There are multiple best routes for traveling in Xinjiang, and the specific choice depends on the travel time and personal preferences. Among them, the Kanas Loop Route, Yili Loop Route, Kayi Loop Route, Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route, and Southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route are all very popular routes.?
Kanas Loop Route: Suitable for 5-7 days of exploration, the main attractions include Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, and Devil’s City, with the best travel time being September to October. This route allows you to experience the lakes and mountains, as well as the life in primitive wooden houses in Xinjiang.?
Yili Loop Route: Suitable for 6-10 days of exploration, it includes scenic areas such as Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Xiata, and is suitable for travel from May to August. The Yili Loop Route is famous for its stunning scenery at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, with unique charm in each season.?
Kayi Loop Route: It is a combination of the Kanas Loop and Yili Loop, requiring 11-13 days to explore and suitable for travel from May to October. This route covers the most spectacular natural scenery in northern Xinjiang.?
Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route: It takes 13-17 days to explore by self-driving the entire northern Xinjiang, including landscapes such as deserts, Gobi, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands. It is suitable for travel from May to November. The Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route allows you to fully experience the natural scenery and cultural customs of northern Xinjiang.?
Southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route: It also takes 13-17 days to explore and focuses on experiencing cultural customs. The main stops include the Taklamakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, and other places. The best travel seasons are September to November and March to May. The Southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route allows you to feel the remnants of the Silk Road and the diverse cultures of Xinjiang.?
In addition, the Duku Highway is also a classic route for self-driving tours in Xinjiang, known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in the Tianshan Mountains". It stretches 561 kilometers from Dushanzi to Kuqa, with landscapes along the way including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, valleys, and forests, making it a peak achievement in Xinjiang’s self-driving community. However, please note that there are many mountain roads on the Duku Highway, and it is recommended to visit during June to September, when road conditions are best.?
Each of the above routes has its own characteristics and can be selected based on your own schedule and preferences. When planning your itinerary, you also need to pay attention to factors such as weather and road conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.?