A half-month tour of Xinjiang can fully experience its natural scenery and cultural customs. Here are some suggested itinerary plans and precautions:
Itinerary Planning
Northern Xinjiang Loop (10-15 days)
Days 1-2: Depart from Urumqi and visit Tianshan Heavenly Lake to feel the grandeur of the snowy mountains and the tranquility of the lake. Then proceed to Koktokay to admire the unique canyon scenery and lake beauty.
Day 3: Visit Wulungu Lake and Colorful Beach, and proceed to Burqin for rest in the evening. The sunset scenery at Colorful Beach is particularly charming.
Days 4-5: Deeply explore Kanas Scenic Area by visiting Kanas Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) and Kanas Lake. Stay in a cabin within the Kanas Scenic Area to experience the tranquility and mystery of nature. You can apply for a border pass to visit Baihaba Village and feel the unique charm of this border village.
Day 6: Head to Hemu Village to enjoy the Hemu morning fog and sunrise, and visit Beautiful Peak and Birch Forest. Return to Burqin again in the evening.
Day 7: Visit the World魔鬼城 (Devil’s City) to feel the uniqueness and grandeur of the Yardang landform. Then proceed to Kuitun City for rest.
Days 8-9: Starting from Kuitun City, head to Sayram Lake Scenic Area to admire the clarity and vastness of the lake. Then proceed to Junggar Village and Tekes to experience the vastness of the grassland and the simplicity of the herdsmen’s life.
Days 10-11: Visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland Valley to feel the grandeur of the grassland and the freedom of riding on horseback. Then proceed to the middle section of the Duku Highway and Bayinbrook Grassland to enjoy the beauty of Swan Lake and the vastness of the grassland.
(Note: The above itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and actual conditions, such as adding or reducing scenic spots and adjusting the order of visits.)
In-depth Tour of Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang (3-5 days)
After completing the Northern Xinjiang Loop, you can choose to visit Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang for an in-depth tour. The alleys of Kashgar Old City, houses built with loess, leisurely Uyghur elders basking in the sun, and the magnificent Id Kah Mosque are all full of exotic charm.
You can visit scenic spots such as Kuche Grand Canyon and Kumtag Desert to experience the wonders of nature and the vastness of the world.
Precautions
Transportation: Xinjiang has a vast territory with distant distances between scenic spots. It is recommended to rent a car for self-driving or choose public transportation plus hitchhiking for travel. Meanwhile, pay attention to checking road conditions and weather conditions in advance to ensure driving safety.
Accommodation: Xinjiang offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from youth hostels to homestays and hotels. You can choose suitable accommodation according to your budget and preferences. At the same time, be sure to book accommodation in advance to avoid situations where no rooms are available.
Diet: Xinjiang boasts a rich variety of delicious food, such as mutton kebabs, hand-grabbed rice, and large plates of chicken. Meanwhile, try local specialty dishes and experience Xinjiang’s food culture. However, pay attention to food safety and hygiene to avoid food poisoning and other accidents.
Safety: The security situation in Xinjiang is good, but personal property and personal safety still need attention. When visiting scenic spots and taking transportation, be careful to keep personal belongings safe and avoid losing or being stolen. At the same time, abide by local laws, regulations, customs, and traditions, and respect the local ethnic culture and religious beliefs.