Xinjiang has numerous tourist routes, each with its own characteristics. Below is a detailed comparison of several classic routes.?
1. Kanas Loop (5-7 days)?
Main attractions: Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, the Devil’s City, Heiyou Mountain, etc.?
Best travel time: September to October.?
Route features: Mainly focusing on the Altay region, every place is like a fairyland. The emerald-green waters of Kanas Lake seem to cleanse the dust of the soul, while Hemu Village makes people feel like they have stepped into a fairy tale world.?
2. Yili Loop (6-10 days)?
Main attractions: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Xiata, Tangbula, Duku Highway, etc.?
Best travel time: May to August.?
Route features: Exploring the Ili River valley surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, the stunning scenery at the foot of the mountains is absolutely captivating.?
3. Kayi Loop (11-13 days)?
Combined route: Kanas Loop + Yili Loop?
Main attractions: Including attractions of both the Kanas and Yili routes.?
Best travel time: May to October.?
Route features: The most essential natural scenery tourist route in Northern Xinjiang, allowing visitors to appreciate various natural landscapes of Xinjiang at one time.?
4. Northern Xinjiang Big Loop (13-17 days)?
Route characteristics: A self-driving route around the entire Northern Xinjiang, mainly for enjoying scenery.?
Main attractions: Based on the Kayi Loop, it also includes desert and gobie landscapes in the eastern Xinjiang areas of Turpan, Hejing, and Hami.?
Best travel time: May to November.?
Route features: Deserts, gobies, snowy mountains, and grasslands are all available, making it one of the most comprehensive routes in Xinjiang tourism.?
5. Southern Xinjiang Big Loop (13-17 days)?
Route characteristics: A tourist route facing the Northern Xinjiang Big Loop across the Tianshan Mountains, mainly for experiencing cultural customs.?
Main attractions: Taklamakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, and other places.?
Best travel season: September to November, March to May.?
Route features: A perfect fusion of cultural customs and natural landscapes, allowing visitors to deeply experience the diverse cultures of Xinjiang.?
In addition, there are routes such as the Southern Xinjiang Little Loop (11-13 days) and the Entire Xinjiang Big Loop (40-50 days) for visitors to choose from.?
The Southern Xinjiang Little Loop is a simplified version of the Southern Xinjiang Big Loop, suitable for spring and autumn seasons; while the Entire Xinjiang Big Loop is a combination of the Northern Xinjiang Big Loop and the Southern Xinjiang Big Loop, and is the most comprehensive route in Xinjiang tourism, requiring a longer time for in-depth exploration.?
In summary, Xinjiang boasts a rich variety of tourist routes, and visitors can choose suitable routes according to their time, interests, and preferences. No matter which route is chosen, visitors can appreciate the unique charm and beautiful scenery of Xinjiang.?