Xinjiang Northern Loop 10 Days 9 Nights Pure Travel

【Introduction】: There's no denying that Xinjiang is vast, and the distances between its attractions are incredibly long. If it's your first time visiting, take a look at this map of scenic routes—it covers the popular sights in both southern and northern Xinjiang. With this map, you won't get lost. Save it now! As Xinjiang's travel season is approaching, we hope everyone has a wonderful and smooth journey.

⛺【Travel Tips】:
🌲 Ili Region: Known for its grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and forests.
🌲 Nalati Grassland: The hometown of the "Bee Girl," also known as the "Sky Grassland." It's a stunning blend of wildflowers, grazing cattle and sheep, grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. The Xiata Ancient Trail is considered the pinnacle of Ili's grasslands.
🌲 Qaxi Forest: A scene straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki anime.
🌲 Qiongkushitai: A hidden gem in Xinjiang, featuring a secluded village and pristine grasslands.
🌲 Northern Xinjiang Region: Primarily known for its natural landscapes.
🌲 Sayram Lake: Dubbed "the last tear of the Atlantic," it features swans, a blue lake, snow-capped mountains, and flower-filled grasslands.
🌲 Kanas: A paradise on earth with breathtaking views of its three bays.
🌲 Hemu: A primitive village with fairytale-like wooden cabins, a secluded haven, and one of the most beautiful villages in Northern Xinjiang.
🌲 Urho Ghost City: A mysterious and stunning road in Xinjiang.

🛬【Itinerary】:
♦️Day 1: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Ulungur Lake - Altay
Morning: Depart from Urumqi and travel along the S21 Desert Highway, which cuts through the Gurbantunggut Desert, offering expansive desert views.
Afternoon: Arrive at Ulungur Lake, where you can enjoy lakeside activities and admire the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.

♦️Day 2: Altay - Ahe Highway - Hemu Viewing Platform - Hemu
Morning: Travel along the Ahe Highway to Hemu, enjoying the natural beauty of Northern Xinjiang's forests and grasslands along the way.
Afternoon: Arrive at Hemu and visit the Hemu Viewing Platform to get a panoramic view of the village, including its wooden cabins and the Hemu River at sunset.

♦️Day 3: Hemu - Kanas Lake - Fish Viewing Pavilion - Kanas Scenic Area
Morning: Explore the Kanas Scenic Area and visit Kanas Lake, with the option to take a boat ride.
Afternoon: Head to the Fish Viewing Pavilion for a bird's-eye view of Kanas Lake and to search for traces of the legendary lake monster.

♦️Day 4: Kanas - Kanas Three Bays - Five-Colored Beach - Burqin
Morning: Visit the Kanas Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay), stroll along the wooden walkways, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Afternoon: Head to Five-Colored Beach to admire the colorful riverbanks and unique landforms along the Irtysh River.

♦️Day 5: Burqin - Urho Ghost City - Kuytun
Morning: Visit Urho Ghost City to explore its unique landforms and experience its mysterious charm, especially at sunset.

♦️Day 6: Kuytun - Sayram Lake - Guozigou - Lavender Fields - Yining
Morning: Arrive at Sayram Lake, take a leisurely walk along the lake, and enjoy lakeside activities.
Afternoon: Pass through the Guozigou Bridge and admire the magnificent bridge and surrounding scenery. Then, visit the lavender fields to enjoy the sea of purple flowers.

♦️Day 7: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xiata Ancient Trail - Zhaosu
Morning: Travel along the Yizhao Highway to Zhaosu, enjoying the snow-capped mountains and grasslands along the way.
Afternoon: Arrive at Xiata Ancient Trail, where you can hike or ride horses to explore the trail's beauty and distant snow-capped mountains.

♦️Day 8: Zhaosu - Kalajun Grassland - Tekes
Morning: Visit Kalajun Grassland to admire its vast grasslands and rolling hills, experiencing the grandeur of the grasslands.
Afternoon: Head to Tekes to explore the Eight-Trigram City and appreciate its unique urban layout.

♦️Day 9: Tekes - Nalati Sky Grassland - Nalati Town
Morning: Arrive at Nalati Sky Grassland, take a shuttle bus to enjoy the grassland scenery, and participate in activities like horseback riding.

♦️Day 10: Nalati Town - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Morning: Travel back to Urumqi along the Duku Highway, enjoying the diverse landscapes of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands along the way.

🧡【Tips】:
- Bring essential documents like ID cards and student IDs (if applicable).
- Clothing: Xinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night, so pack long sleeves, short sleeves, jackets, and windbreakers. Warm clothing is especially important in mountainous or high-altitude areas.
- Sun protection: Xinjiang has long daylight hours and strong UV rays, so bring sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection items.
- Other items: Consider bringing a selfie stick, some cash, and high-energy snacks like self-heating hot pots, beef jerky, and chocolate for emergencies.
- Time difference: Xinjiang is about 2 hours behind cities like Beijing. Visitors should adapt to the time difference and adjust their schedules accordingly.
- Health preparation: Ensure you're in good health for the trip.