The travel route from Urumqi to Ili mainly passes through the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, G312 National Highway, and S101 Provincial Highway, which is a golden self-driving route of about 600 kilometers. The scenery along the way is magnificent, and the human landscapes are abundant.?
Here are some specific itinerary planning suggestions:?
Urumqi to Changji section:?
The distance is about 150 kilometers, passing through the Tianshan Mountains, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of mountains and rivers.?
Along the way, you can taste Xinjiang’s special cuisine, such as roasted whole sheep and hand-grabbed meat.?
Changji to Shihezi section:?
The distance is about 170 kilometers. The scenery on this section of the route is relatively monotonous, but you can enjoy the vast countryside scenery of Xinjiang.?
Shihezi City is an important city in Xinjiang, where tourists can experience the local lifestyle.?
Shihezi to Kuitun section:?
The distance is about 200 kilometers, passing through the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain, with pleasant scenery, especially the breathtaking snow-capped mountains.?
Tourists can also choose to visit the museum in Shihezi City to learn about the local history and culture.?
In addition, according to some specific self-driving travel guides, you can also choose the following scenic spots for a visit:?
Huangliugou: The hundred-mile red cliffs, Kensiwate Reservoir, Bayingou Scenic Area, and Lujiaowan Scenic Area in Huangliugou, Urumqi County, are all worth seeing. The S101 route is mostly mountainous, so please drive safely.?
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’, it is a famous scenic spot in Xinjiang. You can choose to take the off-road route from General’s Gully and walk along the mountain path to enjoy the breathtaking sunset scenery of Sayram Lake with tiger-stripe clouds and colorful reflections.?
Nalati: The sky meadow in Nalati is a popular online destination. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can overlook wildflowers all over the mountains, which is perfect for taking photos.?
Tourists can flexibly arrange their itineraries according to their own schedules and preferences, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and culture of Xinjiang to their hearts’ content. During the self-driving tour, be sure to drive safely, abide by traffic rules, and ensure a pleasant journey.?