Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop 12-Day Travel Itinerary

【Xinjiang】: This is the 12-day Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop travel itinerary, covering numerous scenic spots in Xinjiang:

⛺【Natural Landscapes】:
- Lakes: Sayram Lake, the highest-altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, with crystal-clear blue waters and stunning surrounding scenery.

- Grasslands: Nalati Grassland, part of the subalpine meadow plant zone and one of the world's four major grasslands, known for its lush vegetation; Tangbula Grassland, dubbed the "Hundred-Mile Scroll," featuring harmonious forests, grasslands, and streams; Bayinbuluk Grassland, vast and boundless, home to swans and other rare birds, and the site of the "Nine Bends of the Kaidu River" spectacle.

- Canyons: Dushanzi Grand Canyon, known as the "Secret Realm of Duku, a Billion-Year Wonder," with steep cliff walls; Kuqa Grand Canyon, formed by wind and rain erosion, featuring winding paths and reddish-brown rocks.

- Others: Colorful Beach, famous for its unique yardang landform with "two contrasting landscapes on either side of the river"; Urho Ghost City, a typical yardang landform area where the wind sounds like ghostly wails; Hemu and Baihaba, villages inhabited by the Tuva people, with primitive wooden houses blending seamlessly with nature, offering picturesque views; Kanas, a region combining glaciers, lakes, forests, and grasslands, with mysterious "lake monster" legends adding intrigue.

- Roads: Duku Highway, one of China's most beautiful roads, traversing the backbone of the Tianshan Mountains with varying scenery across seasons; Yizhao Highway, another scenic route in Xinjiang with breathtaking views.

🛬【Northern Xinjiang Ili Grand Loop 12-Day Itinerary】:
Day 1: Urumqi—Heavenly Lake—Desert Highway—Accommodation: Beitun

Day 2: Beitun—Border Pass Application—Ahe Highway—Accommodation: Hemu Scenic Area

Day 3: Hemu—Kanas Lake—Fish Watching Platform—Accommodation: Kanas

Day 4: Kanas—Fairy Bay—Moon Bay—Wolong Bay—Colorful Beach—Accommodation: Burqin

Day 5: Burqin—Ghost City—Accommodation: Kuytun

Day 6: Kuytun—Sayram Lake—Guozigou Bridge—Lavender Fields—Accommodation: Yining

Day 7: Yining—Yizhao Highway—Xiata Ancient Path—Accommodation: Zhaosu

Day 8: Zhaosu—Kalajun—Bagua City—Accommodation: Tekesi

Day 9: Tekesi—Nalati Grassland—Accommodation: Nalati

Day 10: Nalati—Middle Section of Duku Highway—Bayinbuluk

Day 11: Bayinbuluk—Duku Highway—Hundred-Mile Gallery—Fairy Lake—Accommodation: Tangbula

Day 12: Tangbula—Duku Highway—Accommodation: Urumqi

🧡【Tips】:
Friendly Reminders:
① Most areas in Xinjiang have a dry climate, so drink plenty of water, eat fruits, and have small frequent meals. To prevent stomach discomfort, bring commonly used medications.
② Many places in Xinjiang are inhabited by Muslim communities. When dining at halal restaurants, avoid bringing non-beef or lamb food, refrain from drinking alcohol, and do not waste food.
③ Distances between cities are long, and attractions are scattered, resulting in extended travel times. Prepare motion sickness medication.