When traveling from Kashgar to Urumqi, you can choose to self-drive and enjoy the beautiful scenery and rich cultural landscapes of Xinjiang along the way. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Self-Driving Route Planning
There are multiple self-driving routes from Kashgar to Urumqi, and one of the classic routes is: Kashgar → Aksu → Korla → Turpan → Urumqi.
This route totals about 2,400 kilometers, passing through multiple well-known attractions, suitable for an in-depth tour.
The specific segmented itinerary can be arranged as follows.
Day 1: Departing from Kashgar to Aksu, a journey of about 480-600 kilometers, where you can enjoy the rural scenery of southern Xinjiang and visit attractions such as Kashgar Old City.
Day 2: Aksu to Korla, a journey of about 600 kilometers, passing through the Tianshan Mountains, where you can admire the splendid natural scenery.
Day 3: Korla to Turpan, a journey of about 320-400 kilometers, where you can visit attractions such as Bosten Lake and Tianshan Grand Canyon along the way.
Day 4: Turpan to Urumqi, a journey of about 540-800 kilometers, where you can visit famous attractions such as Flaming Mountain, Grape Valley, and Tianshan Tianchi.
In addition, there is a more detailed route, including an in-depth tour around Kashgar: Kashgar → Tashkurgan → Winding Ancient Road → Kashgar → Aksu → Kuqa → Nalati → Sayram Lake → Urumqi.
Although this route takes longer, it allows for a more comprehensive experience of Xinjiang’s local customs and natural scenery.
II. Recommended Must-Visit Attractions
Kashgar Old City: Located in Kashgar, Xinjiang, it is one of the famous ancient cities in China, with rich historical relics and cultural landscapes, such as the Id Kah Mosque and Xiangfei Tomb.
Taklamakan Desert: As the largest desert in China, you can enjoy its magnificent scenery along the way and feel the wonders of nature.
Tianshan Mountains: When passing through the Tianshan Mountains, you can admire the majestic mountains and splendid natural scenery.
Turpan: Here there are famous attractions such as Flaming Mountain and Grape Valley, making it an excellent destination to experience the unique landforms and culture of Xinjiang.
Tianshan Tianchi: Located in the northeastern part of Urumqi, it is a famous tourist attraction in China, with emerald-green lakes, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands, presenting a picturesque scenery.
III. Driving Instructions
Driving safety: The terrain in Xinjiang is complex, and some road segments may be steep and dangerous. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to safety and abide by traffic rules while driving.
Vehicle preparation: It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle in advance to ensure its good performance, and to carry necessary repair tools and a spare tire.
Border defense certificate processing: If you plan to visit border areas, such as Tashkurgan, you need to process a border defense certificate in advance.
Accommodation and dining: Cities along the way have various accommodation and dining facilities, which can be chosen according to personal preferences and budgets. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth itinerary.
In summary, the travel itinerary from Kashgar to Urumqi will be an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang. Whether choosing the classic route or the in-depth tour route, you can fully experience the natural scenery and cultural charm of Xinjiang.