The recommended 17-day itinerary for Xinjiang is as follows:
From Day 1 to Day 17:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel to rest, and in the evening, you can head to the International Bazaar to feel the unique style of Xinjiang.
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi and head to Tianshan Tianchi to admire the magnificent scenery of the alpine lake.
Day 3: Cross through the edge of the Junggar Basin, passing by the Gurbantunggut Desert, to arrive in Burqin.
In the evening, you can stroll through the Old Dock Night Market to experience special ethnic minority cuisine.
Day 4: Head to Hemu Village to experience the original Tuva lifestyle and admire the unique Siberian taiga forest and starry sky.
Day 5: Visit Kanas Lake to admire the magical changes of the color-changing lake, and you can climb up the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the entire Kanas Lake.
Day 6: Pass by the Urho Devil’s City to feel the mysterious power of nature, and then head to Karamay.
Day 7: Arrive at Sayram Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery by the lake.
Day 8: Head to the Nalati Grasslands to feel the vastness and tranquility of the grasslands.
Day 9: Visit the Bayinbuluk Grasslands to admire the sunset scenery of the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River.
Day 10: Cross through the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon to feel the grandeur of nature, and then head to Kuqa.
Day 11: Visit attractions such as Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a prince’s residence) to understand the local historical culture.
Day 12: Arrive in Kashgar to feel the rich southern Xinjiang style, and visit landmark buildings such as the Id Kah Mosque.
In the following days: Based on personal interests and time arrangements, you can choose to visit Hotan, Minfeng, Luntai, Zhaosu, Tekes, and other places to experience more natural scenery and cultural landscapes.
For example, you can travel through Desert Highway No. 1 to arrive at the Populus euphratica Forest in Luntai; or drive along the Yizhao Highway to enjoy scenery such as rapeseed fields and the Heavenly Horse Bathing River; you can also visit places like Qiongkushitai, Qiaxi, and Tangbula to feel the diverse charm of Xinjiang.
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in Xinjiang, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural scenery and cultural customs of Xinjiang within 17 days. Of course, the specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and actual circumstances.