Travel Guide for the Grand Circle Route of Northern and Southern Xinjiang?
The Grand Circle Route of Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a classic tourist route that combines natural scenery, ethnic culture, and historical relics. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Itinerary Planning?
It is recommended to arrange the itinerary for around 12 days, so that you can fully appreciate the essence of attractions in both northern and southern Xinjiang. Here is a recommended itinerary:?
D1: Airport pickup in Urumqi, check into the hotel, rest and adjust.?
D2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi, to appreciate the beauty of Tianshan Mountain, then proceed to Kuitun for accommodation.?
D3: Kuitun – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Northern Section of Duku Highway, to experience the magnificent canyon scenery and stay in Tangbula.?
D4: Tangbula Fairy Lake – Hundred-Mile Gallery, to feel the wonders of nature and stay in Nalati Town.?
D5: Deeply explore Nalati Grassland, experience the charm of the grassland, and continue to stay in Nalati Town.?
D6: Nalati Town – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak Grassland, to appreciate the scenery along the way and stay in Bayin.?
D7: Bayin – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Daxiao Longchi Lakes – Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa, to experience the awe-inspiring Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon.?
D8: Kuqa – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu, to explore the unique landforms of Wensu Grand Canyon.?
D9: Aksu – Kashgar (apply for a border defense certificate) to prepare for the upcoming southern Xinjiang itinerary.?
D10: Kashgar – Baishahu Lake – Karakul Lake – Tajik Autonomous County, to appreciate the tranquility and beauty of plateau lakes.?
D11: Tajik Autonomous County – Pamir Plateau Scenic Area – Internet-famous Highway – Kashgar, to feel the magnificent beauty of the Pamir Plateau.?
D12: Free activities in Kashgar to experience local folk customs, and transfer to the airport to end the pleasant journey.?
Of course, based on personal interests and time arrangements, the itinerary can be appropriately adjusted.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
Northern Xinjiang:?
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, the lake water is clear, and the scenery is enchanting. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake and feel the tranquility and grandeur of nature.?
Tianshan Tianchi: Appreciate the beauty of Tianshan Mountain and feel its majesty and grandeur.?
Duku Highway: Known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in Tianshan", it is 561 kilometers long, stretching from Dushanzi to Kuqa, crossing Tianshan Mountain. The landscape along the way is rich and varied, making it the pinnacle of self-driving in Xinjiang.?
Southern Xinjiang:?
Kashgar: Experience the unique customs and national culture of southern Xinjiang.?
Taklamakan Desert: Walk on the desert highway and feel the Silk Road heritage of endless yellow sand.?
Hotan: Visit historical sites such as ancient cities and Thousand Buddha Caves to understand the long history of southern Xinjiang.?
III. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang has a vast territory, and the best travel times vary in different regions. Overall, May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. In May and June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush, with wildflowers blooming in competition; in July and August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits are ripe, making it a good time to taste local delicacies; in September and October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, and it is a paradise for photographers.?
IV. Precautions?
Apply for a border defense certificate: Some areas in southern Xinjiang require a border defense certificate. Please prepare relevant documents in advance.?
Road conditions and weather: The road conditions in mountainous areas such as the Duku Highway are complex. It is recommended to visit from June to September when road conditions are best. Meanwhile, Xinjiang’s weather is changeable. Please pay attention to weather forecasts at all times.?
Respect local customs: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region. Please respect local customs and religious beliefs.?
Through the above itinerary planning and scenic spot recommendations, I believe you can fully appreciate the magnificent scenery and unique culture of northern and southern Xinjiang. Wish you a pleasant journey!?