For a travel route from Luoyang to southern Xinjiang, a self-driving tour is a good choice, allowing you to closely experience the natural scenery and cultural landscapes along the way. Here is a recommended self-driving tour route and its attractions**:
Recommended route:
Luoyang → Xi’an → Lanzhou → Dunhuang → Hami → Turpan → Urumqi → Southern Xinjiang (such as Kashgar, Hotan, and other regions)
Detailed itinerary:
Luoyang to Xi’an:
Route: Driving along Lianhuo Expressway G30, passing through Mianchi, Sanmenxia, and other places.
Distance: Approximately 600 kilometers (or some say about 500-670 kilometers, varying depending on route selection).
Time: Approximately 6 hours.
Recommended attractions: Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple
. Additionally, consider visiting Shaolin Temple (if choosing to bypass Dengfeng)
Xi’an to Lanzhou:
Route: Continue driving along Lianhuo Expressway G30, passing through Baoji, Tianshui, and other places.
Distance: Approximately 670 kilometers (or some say about 400-600 kilometers, varying depending on route selection).
Time: Approximately 7 hours.
Recommended attractions: Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, Dayan Pagoda
. Additionally, Mount Hua is also a good choice (if choosing to bypass Weinan)
Lanzhou to Dunhuang:
Route: Driving along Lianhuo Expressway G30, passing through Linxia, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and other places.
Distance: Relatively long, with specific kilometers varying depending on route selection.
Time: Increase accordingly.
Recommended attractions: Taer Monastery, Qinghai Lake (if choosing to bypass Xining)
. Additionally, Jiayuguan Great Wall is also a must-visit destination.
Dunhuang to Urumqi:
Route: Crossing the Gobi Desert and driving along the Lianhuo Expressway or the corresponding national highway.
Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers.
Time: Increase accordingly.
Recommended attractions: Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes and other historical and cultural sites
Urumqi to southern Xinjiang:
Route: Departing from Urumqi, head to various places in southern Xinjiang along the corresponding national highway or expressway.
Distance and time: Vary depending on the specific destination.
Recommended attractions: In southern Xinjiang, you can visit the ancient city of Kashgar, the Tarim River Populus euphratica Forest, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kanas Lake, and other famous attractions.
Precautions:
Before starting a self-driving tour, please be sure to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle to ensure driving safety.
Please keep an eye on the weather and road condition information during the trip and make adjustments to your itinerary accordingly.
Some road sections in southern Xinjiang may be relatively remote, so please prepare enough food and water as well as necessary emergency supplies in advance.
Through this route, you can fully experience the magnificent scenery and rich human history from the Central Plains to the northwest desert and then to the foot of Mount Tianshan. Wish you a pleasant journey in southern Xinjiang!