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Xinjiang travel routes
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Xinjiang travel routes

Kanas · Ili · Kashgar · Turpan

Xinjiang is divided into Northern and Southern Xinjiang: in Northern Xinjiang, you can see grasslands and lakes (Kanas, Ili), while in Southern Xinjiang, you can see oases and old cities (Kashgar, Kuqa), each requiring 8–12 days.

Provincial Routes and Cities

Xinjiang is so vast that it must be understood by "regions": Northern Xinjiang features grasslands, birch trees, and lakes, with the best season from June to September; Southern Xinjiang features oases, bazaars, and earthy-colored old towns, with a cultural density far higher than Northern Xinjiang. This site arranges Xinjiang into an 8-day Northern Xinjiang circuit, a 10-day Ili in-depth tour, and a 12-day Northern and Southern Xinjiang grand circuit.

How to Plan Routes in Xinjiang

We divide Xinjiang into 2 ready-made routes, covering short, medium, and long durations. Routes within the same province can be freely combined: if time is tight, take the shortest one, and if you want to explore in depth, connect the two routes.

Cities and Highlights on This Route

  • Urumqi/Kanas/Ili/Kashgar/Turpan:

Pre-Trip Reminders

  • Popular attractions (Forbidden City, Mogao Caves, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie, etc.) have real-name entry limits, and it is recommended to book 15–30 days in advance.
  • High-speed rail tickets go on sale 15 days before departure; during peak season, they sell out the first day, so make sure to set reminders.
  • Plateau routes (Tibet, Qinghai, Western Sichuan) require a health statement, and it is recommended to take Rhodiola 7 days in advance.
  • For seniors over 60 and children under 1.2 meters, please note at the time of booking, as ticket prices and bed arrangements differ.
  • All itineraries can be adjusted according to month, days, and travel companions; for details, see "Custom Itinerary".

Xinjiang travel routes (2)

How to choose

RouteDaysPriceIntensityBest monthsCities
Northern Xinjiang Circuit 8 Days · Kanas and Hemu8 days / 7 nights¥1,010 from / personModerateJune to SeptemberUrumqi / Kanas / Yili
Southern Xinjiang Oasis 10 Days · Kashgar and Pamir9 days / 8 nights¥1,210 from / personModerateMay to OctoberUrumqi / Turpan / Kashgar