If you plan to visit Xinjiang during the National Day holiday, you can choose multiple travel routes to experience the different customs of northern and southern Xinjiang. Here are some recommended travel strategies:?
Recommended northern Xinjiang route?
Departure from Urumqi:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, check into a hotel first, and then visit the International Bazaar to experience the ethnic customs of Xinjiang and taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine such as grilled mutton skewers and hand-grabbed rice.?
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi and travel via the S21 Desert Highway, crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert, visit the Kelameili Desert Park, and then arrive in Burqin for overnight stay.?
In the following days: You can visit Kanas Three Bays, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and other attractions to appreciate sunrises, morning fog, and starry skies, experiencing the tranquility and mystery of nature.?
Another northern Xinjiang route:?
Day 1 to Day 3: Depart from Urumqi and visit attractions such as Tianchi Lake, Kekesuli, Koktokay Scenic Area, and Colorful Beach. Stay overnight in Fuyun or in wooden cabins in Kanas.?
Day 4 to Day 6: Continue to visit Kanas Fish Viewing Platform, Baihaba, Hemu Highway, and Hemu Starry Sky, and deeply experience the natural beauty of northern Xinjiang.?
Day 7 to Day 10: Visit the Devil City, Poplar Forest, Sayram Lake, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, etc., and finally return to Urumqi to end the trip.?
Recommended southern Xinjiang route?
Departure from Kashgar:?
You can first fly to Kashgar, an important city in southern Xinjiang. Within Kashgar City, you can take buses or taxis for sightseeing. If you want to go to other counties or attractions, it is recommended to join a small group to arrange your itinerary more freely.?
Recommended attractions include Kashgar Old City, Tarim Poplar Forest, Baisha Lake, etc., where you can appreciate the magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic customs of southern Xinjiang.?
Preparations before departure?
Documents: ID card, student ID card (if any), driver’s license (if you need to rent a car), military ID or senior citizen ID (may enjoy discounts).?
Clothing: Prepare warm clothing such as thick sweaters, down jackets, and rainproof jackets according to the weather conditions, as well as sunscreen equipment such as sunscreen lotion and sunglasses.?
Electronic devices: Mobile phones, power banks, chargers, cameras, etc., as well as drones with high wind resistance (if needed for shooting).?
Medicines and daily necessities: Prepare cold medicines, gastroenterological medicines, indigestion tablets, motion sickness pills, and other personal daily medications, as well as small backpacks, U-shaped pillows, tissues, and other daily necessities.?
Precautions?
Xinjiang is vast, and the distances between attractions are relatively far. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and set aside enough time.?
Pay attention to weather changes, especially in mountainous and desert areas where the climate may be extreme.?
Respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary trouble.?
Through the above strategies, you can choose a suitable route according to your interests and time, and fully experience the beauty and charm of Xinjiang.?