There are multiple planning options for travel routes from Yili to Southern Xinjiang. Here is a classic self-driving tour route recommendation**:
Day 1: Departing from Urumqi, passing by Sayram Lake to admire the beauty of the Guozigou Bridge, and finally arriving in Qingshuihe. Sayram Lake is known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, with its enchanting lake and mountain scenery.
Day 2: Departing from Qingshuihe, visit Huocheng Lavender Fields (best in summer), explore Zhaosu Jade Lake, and stay overnight in Zhaosu. Zhaosu is a beautiful small town in Xinjiang with abundant natural scenery.
Day 3: Departing from Zhaosu, visit Xiata National Park, which was once a shortcut from Yili to Southern Xinjiang, with landscapes such as mountains, rapids, and glaciers along the way, and then return to Zhaosu.
Day 4: Departing from Zhaosu, head to Tekes, where you can explore the Karakjun Human-Shaped Grassland on the way. Tekes is a small town full of exotic charm with a unique eight-diagram city layout.
Day 5: Departing from Tekes, visit the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, explore Fairy Lake, and then return to Tangbula. The Tangbula grassland boasts beautiful scenery and is a paradise for photographers.
Day 6: Departing from Tangbula, drive along the Duku Highway, visit Nalati Aerial Grassland, and stay overnight in Nalati Town. The Duku Highway is known as one of the most beautiful highways in Xinjiang, with breathtaking scenery along the way.
Day 7: Departing from Nalati Town, continue driving along the Duku Highway, visit Bayanbulak, and stay overnight in Bayin Town. Bayanbulak is famous for its magnificent grassland and lake landscapes.
Day 8: Departing from Bayin Town, visit the Big and Small Dragon Lakes and the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, and then return to Kuqa. Kuqa is the southern starting point of the Duku Highway and an important city in Southern Xinjiang.
Day 9: Departing from Kuqa, visit Wensu Grand Canyon (also known as Tomur Grand Canyon), and then proceed to Aksu. Wensu Grand Canyon is renowned for its spectacular canyon landscape.
Day 10: Departing from Aksu, head to Kashgar, where you can apply for a border defense certificate on the way. Kashgar is a famous ancient city in Xinjiang with rich historical and cultural heritage.
Subsequent itinerary: Starting from Kashgar, you can visit attractions such as Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mount Muztagh Ata, and finally head to Taxkorgan County to experience the internet-famous road, the盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road).
This route covers multiple famous attractions in Yili and Southern Xinjiang, allowing you to fully experience the natural scenery and cultural customs of Xinjiang. Of course, based on time and personal preferences, the itinerary can be adjusted appropriately.