When you dream of a journey that embraces snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, crystal-clear lakes, and endless deserts, Xinjiang is the ultimate answer. This vast land, which makes up one-sixth of China’s territory, is where magnificence and mystery coexist.
To truly experience Xinjiang, self-driving is the most free and comprehensive way. Compared with fragmented sightseeing, the self-drive grand loop allows you to capture the full panorama of Xinjiang in one trip—east to west, north to south. In this article, we’ll take you on a 15-day self-drive loop starting from Urumqi, crossing the Tianshan Mountains, and experiencing both Silk Road heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
Trip Highlights at a Glance
This Xinjiang self-drive grand loop covers about 5,000 km, circling the Tianshan Mountains and passing through Ili, Kashgar, Hotan, Korla, and Turpan. Its unique features include:
Panoramic Coverage: Grasslands, lakes, snow-capped peaks, gorges, deserts, and poplar forests—all in one trip.
Silk Road Culture: Retrace the ancient Silk Road, exploring Kashgar Old Town, Hotan jade markets, and Kucha’s Buddhist relics.
Ethnic Diversity: Encounter Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and other ethnic groups, each adding to Xinjiang’s cultural mosaic.
Seasonal Beauty: Blossoming apricot flowers in spring, lush grasslands in summer, golden poplar forests in autumn, and snowy peaks in winter—four seasons in a single journey.
Sayram Lake
Recommended 15-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
Day 1: Urumqi → Tianchi Lake (120 km)
Arrive in Urumqi and adjust to the altitude. Drive to Tianchi Lake, where crystal waters reflect snow peaks like a fairyland. Gentle hikes are recommended. Return to Urumqi for the night.
Day 2–3: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining (700 km)
Cross the iconic Guozigou Bridge en route to Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.” Camp by the lakeside or continue to Yining. On Day 3, visit lavender fields and the Ili River Valley, often called “the Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.”
Day 4: Yining → Nalati Grassland (250 km)
Drive across Zhaosu Grassland to reach Nalati. One of the world’s four great alpine meadows, it is vibrant in summer with herds of sheep and golden in autumn. Sunset over the grassland is breathtaking.
Day 5–6: Nalati → Bayinbuluke → Korla (600 km)
Cross mountain roads to Bayinbuluke Grassland, famous for the Nine-Bend River—a paradise for photographers. On Day 6, continue to Korla, home of the sweet Korla pear.
Day 7: Korla → Taklamakan Desert Highway → Hotan (1,200 km)
One of the most dramatic stretches: driving across the Taklamakan Desert Highway. Flanked by endless dunes, the green shelterbelt along the road feels like a miracle of life. End the day in Hotan, the ancient jade capital.
Day 8–9: Hotan → Kashgar (500 km)
Head to Kashgar, the legendary Silk Road hub. Explore Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, and the bustling bazaar. On Day 9, take a side trip to the Pamir Plateau, visiting Karakul Lake and Muztagh Ata.
Day 10–11: Kashgar → Kuqa (1,000 km)
Drive along the southern route to Kuqa, once the heart of the Kucha Kingdom. Visit Kuqa Grand Canyon and the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, key sites of Buddhist art on the Silk Road.
Day 12: Kuqa → Turpan (800 km)
Head north across the Tianshan to Turpan. Highlights include Jiaohe Ancient City, the Karez underground irrigation system, and the lush Grape Valley.
Day 13–14: Turpan → Shanshan → Hami (600 km)
Continue east to Shanshan’s Kumtag Desert, where you can try desert off-roading and sand sliding. Arrive in Hami to enjoy the region’s famous melons.
Day 15: Hami → Urumqi (600 km)
Drive back to Urumqi, completing your 15-day Xinjiang self-drive grand loop.
Taklamakan Desert
Recommended tourist routes
16-Day Xinjiang Panorama Tour: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake, Altay, Nalati, Tashkurgan, Kashgar & More
Practical Tips for the Self-Drive Loop
- Best Time to Visit
June–September: Best weather, with blooming flowers and deep-blue lakes.
October: Golden poplar forests and stunning autumn colors.
Winter: Snow scenery is magical, but road conditions can be challenging.
- Vehicle Choice
SUVs or 4WD vehicles are best for long distances and desert highways.
Rental cars are available in Urumqi (airport or city). Choose full insurance for peace of mind.
- Accommodation & Dining
Hotels are abundant in major cities; yurts or guesthouses are options in grassland and desert regions.
Must-try Xinjiang foods: pilaf, kebabs, naan bread, and milk tea. Eat moderately to avoid digestive discomfort.
- Safety & Health
Carry sufficient water and snacks in desert or remote areas.
Strong UV protection is essential: sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are must-haves.
Mobile signal can be weak in remote areas—share your itinerary with family before departure.
The Xinjiang self-drive grand loop is a journey that perfectly combines natural wonders with Silk Road culture. From Urumqi, the route leads you across lakes, grasslands, deserts, ancient cities, and snow-capped peaks, painting a magnificent picture of the Western Regions.
Unlike fragmented sightseeing, this 15-day panoramic route allows you to truly grasp the meaning of the saying: “Without visiting Xinjiang, you don’t know how vast China is.”
If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, why not embark on this grand self-drive loop? For those who prefer a more relaxed option, China Dragon Travel offers professional chartered car services, tailored routes, and experienced local drivers, ensuring your journey is both comfortable and safe. With Yulong, you can fully immerse yourself in Xinjiang’s vast horizons, diverse cultures, and countless surprises—without the stress of navigating on your own.
