Xinjiang

China's largest provincial-level region, where snow mountains and grasslands, desert oases and the multi-ethnic culture of the Silk Road form a magnificent panorama.

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region lies on China's northwestern frontier. The Tianshan Mountains span the middle, with the Junggar Basin to the north and the Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert to the south. Northern Xinjiang is known for Kanas, Sayram Lake, Narati and the Ili Valley grasslands, with Gongliu's Kurdening, Qitai's Jiangbulake and Barkol each offering their own scenery, and the Duku Highway crossing the Tianshan. Southern Xinjiang is characterized by the old city of Kashgar, Hotan, Aksu and desert oasis culture, and Bosten Lake near Korla and Hami are also worth a visit. The best season is June–October, and winter offers skiing. Ürümqi is the main air gateway, and the region has many regional airports; if driving, be aware of the long distances.

Destinations

Itineraries

North Xinjiang Grand Loop: Kanas, Ili & Duku Highway – Depart from Urumqi to loop through Altay, Sayram Lake, and Ili, returning via the northern section of the Duku Highway
South Xinjiang, Pamir & Desert Highway Grand Loop – Ascend the Pamirs from Kashgar, travel through Yarkand and Hotan, cross the Desert Highway, and return to Urumqi via Ku…
Golden Autumn in Altay: Kanas & Hemu – A spectacular autumn journey through Koktokay, Ulungur Lake, Hemu, Kanas, and Baihaba, ending with the Ahe Highway
In-Depth Ili Valley Grassland Loop – In and out of Yining, connecting Sayram Lake, Zhaosu, Kalajun, Kurdening, and Nalati
Duku Highway: North-to-South Tianshan Crossing – Drive the entire Duku Highway from Dushanzi to Kuqa, experiencing grasslands, mountain passes, the Nine Curves and Eigh…
Altay Winter Ski & Snow Village Loop – In and out of Altay, skiing at Jiangjun Mountain, Jikepulin, and Koktokay, while enjoying the snowscapes of Hemu and Ka…
Classic Silk Road: Urumqi, Turpan & Kashgar – Visit Heavenly Lake, the ancient ruins of Turpan, Kashgar Old Town, and Tashkurgan, using a domestic flight to connect…
Eastern Tianshan Loop: Qitai, Barkol, Hami & Turpan – A loop from Urumqi around the Eastern Tianshan, connecting wheat fields, grasslands, the Hami King's Palace, and the an…
Kashgar to Hunza via Khunjerab Pass – Travel along the Karakoram Highway from Kashgar, cross the Pamirs and Khunjerab Pass, traverse Hunza, and fly out from…
Kashgar & Pamir Karakoram Highway – Explore Kashgar Ancient City and drive the Karakoram Highway to see Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Panlong Ancient Road, an…
Tarim Golden Autumn: Korla to Kuqa – Witness the spectacular autumn colors of the Lop Nur People Village and Luntai Populus Forest, then drive the northern…
Short Trip: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake & Turpan – Four days to explore museums, the Grand Bazaar, Heavenly Lake, and the ancient city of Turpan, traveling by high-speed…