The best photography tour route in Xinjiang covers multiple attractions. Here is a comprehensive recommended route that combines natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and photographic hotspots:
Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – S21 Desert Highway – Burqin (Sea Devil City) – Kanas Lake – Hemu Village – Colorful Beach – Yining (Lavender Base) – Zhaosu (Xiata Ancient Road) – Karajun Grassland – Nalati Grassland – Bayin布鲁克 – Duku Highway – Urumqi.
Urumqi: As the capital of Xinjiang, it is the starting point of the itinerary. You can visit the International Bazaar in the urban area, capture the painted buildings and lively market, and taste Xinjiang’s special cuisine in the evening to prepare for the upcoming photography trip.
Tianshan Tianchi: The lake water is clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent location for photography. You can capture the emerald-like lake and magnificent snowy mountain scenery.
S21 Desert Highway: This is Xinjiang’s first desert expressway, crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert. You can capture the unique landscape of the desert combined with snowfields.
Burqin (Sea Devil City): Visit the Sea Devil City, capture the Yadan landform in winter, and feel the wonders of nature.
Kanas Lake: The lake water is clear like a mirror, reflecting the distant snow-capped mountains in it, earning it the title of "Fairyland on Earth". You can capture the lake scenery and the surrounding forest beauty.
Hemu Village: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the snowy landscape of Hemu Village resembles a fairy tale world and is a paradise for photographers. You can capture the birch forest, snow-capped mountains, and rivers.
Colorful Beach: The volcanic lava on the north shore forms a sharp contrast with the Populus euphratica forest on the south shore, making it an excellent location for photography.
Yining (Lavender Base): Visit the Lavender Base and capture the perfect combination of purple lavender fields and the beautiful scenery of the Tianshan Mountains.
Zhaosu (Xiata Ancient Road): Explore the Xiata Ancient Road, feel the blend of history and nature, and capture the magnificent natural scenery and cultural landscapes.
Karajun Grassland: A perfect combination of grassland and snow-capped mountains, where you can capture the vast grassland and magnificent snowy mountain scenery.
Nalati Grassland: Ride horses on the grassland, feel the freedom of herdsmen, and capture the vastness and beauty of the grassland.
Bayin布鲁克: Every summer, it hosts thousands of swans, making it an excellent opportunity for photography. You can capture the swan reserve, the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River, and other beautiful scenery.
Duku Highway: Crossing the Tianshan Mountains, it boasts extreme scenery along the way and is known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in China". You can capture the magnificent views along the highway.
This route covers multiple photographic hotspots and natural landscapes in Xinjiang, fully showcasing both natural and cultural scenery. While taking photos, you can also deeply experience the local customs and food culture of Xinjiang.