The travel guide from Chengdu to Kanas and Ili in Xinjiang mainly includes modes of transportation, itinerary planning, accommodation options, attraction recommendations, and precautions.
Modes of transportation
Self-driving tour: Starting from Chengdu, self-driving to Kanas and Ili is a very suitable choice. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and experience the customs of different regions. The self-driving route is roughly: Chengdu → Xi’an → Lanzhou → Ili (or continue to Kanas).
. Among them, Chengdu to Xi’an is about 600 kilometers and is expected to take 6-8 hours; Xi’an to Lanzhou is about 650 kilometers (another saying is 450 kilometers) and is expected to take 6-7 hours; Lanzhou to Ili is about 2000 kilometers and is expected to take about 30 hours.
Other transportation options: If you don’t want to self-drive, you can also choose to take a coach, train, or plane to Urumqi, and then transfer to another transportation mode to Kanas and Ili.
Itinerary planning
Chengdu to Kanas: You can choose a six-day itinerary, including departure from Chengdu, arrival in Urumqi,乌尔禾to Burqin, Burqin to Kanas Lake, Kanas Lake to Burqin County, Burqin County to Urumqi, and Urumqi returning to Chengdu.
Chengdu to Ili: The self-driving tour route is recommended to include sections such as Chengdu to Xi’an, Xi’an to Lanzhou, and Lanzhou to Ili. In Ili, you can deeply experience the local customs and magnificent scenery.
Accommodation options
Cities along the way such as Chengdu, Xi’an, Lanzhou, and Urumqi have a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels.
In the Kanas and Ili areas, there are also many hotels and homestays to choose from. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure accommodation.
Attraction recommendations
Kanas: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Baihaba Village, etc., are famous attractions in the Kanas scenic area, where you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and rich folk customs.
Ili: Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, etc., are well-known attractions in the Ili area and worth visiting [not directly mentioned but recommended based on common sense].
Scenic spots along the way: During the self-driving tour, you can also pass by and visit famous attractions such as the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Pool (Xi’an), Yellow River Iron Bridge, and Baita Mountain Park (Lanzhou).
Precautions
Altitude sickness: You may pass through plateau areas along the way, so pay attention to altitude sickness and prepare sufficient related items.
Traffic safety: Follow traffic rules and pay attention to driving safety, especially on plateau and mountainous roads.
Material preparation: For long-distance self-driving, sufficient materials should be prepared, including food, water, emergency medications, etc.
Ticket reservation: Book tickets for scenic areas such as Kanas in advance through official channels to avoid queuing on-site.
Sunscreen and warmth: Xinjiang has a dry climate and strong UV rays, so moisturizing and sunscreen are necessary. At the same time, some scenic areas such as Kanas have lower temperatures, so warm clothing should be prepared.
With the above guide, you can better plan your trip from Chengdu to Kanas and Ili in Xinjiang.