The recommended 15-day tourism route in Xinjiang covers the classic attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang, while also considering the comfort of the itinerary and the richness of attractions.
Northern Xinjiang Segment (7-8 days)
Northern Xinjiang is mainly known for its natural scenery. The following route is recommended:
Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi (1 day): Admire the beauty of Tianshan Mountains and feel the tranquility of Tianchi Lake.
Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Colorful Beach Sunset → Stay in Burqin (1 day): Cross the desert highway and enjoy the sunset beauty of Colorful Beach.
Burqin → Kanas Lake → Fish Viewing Pavilion (1-2 days): Deeply explore Kanas Lake, admire the lake and mountain scenery, and explore the mysterious legend of water monsters.
Kanas → Hemo Village (1 day): Experience the primitive charm of Hemo Village and enjoy the starry sky at night.
Hemo → Urho Ghost City (1 day): Explore the Yardang landform and feel the wonders of nature.
Urho → Sayram Lake (1 day): Drive around the lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery, and stay overnight by the lake.
Sayram Lake → Yining → Zhaosu Grassland (1 day): Visit Kazanqi Folk Street and head to Zhaosu Grassland to feel its vastness.
Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Road (light hiking) → Tekes Eight Trigrams City (1 day): Experience the joy of light hiking and explore the mystery of Tekes Eight Trigrams City.
Alternatively, you can choose the following route:
Urumqi → Koktokay (1 day): Admire the beautiful scenery of Koktokay.
Koktokay → Burqin → Colorful Beach (1 day): Head to Burqin, enjoying the scenic beauty of Colorful Beach along the way.
Burqin → Kanas (2-3 days): Deeply explore Kanas scenic area, including Fish Viewing Terrace, Three Bays, etc.
Kanas → Hemo (1 day): Head to Hemo Village to experience the primitive wooden houses and beautiful starry sky.
Hemo → Ghost City → Kuitun (1 day): Visit Ghost City and then proceed to Kuitun.
Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (1 day): Enjoy the beauty of Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge, and then head to Yining.
Yining → Karakjun → Tekes (1 day): Visit Karakjun Grassland and then proceed to Tekes.
Tekes → Nalati Grassland (1 day): Admire the magnificent scenery of Nalati Grassland.
Southern Xinjiang Segment (7-8 days)
Southern Xinjiang is mainly known for its human landscape and desert scenery. The following route is recommended:
Urumqi → Korla (Lop Nur Village) (1 day): Explore Lop Nur Village and learn about the local culture.
Korla → Kuqa (Kuqa Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Grottoes) (1 day): Visit Kuqa Grand Canyon and Kizil Thousand Buddha Grottoes, and feel the richness of history.
Kuqa → Aksu (Wensu