Self-Driving Tours in Xinjiang: Make Sure to Allocate Sufficient Time
Xinjiang is vast and very suitable for self-driving tours. But because it's so large, to see roughly everything, I feel you need at least a month and a half. Don't believe those online guides that say ten or twenty days for a self-driving trip in Xinjiang – they're just cobbled together routes, omitting countless attractions, and merely rushing across. Self-driving in Xinjiang is about spontaneous exploration and enjoying the journey; unless you're retired or a freelancer with plenty of time to complete a full trip, I still recommend breaking it into multiple visits. I recommend the following three routes:
First, the Zanghai Basin Loop. Primarily along highways 216 and 217, roughly the route is Urumqi, Fuping, Qitai, Fuyun, Beitun, Altay, Burqin, Jiujin, Wushi, Raozhou, Kumtag, and then returning via Shijiuzhai, Changji. The main attractions include Tian Shan Tianchi (5A), Tian Shan Grand Canyon (5A), Qitai Jiang, Fuyun Kotan (5A), No. 3 Mine Pit, Altay Baxhan Lake (5A), Karst (5A), Wulupu Ghost City, Anquishi Gully, Shijiuzhai Museum, etc. This loop takes at least 7-10 days, and with ample time, you can even detour to the Tarim Basin to explore. Specific details require tailoring to your time and interests.
Second, the Ili and Kerek Highway Loop. You can start from Urumqi via the G34 and G35 highways to Bortala, then to Hotan, Hotan, Ili, Chabchaier, ZhaoSu, Tekes, Gongliu, Xinji, Kerek Highway. The key attractions on this line include Sayram Lake, Sayram Expressway, Fruit Groove, Hotan Port, 'Solace Princess' Lavender Garden, Huiyuan Ancient City, Ili Kazak Autonomous County, ZhaoSu Highway, ZhaoSu Tianma Tourism Culture Park, Shatu River, Kerek Mountain Scenic Area (5A), Tekes Eight-Wave City, Kureduing Scenic Area, Nalati Scenic Area (5A), and the Ilitak Corridor on the Pamir Plateau. Then take the Kerek Highway. Whether you drive the entire or half-length of the Kerek Highway will have repetition. This is Xinjiang's most beautiful area, especially suitable for self-driving. It will take at least 7-10 days, and the longer, the better. Create a strategy based on your situation.
Third, the Tarim Basin Loop. You can start from Urumqi, heading towards Dasatcheng and Toksain in Southern Xinjiang, first to Kuerle, then to Kuche, Akesu, Altishou, Zepu,, Minfeng, Zhema, Raozhou, Kuerle. During your time in Kashi, you can also visit Tashkourghan and Red Crescent Port, but you'll need to return to Kashi via the same route. The main attractions include Malan Red Mountain Military Base, Boshtan Lake (5A), Bazhou Museum, Tiemen Pass, Bayinagou (5A), Wenxian Valley, Tian Shan Sacred Tree Park, Altishou Gate, and the Ilitak Corridor on the Pamir Plateau.
