There are multiple classic itinerary routes for traveling in Xinjiang, including the Kanas Loop, Yili Loop, Kayi Loop, Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop, Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop, etc.
Kanas Loop: This route mainly explores the Altay region, usually requiring 5-7 days. Major attractions include Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, and魔鬼城 (Ghost Town). The best travel time is from September to October, when you can admire the emerald-green waters of Kanas Lake and the surrounding majestic snow-capped mountains.
Yili Loop: This route explores the Yili River Valley surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, requiring 6-10 days. It includes scenic areas such as Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Xiata. It is suitable for travel from May to August, as the scenery at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains is breathtakingly beautiful during this time.
Kayi Loop: A combination of the "Kanas Loop + Yili Loop", requiring 11-13 days. Tourists can visit the scenic spots of the above two loops, making it the most essential natural scenery tour route in northern Xinjiang.
Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop: A self-driving route around the entire northern Xinjiang, requiring 13-17 days. Based on the above-mentioned "Kayi Loop", it also adds desert and Gobi landscapes in the eastern Xinjiang regions of Turpan, Hejing, and Hami. It is suitable for travel from May to November.
Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop: A tourist route facing the Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop across the Tianshan Mountains, requiring 13-17 days. It focuses on experiencing cultural customs and mainly passes through places like the Taklamakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, etc. The best travel seasons are September to November and March to May.
Additionally, there are special routes like the Duku Highway, known as the "Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains", with picturesque scenery along the way, making it a visual feast. It is suitable to visit from June to September, as the road conditions are best during this time, and the Nalati Grassland and Bayinbuluke Grassland along the route are also at their most beautiful times of the year.
The above routes cover the essence of Xinjiang’s scenic spots, offering tourists a rich experience of both natural scenery and cultural customs. When planning your itinerary, you can choose the appropriate route based on your time and interests.