There are many options for summer travel routes to Xinjiang. Here are several classic and popular routes:?
1. Yili Grand Loop Route:?
This route travels around the Tianshan Mountains, crossing the Yili River Valley, covering various landscapes such as grasslands, snow-capped mountains, canyons, rivers, and glaciers.?
Scenic spots along the way: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Guozigou, Huocheng Lavender, Qiongkushi Tai, Karakun, Bayinbrook, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, Xiata Glacier, Qiaxi Grassland, Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, etc.?
Self-driving duration: 7-10 days, approximately 2100 kilometers in total?
2. Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop Route:?
The Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop Route not only includes some attractions of the Yili Grand Loop Route but also extends to places like Turpan, offering a richer landscape.?
Scenic spots along the way: In addition to the attractions of the Yili Grand Loop Route, there are also Gongnais Forest Park, Bosten Lake, Lop Nur Village, Flaming Mountain, Grape Valley, Tuyugou, Kumtag Desert, Gaochang Ancient City, etc.?
Self-driving duration: 13-17 days, approximately 4800 kilometers in total?
3. Kanas-Yili Loop Route:?
This route is a combination of the Yili Grand Loop Route and the Kanas Loop Route, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of both Yili and Kanas simultaneously.?
Scenic spots along the way: Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Koktokay, Burqin, Hemu, Kanas, Baihaba, Wuerhe Devil’s City, as well as some attractions of the Yili Grand Loop Route.?
Self-driving duration: 9-13 days, approximately 3000 kilometers in total?
In addition, there are several other recommended routes, such as:?
5-Day Yili Small Loop Route: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yining, etc., suitable for tourists with limited time but wanting to experience the essence of Yili’s attractions?
7-Day Northern Xinjiang Loop Route: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Colorful Beach – Burqin, etc., covering multiple famous attractions in Northern Xinjiang?
Kanas Loop Route: Focuses on exploring the Kanas area, suitable for tourists with a special interest in Kanas?
Summer is the best season to visit Xinjiang, with breathtaking mountain and countryside scenery. When choosing a route, you can decide based on your interests and time to ensure a full experience of Xinjiang’s beauty and charm.?