If you are departing from Kunming to visit Northern Xinjiang, you can refer to the following guide:?
I. Modes of Transportation?
Airplane: Depart from Kunming Changshui International Airport, and take a direct or transit flight to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. This is the fastest way to reach Northern Xinjiang.?
Self-drive: If you enjoy self-drive tours, you can choose to depart from Kunming, passing through Sichuan, Gansu, and other places, ultimately arriving in Xinjiang. However, pay attention to road conditions and driving skills, and make adequate preparations.?
II. Itinerary Planning?
Taking a flight to Urumqi as an example, here is a brief itinerary plan:?
Day 1: Kunming to Urumqi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, rest and adjust, and taste Xinjiang’s special cuisine such as mutton skewers and large plate chicken.?
Day 2: Explore Urumqi City. Visit the Xinjiang Museum to learn about Xinjiang’s history and culture, visit the Bazaar to experience ethnic customs, and stroll through the night market to taste local snacks.?
Day 3: Urumqi to Turpan. Take the high-speed rail or bus to get there, visit scenic spots such as Flaming Mountain and Grape Valley, and taste the special cuisine of Turpan.?
Day 4: Turpan to Kanas. Take a coach or chartered car to get there, and optionally visit the Tianchi scenic area along the way. Upon arrival in Kanas, visit scenic spots such as Kanas Lake and Fish Viewing Terrace.?
Subsequent Itinerary: Depending on time and interest, you can continue to explore other scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang, such as the Ili River Valley, Nalati Grassland, and Khorgos Port.?
. Finally, return to Urumqi and take a connecting flight or bus back to Kunming.?
III. Scenic Spot Recommendations?
Kanas Lake: Famous for its mysterious lake water, ever-changing clouds, and diverse animal and plant resources, it is a must-visit destination for Northern Xinjiang tourism.?
Tianshan Tianchi: One of Xinjiang’s famous natural landscapes, with breathtaking lake and mountain scenery, it is worth visiting.?
International Bazaar: A landmark building in Urumqi, integrating shopping, dining, and entertainment, it is a great place to experience the ethnic customs of Xinjiang.?
IV. Precautions?
Complete Documents: Ensure that all documents such as ID cards, driver’s licenses (if self-driving), etc., are complete and valid, as there may be multiple checkpoints along the way for inspection.?
Cold-resistant Clothing: Northern Xinjiang is at a high altitude, and it can get very cold at night. Therefore, no matter when you go, be prepared with cold-resistant clothing.?
Food Supplies: If you are on a self-drive tour, it is recommended to bring easy-to-preserve, high-calorie, and filling foods for unexpected needs.?
Safe Driving: If you choose to drive yourself, pay attention to road conditions and driving safety, especially when facing the complex road conditions in Xinjiang.?
I hope this guide can help you with your trip to Northern Xinjiang!?