National Day Xinjiang Travel Guide, National Day Golden Week Travel Guide, Travel Routes for Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456
1. Weather
Northern Xinjiang, north of the Tianshan Mountains, is relatively humid due to the influence of the warm and wet air currents from Siberia, with slightly more rainfall; Southern Xinjiang, south of the Tianshan Mountains, is relatively arid due to the majestic Tianshan Mountains blocking the warm and wet air currents from crossing into Southern Xinjiang, resulting in scarce rainfall.
2. Differences in landscape features
Due to obvious climatic differences, there are huge differences in the landscape features between Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Northern Xinjiang has a humid climate, which has nurtured a large number of natural landscapes such as forests, grasslands, and lakes. The most famous ones are the Kanas Lake tourist area and the Yili Grassland tourist area; while Southern Xinjiang has a dry climate, with natural landscapes dominated by deserts, plateaus, and poplar forests. The religious sites and ancient city beacons left over from the Silk Road more than a thousand years ago have also been preserved due to its dry climate, becoming an important part of the human landscapes in Southern Xinjiang. Therefore, it can be said that the landscapes of Northern Xinjiang are mainly natural landscapes, while the landscapes of Southern Xinjiang are a combination of natural and human landscapes.
3. Differences in travel methods
The natural landscapes of Northern Xinjiang, such as Kanas Lake and Yili Grassland, are relatively mature and well-developed due to earlier tourism development. Various transportation methods are convenient, with airplanes, trains, and highways directly reaching the scenic areas, all relatively convenient; the tourism development in Southern Xinjiang is relatively late and backward compared to Northern Xinjiang. Tourists either choose to rent a car for a tour or choose self-guided tours.
Two
The most classic recommended ways to play in Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Recommended ways to play in Northern Xinjiang
In Northern Xinjiang, there are magnificent wonders such as the fairyland-like Kanas Lake, the idyllic Hemu Village, the grassland pearl Sayram Lake, the fertile巩乃斯grasslands, the colorful Colorful Beach, the forbidden land of Urho, and more.
1. The Kanas Mini Circuit in Northern Xinjiang
The Kanas Mini Circuit focuses on Kanas Lake Scenic Area, with surrounding attractions including the primitive villages of Hemu Village and Baihaba Village; as well as the best viewpoint in Kanas: Fish-watching Tower. Along the Kanas Mini Circuit, the landscapes include: Keketohai, a World Geological Park, and two different types of Yadan landforms: Colorful Beach and Ghost City.
Therefore, the highlights of the Kanas Circuit include Kanas Lake, Hemu, Fish-watching Tower, and Colorful Beach; while the panoramic tour includes Kanas Lake, Hemu, Haba River, Fish-watching Tower, Colorful Beach, Keketohai, and Ghost City.
Hemu
3-Day Tour of Kanas
Day 1: Urumqi – Kanas (Take a direct flight to Kanas Scenic Area and visit Kanas Lake on the same day)
Day 2: Kanas – Fish-watching Tower – Hemu (Take the scenic area shuttle bus for sightseeing)
Day 3: Hemu – Urumqi (After staying overnight in Hemu Village, fly directly back to Urumqi from Kanas Airport)
Kanas
Many people may not have much time to travel due to work and other reasons, making the round-trip flight to Kanas Scenic Area within Xinjiang the preferred route. Without delaying personal work or itinerary arrangements, more time can be spent in the scenic area. The entire itinerary lasts only 3 days but allows for a good exploration of Kanas Scenic Area, Hemu Scenic Area, and other key attractions.
6-Day Tour of Kanas
Day 1: Urumqi – Keketohai (via East Route 216 National Highway, Attractions: Kekesuli, Keketohai)
Day 2: Keketohai – Haba River (Attraction: Birch Forest)
Day 3: Haba River – Kanas (Attractions: Kanas Lake, Fish-watching Tower)
Day 4: Kanas – Hemu (Attraction: Hemu Village)
Day 5: Hemu – Burqin (Attraction: Colorful Beach)
Day 6: Burqin – Urumqi (via West Route 217 National Highway, Attraction: Ghost City)
Haba River
This itinerary avoids backtracking. Starting from G216, it passes through Keketohai, known as a World Geological Park, to the primitive Birch Forest, then onto Kanas with Swiss scenery to search for the traces of lake monsters. On the way back via G217, it passes by the eerie ‘screaming’ Ghost City before returning to Urumqi. Along the way, it passes through deserts, lakes, Danxia landforms, primitive villages, etc., making it the best route to Kanas by car.
Sayram Lake
Due to geographical and climatic reasons, Ili in Northern Xinjiang is more suitable for the growth of flowers and plants compared to Southern Xinjiang. The lavender fields in June and July are known as China’s Provence, so flower enthusiasts should not miss it.
8-Day Tour of Northern Xinjiang
Day 1: Urumqi – Burqin (via East Route 216 National Highway)
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas (Attractions: Kanas Lake, Fish-watching Tower)
Day 3: Kanas – Hemu – Burqin (Attractions: Hemu, Colorful Beach)
Day 4: Burqin – Kuitun (Attraction: Ghost City)
Day 5: Kuitun – Yining (Attractions: Sayram Lake, Lavender Base)
Day 6: Yining – Nalati (Attraction: Nalati Grassland)
Day 7: Nalati – Bayanbulak – Hejing (Attraction: Bayanbulak Grassland, Nine-Curve-Eighteen-Bend, Swan Lake)
Day 8: Hejing – Urumqi
10-Day In-depth Northern Xinjiang Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Burqin (Along East Route 216 National Highway; Attraction: Colorful Beach)
Day 2: Burqin – Kanas (Attraction: Kanas Lake, Fish-Watching Tower; Stay in Kanas Scenic Area to Watch the Morning Fog)
Day 3: Kanas – Hemo (Attraction: Hemo; Stay in Hemo Scenic Area to Watch the Morning Scenery)
Day 4: Hemo – Habahe (Attraction: Birch Forest)
Day 5: Habahe – Karamay (Attraction: Devil’s City)
Day 6: Karamay – Sayram Lake (Attraction: Sayram Lake; Stay by Sayram Lake to Watch the Sunrise)
Day 7: Sayram Lake – Karakjun (Attraction: Karakjun Grassland)
Day 8: Karakjun – Nalati (Attraction: Nalati Grassland; Stay in Nalati Grassland)
Day 9: Nalati – Bayanbulak (Attraction: Bayanbulak Grassland, Nine-Curve-Eighteen-Bend, Swan Lake)
Day 10: Bayanbulak – Urumqi (Attraction: Duku Highway)
Recommended Ways to Play in Southern Xinjiang
There is a saying, ‘If you haven’t been to Kashgar, you haven’t been to Xinjiang.’ The rich exotic flavors of ethnic minorities in Kashgar and the stunning scenery of the Pamir Plateau have become the tourist card of Kashgar. Other regions, such as Hotan, Kuqa, Aksu, Korla, etc., also have some beautiful scenery.
1. Ways to Play Around Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang
Kashgar Old Town, which retains its original and rustic charm; surrounding the Pamir Plateau are Mount Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, Khunjerab Pass, etc., as well as Dawakun Desert, Maketi Folk Culture, Bachu Populus euphratica Forest, etc. Newly developed in recent years are tours such as a one-day trip to Wuqia Jigen Town, where the sun sets the latest in China, and a one-day trip to Snowy Red Valley.
3-Day Southern Xinjiang Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Kashgar – Taxkorgan (Attraction: Khunjerab Pass, Pamir Plateau)
Day 2: Taxkorgan – Kashgar (Attraction: Karakul Lake)
Day 3: Kashgar – Urumqi (Attraction: Kashgar Old Town)
3-Day Southern Xinjiang Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Kashgar – Taxkorgan (Attraction: Khunjerab Pass, Pamir Plateau)
Day 2: Taxkorgan – Kashgar (Attraction: Karakul Lake)
Day 3: Kashgar – Urumqi (Kashgar Old Town)
Great Southern Xinjiang Round Trip
Day 1: Urumqi – Korla (Attraction: Lop Nur Village of罗布 People)
Day 2: Korla – Kuqa (Attraction: Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon)
Day 3: Kuqa – Aksu (Attraction: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves)
Day 4: Aksu – Kashgar (Attraction: Kashgar Old Town)
Day 5: Kashgar – Taxkorgan (Attraction: Khunjerab Pass)
Day 6: Taxkorgan – Kashgar (Attraction: Karakul Lake)
Day 7: Kashgar – Hotan (Attraction: Walnut King Tree)
Day 8: Hotan – Minfeng (Attraction: Kunlun Mountains Scenery)
Day 9: Minfeng – Luntai (Attraction: Desert Highway)
Day 10: Luntai – Korla (Attraction: Peacock River Night View)
Day 11: Korla – Urumqi
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456