There are multiple best travel routes in Xinjiang, and the specific choice depends on factors such as travel time, personal interests, and budget. Here are some recommended unique routes:
Kanas Circuit Route:
Duration: 5-7 days
Scenic spots: Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, Devil’s City, etc.
Characteristic: This route is famous for its fantastic fairyland scenery. The emerald-green waters of Kanas Lake and the primitive wooden house life in Hemu Village are unmissable experiences.
Yili Circuit Route:
Duration: 6-10 days
Scenic spots: Sayram Lake, Nalati, Xiata, etc.
Characteristic: The Yili Circuit Route showcases the stunning scenery at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, with distinctive features in each season, especially the lavender fields in early summer, which are mesmerizing.
Kanas-Yili Circuit Route:
Duration: 11-13 days
Scenic spots: Highlights of Kanas + Yili
Characteristic: This route combines the best of Kanas and Yili, and is the most essential natural scenery route in Northern Xinjiang.
Southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route:
Duration: 13-17 days
Scenic spots: Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, Taklamakan Desert, etc.
Characteristic: The Southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route combines humanistic customs with natural landscapes, making it a favorite among artistic adventurers.
Duku Highway Self-driving Tour:
Duration: Based on the itinerary arrangement
Scenic spots: Scenery along the Duku Highway
Characteristic: The Duku Highway is praised as the "Most Beautiful Highway in China" and is only open for 5 months each year. The scenery along the way is extreme, but visitors need to be aware that the road conditions are relatively steep and dangerous.
Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route:
Duration: About 15 days
Scenic spots: Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, etc. (partially overlaps with the Kanas Circuit Route but is more comprehensive).
Characteristic: The Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route is a collection of natural beauty in Xinjiang, suitable for tourists who want to fully experience the natural scenery of Xinjiang.
In addition, there are unique routes such as the desert highway tour of the Gurbantünggüt Desert via the S21 Awu Expressway and the Danxia landform tour of the 100-mile Danxia scenic route along the S101 line, which can be selected according to personal interests.
Summary: The best travel routes in Xinjiang vary from person to person, and it is recommended to choose based on comprehensive consideration of factors such as time, interests, and budget. No matter which route is chosen, visitors can experience the unique natural scenery and rich ethnic culture of Xinjiang.