience and beauty of the thousand-year-old Populus euphratica trees.?
Other attractions on the southern Xinjiang loop: There are many other attractions worth visiting in southern Xinjiang, such as Thousand Buddha Grottoes and Desert Highway, all filled with the charm of the ancient Silk Road.?
III. Precautions?
Time arrangement: The scenic spots in Xinjiang are relatively scattered. It is recommended to reasonably arrange your time to ensure that you can fully visit each spot.?
Transportation mode: Self-driving tour is a good choice for visiting Xinjiang, but attention should be paid to road conditions and the distribution of gas stations. You can also choose to rent a car or join a group tour to save time and energy.?
Season selection: The peak season in Xinjiang is from April to October. In spring, you can see the flower sea, and in autumn, you can see the autumn colors, each with its own characteristics. It is recommended to choose a suitable season to visit according to your own schedule and preferences.?
Sunscreen and warmth: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to bring enough clothing and sunscreen products to ensure a comfortable journey.?
Through the above itinerary planning, you can start from Urumqi and comprehensively tour the northern and southern Xinjiang, experiencing the natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Xinjiang. I hope your trip to Xinjiang will be enjoyable and unforgettable!?
