The Xinjiang travel itinerary guide includes multiple classic routes, such as the Kanas Loop, Yili Loop, Kanas-Yili Loop, Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop, and Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop.?
The Kanas Loop is suitable for a 5-7 day trip, covering fairy-tale-like attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, and the Devil City. This route allows you to appreciate the emerald-green waters of Kanas Lake, which seem to cleanse the soul, and the fairy-tale world of Hemu Village bathed in the first light of dawn.?
The Yili Loop requires 6-10 days and offers breathtaking views of Sayram Lake, Nalati Grasslands, Xiata, and other scenic spots at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. May to June is the best travel time when the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers are in full bloom.?
The Kanas-Yili Loop combines the best of Kanas and Yili, requiring 11-13 days to fully experience the most stunning natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang in one go.?
The Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop and the Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop require 13-17 days each. The Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop takes you through various landscapes such as deserts, Gobi, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands; while the Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop combines human landscapes and natural scenery such as the Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, and the Taklamakan Desert.?
In addition, there are shorter itinerary options, such as the 6-day free-and-easy travel guide starting from Urumqi, including food and attractions in Urumqi, Shanshan, Turpan, Tianshan Tianchi, and other places.?
Or options such as the 5-day Yili itinerary and the 8-day Kanas plus Yili itinerary, which have detailed daily schedules and attractions planned.?
For tourists who enjoy self-driving, the 9-day Kanas Loop in Northern Xinjiang and the 11-day Duku Highway Loop in Northern Xinjiang are also good choices. The Kanas Loop is most beautiful in autumn, while the Duku Highway attracts many tourists due to its special landforms and scenery. However, please note that the Duku Highway has limited opening hours each year.?
When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to choose a suitable route based on personal time and interests, and to understand the local weather and traffic conditions in advance to ensure a pleasant journey.?