The best route to Xinjiang for tourism varies from person to person, but the following classic routes are widely praised by tourists and can be selected based on personal interests and schedule.?
Kanas Loop (5-7 days):?
This route covers the essence of Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas, Hemo, Koktokay, and Ghost City, each as beautiful as a fairyland. The emerald-green waters of Kanas Lake contrast beautifully with the surrounding majestic snow-capped mountains and dense forests, while the early morning light and curling smoke in Hemo Village make people feel like they have stepped into a fairy tale world.?
Ili Loop (6-10 days):?
The Ili Loop is renowned for its stunning scenery at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, including attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Xiata. In June, the grass in Nalati grows wildly, and the Kazakh herdsmen’s transhumance teams stretch for five kilometers, forming a moving picture. The clear waters of Sayram Lake and the spectacular scenery of Guozigou Bridge are also captivating.?
Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop (13-17 days):?
This route is suitable for tourists who wish to explore Northern Xinjiang in depth. A self-drive tour around Northern Xinjiang allows for a panoramic view of the magnificent scenery of deserts, gobies, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands. Starting from Urumqi, passing through places like Colorful Beach, Burqin, Kanas, Hemo, and Ghost City, and finally returning to Urumqi, the journey is full of surprises.?
Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop (13-17 days):?
The Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop focuses more on the integration of cultural customs and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore places such as the Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, and the Taklamakan Desert, experiencing the unique charm of Southern Xinjiang. This route is also an excellent choice for experiencing Xinjiang’s diverse cultures and folklore.?
Moreover, if time permits, consider combining famous internet-celebrity highways such as the Duku Highway for a self-drive tour, experiencing the fantastical scenery of ‘ten li (a Chinese length unit) with different skies, four seasons in a single day’.?
In summary, Xinjiang boasts diverse tourist routes, with breathtaking natural scenery and cultural landscapes alike. It is recommended to choose a suitable route based on one’s interests and schedule.?