If you plan to travel to Xinjiang during the National Day holiday, you can choose different routes in Northern Xinjiang or Southern Xinjiang to experience natural scenery, ethnic customs, and specialty foods. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Itinerary Planning
Northern Xinjiang Route Recommendation:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, and after a short rest, you can visit the International Dabazha Bazaar to experience the ethnic flavor of Xinjiang.
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi, pass through the Gurbantünggüt Desert via the S21 Desert Highway, visit the Kela Meili Desert Park, and then arrive in Burqin for overnight stay.
Day 3: Depart from Burqin and head to Kanas, known as ‘God’s Own Land’. Stay in a log cabin within the Kanas scenic area at night.
Day 4: Hike to Shenxian Bay in Kanas, feel the grandeur and mystery of nature, and then leave the scenic area to stay in Hemu Village.
Day 5: Depart from Hemu Village, visit the Devil’s City, and then head to Kuitun.
Day 6: Depart from Kuitun, visit Sayram Lake, and then return to Kuitun.
Day 7: Depart from Kuitun and return to Urumqi along Provincial Highway S101, enjoying the magnificent natural scenery along the way.
In addition, Northern Xinjiang also offers an 8-day tour route that includes attractions such as the S21 Desert, Jiadenyu, Colorful Beach, Burqin, and Hu Yang Forest, allowing you to fully experience nature’s color palette.
Southern Xinjiang Route Recommendation:
The 8-day tour of Southern Xinjiang focuses more on experiencing the customs of the Western Regions, such as the Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland, Lop Nur Village, Tarim Hu Yang Forest, Kashgar Old Town, etc.
II. Precautions
Document Carrying: There are many security checks in Xinjiang, so be sure to carry your ID card with you. Other documents such as student IDs and driver’s licenses may also be useful.
Clothing Preparation: During the National Day holiday, the temperature in Xinjiang ranges from 0°C to 20°C, with a large diurnal temperature variation. It is recommended to bring thick sweaters, down jackets, and other warm clothing.
Sunscreen Products: The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang are intense, so sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other sunscreen products are essential.
Cash Preparation: In some remote areas of Xinjiang, only cash may be accepted, so it is recommended to prepare some extra.
Transportation: The distances between attractions in Xinjiang are relatively far, so it is recommended to choose a reliable local carpooling group or rent a car for self-driving, which will save you worry and effort.
III. Specialty Food Recommendations
In Urumqi, you can go to Dabazha Bazaar, Lingguan Alley, Hetian Second Street, and other places to taste skewers, hand-grabbed rice, big plate chicken, and other Xinjiang specialty foods.
In Turpan, you can enjoy grape wine and the hospitality of the local people.
In Korla, you can try the local fragrant pears.
IV. Must-visit Attractions
Northern Xinjiang: Kanas, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Colorful Beach, Tian Chi in Tianshan Mountains, etc.
Southern Xinjiang: Tarim Hu Yang Forest, Lop Nur Village, Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake, Panlong Ancient Road, etc.
This guide covers the main aspects of traveling in Xinjiang, hoping to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang during the National Day holiday!