There are multiple options for Xinjiang travel itineraries, covering different durations and themes, including classic routes such as the Kanas Circuit, Yili Circuit, Kanas-Yili Circuit, Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route, and Southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route.
Here are several common Xinjiang travel itinerary options:
Kanas Circuit Route: 5-7 days. Mainly explore the Altay region, including attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, and魔鬼城 (Ghost Town). This route is suitable for enjoying the natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang, and the best travel time is from September to October.
Yili Circuit Route: 6-10 days. Explore the Yili River Valley surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, including attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Xiata. This route is suitable for travel from May to August, allowing visitors to experience the stunning scenery at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
Kanas-Yili Circuit Route: 11-13 days. It combines the essence of the Kanas Circuit and Yili Circuit and is the most essential natural scenery tour route in Northern Xinjiang. Suitable for travel from May to October, visitors can enjoy the attractions of both routes at one time.
Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route: 13-17 days. A self-driving tour around the entire Northern Xinjiang, including attractions in Kanas and Yili, and also adding desert and Gobi landscapes in the eastern region of Turpan. It is suitable for travel from May to November and focuses on scenic views.
Southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route: 13-17 days. It faces the Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route across the Tianshan Mountains and focuses on experiencing cultural customs. The main route passes through the Taklamakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, and other places. The best travel season is from September to November and March to May.
In addition, there are itineraries such as the 19-day Luxury Train Cruise Across Xinjiang, departing from Changsha or Guangzhou and arriving directly in Xinjiang, covering over 40 attractions. With a focus on comfortable services, it is suitable for tourists who want to deeply experience Xinjiang.
As well as an 8-day carpooling tour of Xinjiang, which provides worry-free private car services and is suitable for tourists who enjoy free and easy travel.
The above itinerary is for reference only. The specific itinerary arrangement needs to be considered comprehensively based on factors such as personal interests, time, and budget. When planning the itinerary, it is recommended to learn about the opening hours, ticket prices, and transportation methods of each attraction in advance to better arrange the itinerary.