Xinjiang offers a diverse range of self-guided tour routes. Here are some recommended routes:?
1. Duku Highway Self-Driving Tour:?
The Duku Highway, with a total length of 561 kilometers, offers a fantastical scenery described as ‘ten li (about five kilometers) with different weather, and four seasons in a single day’. It is a popular choice for self-driving tours in Xinjiang.?
It is generally open from the end of June to September each year. Please pay attention to notifications for specific opening times.?
You can enjoy stunning landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, valleys, and forests along the way.?
2. Seven-Day Ili Loop Tour:?
Experience the beautiful scenery of Ili with a seven-day in-depth tour, and feel the charm of the border areas.?
The route covers the main attractions in the Ili region, suitable for travelers who enjoy in-depth tours.?
3. Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop:?
With a total distance of 4,800 kilometers, it is a collection of Xinjiang’s natural beauty, including Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, and more.?
The best time to visit is from June to August or mid-October, when you can enjoy different natural landscapes.?
4. Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop:?
Another 4,800-kilometer route connects famous sections such as the Duku Highway and Karakoram Highway in Southern Xinjiang.?
The route covers ancient cities, Thousand Buddha Caves, desert highways, Hu Yang forests, and more, all displaying remnants of the Silk Road heritage.?
5. Kanas-Ili Loop:?
A condensed version of the Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop, focusing on Kanas and Ili, two popular attractions for social media check-ins.?
With a total distance of 3,300 kilometers, it can be completed in 11 days with a relatively budget-friendly cost.?
Furthermore, there are various route options such as the Three Lakes and Music Eight-Day Tour, Altay Eight-Day Tour, Unique Southern Xinjiang Ten-Day Tour, and Rural Fitness and Wellness Journey.?
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When planning a self-guided tour route in Xinjiang, it is advisable to learn about the local weather, road conditions, and attraction opening hours in advance to ensure a smooth journey. Additionally, Xinjiang is vast, with significant distances between attractions, so it is recommended to arrange the itinerary reasonably and set aside sufficient driving and rest time.?