A 15-day trip to Xinjiang can cover many famous attractions and rich experiences. Here is a recommended itinerary:
Days 1-2: Arrive in Urumqi from the departure location, visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Museum, stroll around the Grand Bazaar, taste local specialty foods such as lamb kebabs and barbecue, and feel the cultural atmosphere of Xinjiang.
Day 3: Depart from Urumqi, head to Tianshan Tianchi, enjoy the lake scenery and mountains, and then stay in Koktokay Town.
Day 4: Visit Koktokay Town, then proceed to Wulungu Lake (drone photography allowed), visit Colorful Beach to watch the sunset in the evening, and finally stay in Burqin.
Days 5-6: Delve into the Kanas scenic area, visit the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay), Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Platform, and more, experience log cabin accommodation, and feel the awe-inspiring work of nature.
Day 7: Head to Hemu Village to admire the log cabins and morning fog, observe stars at night, stay in a log cabin within the Hemu scenic area, and experience the peaceful rural life.
Day 8: Depart from Hemu Village, head to the Devil’s City (Yadan Landform), and then stay in Kuitun City.
Day 9: Visit the Sayram Lake Scenic Area, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. Take a self-driving tour around the lake to enjoy the lake scenery, mountains, and swans playing.
Day 10: Head to Dushanzi, then visit the northern section of the Duku Highway, enjoying the magnificent mountains and rivers along the way, and finally stay in Bayin布鲁克.
Day 11: Visit Bayin布鲁克 Grassland, then head to the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains, and finally stay in Kuqa.
Day 12: Visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 is a term for the residence of a royal or noble family) and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, then proceed to Aksu to experience desert camping.
Day 13: Cross the N39 Desert, head to Kashgar, apply for a border pass, and prepare for the next trip to southern Xinjiang.
Day 14: Depart from Kashgar, visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mount Mushtag, and finally head to Taxkorgan County for accommodation.
Day 15: Visit the Panlong Ancient Road, Bandier Blue Lake, and Glacier No. 4, then return to Kashgar to end the 15-day Xinjiang tour.
This itinerary covers many famous attractions and unique experiences in Xinjiang, including natural scenery, cultural landscapes, culinary culture, and more, allowing travelers to fully experience the charm of Xinjiang. Of course, the specific itinerary still needs to be adjusted appropriately according to personal interests and time.