For a 9-day travel guide to Xinjiang, it is recommended to choose the classic Northern Xinjiang route, covering popular attractions such as Kanas, Sayram Lake, Ili, and Bayinbrook. Below is a detailed 9-day itinerary:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, check in, and then you are free to engage in activities. You can visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon to feel the charm of Xinjiang’s nature, or visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum to understand the history and culture of Xinjiang.?
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi, cross the S21 Desert Highway, and explore the Colorful Beach. The Colorful Beach is a perfect combination of Yadan landforms and the Irtysh River, with colorful scenery under the setting sun that is breathtakingly beautiful.?
. Stay overnight in Burqin and taste the local fish banquet.?
Day 3: Depart from Burqin and head to Kanas. Along the way, you can admire the magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, visit Kanas Lake and feel the grandeur of nature.?
Day 4: Hike the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay) by Kanas Lake and then proceed to Hemu Village. Hemu Village is the settlement of the Tuwa people, where you can experience their simple lifestyle.?
. Stay overnight in Hemu Village and experience camping or taking photos of the stars under the starry sky.?
Day 5: Depart from Hemu Village and explore the Ghost City. The Ghost City is a masterpiece of nature, with unique Yadan landforms making strange sounds under the wind.?
. Afterwards, proceed to Karamay for overnight stay.?
Day 6: Depart from Karamay and visit Sayram Lake. Sayram Lake is picturesque and suitable for casual stops to take photos.?
. Afterwards, head to the Lavender Manor to experience the purple romance. Stay overnight in Yining and taste local cuisine.?
Day 7: Depart from Yining and visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland. The Nalati Grassland is picturesque and can be explored by self-driving or taking a shuttle bus.?
. Afterwards, proceed to Bayinbrook for overnight stay.?
Day 8: Depart from Bayinbrook and return to Urumqi along the Duku Highway. The scenery along the Duku Highway is ever-changing, allowing you to experience the four seasons.?
. Stay overnight in Urumqi.?
Day 9: End your trip in Urumqi and choose to visit Xinjiang Folk Street or the International Bazaar to buy specialties and souvenirs.?
. Afterwards, you are free to engage in activities according to your return schedule.?
During your trip, please note that Xinjiang has a large diurnal temperature variation, so remember to bring long-sleeved shirts and jackets. Additionally, Xinjiang has strong UV rays, so be sure to take sunscreen measures. In summer, there are many mosquitoes, so mosquito repellent and floral water are essential. In some areas, the signal may be poor, so it is recommended to prepare some cash for emergencies.?
. This 9-day travel guide aims to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!?