A nine-day trip to Xinjiang can cover multiple famous attractions and rich experiences. Here is a recommended itinerary:
Overview of Core Itinerary:
D1: Arrive in Urumqi and prepare to start your Xinjiang journey
D2-D3: Visit the Colorful Beach, Burqin, and then head to Kanas to feel the beauty of nature
D4: From Kanas to Hemu, experience the tranquility of the countryside and natural scenery
D5: Depart from Hemu, pass by the Ghost Town, and head to Karamay
D6: From Karamay to Sayram Lake, visit lavender fields, and stay overnight in Yining
D7: Depart from Yining and visit the Nalati Grasslands and Bayanbulak Grasslands
D8: Depart from Bayanbulak and return to Urumqi via the Duku Highway
D9: End itinerary in Urumqi and prepare to return
Detailed Itinerary Arrangement:
Day 1: Upon arrival in Urumqi, you can take a short rest to adapt to the plateau environment and prepare for the upcoming itinerary.
Days 2-3: Depart from Urumqi and first visit the Colorful Beach, where the scenery varies and resembles a "God’s Palette". Then head to Burqin and arrive at Kanas. Kanas is known as the "God’s Backyard", with stunning natural scenery including colorful forests, lakes, and grasslands.
Day 4: Depart from Kanas and head to Hemu, where log cabins, herds, and natural scenery form a captivating picture. Here, you can feel the tranquility of the countryside and the harmony of nature.
Day 5: After departing from Hemu, you will pass by the乌尔禾Ghost Town, whose unique landscape is breathtaking. Then arrive in Karamay to prepare for the next day’s itinerary.
Day 6: Head from Karamay to Sayram Lake, known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", where the water is clear and the surrounding scenery is pleasant. You can also visit lavender fields to experience a romantic atmosphere. Stay overnight in Yining to prepare for the next day’s excursion.
Day 7: Depart from Yining and visit the Nalati Grasslands and Bayanbulak Grasslands. The Nalati Grasslands are known as the "Grasslands in the Sky", with expansive views and picturesque scenery. Bayanbulak Grasslands are famous for their sunset over the winding river and Swan Lake.
Day 8: Depart from Bayanbulak and return to Urumqi via the Duku Highway. Known as the "Road of Heroes", the Duku Highway boasts breathtaking scenery and steep roads, making it a highlight of Xinjiang tourism.
Day 9: End the itinerary in Urumqi. You can stroll around the local markets or taste Xinjiang’s delicacies such as mutton skewers, stewed meat in a cup, and large plates of chicken, before preparing to return.
This nine-day itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in Xinjiang, but the specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and actual situations. I hope you can have wonderful memories during your trip in Xinjiang!