Xinjiang, this vast land located in northwest China, is a mysterious western paradise in the hearts of overseas tourists. Here, you can witness the spectacular scene of snow-capped mountains coexisting with deserts, and admire the picture scroll of grasslands interwoven with lakes. The Xinjiang self-driving route is undoubtedly the best way to unlock this grandeur and magic. Whether it’s the thin mist over Kanas Lake at dawn or the evening breeze under the grape trellises in Turpan, every moment can be cherished through this route. Next, let’s embark on this self-driving journey that connects the essence of Xinjiang’s scenery and start your own western adventure.
Classic Loop Route: Double Experience of Northern Xinjiang’s Scenery and Southern Xinjiang’s Customs
Xinjiang is extremely vast, with long distances between scenic spots, so planning the self-driving route is particularly important. We recommend the classic loop combining Northern Xinjiang’s natural beauty and Southern Xinjiang’s cultural heritage. The whole journey takes about 20 days, making it the perfect choice for both in-depth exploration and comfort. Starting and ending in Urumqi, this Xinjiang self-driving route passes through Changji, Altay, Tacheng, Ili, Bayingolin, Aksu, Kashgar and other regions, linking core attractions such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Nalati Grassland, Taklamakan Desert, and Kashgar Ancient City. Each section of the journey will bring you distinct visual and cultural impacts.
Stop 1: Urumqi – The Starting Point of the Western Journey
As the capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi is an ideal starting point for the self-driving route. After arriving, you can take a break in the urban area to adapt to the plateau climate and experience the city’s diverse charm. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is a must-visit. Here, you can find a dazzling array of ethnic handicrafts, such as colorful Adras silk and exquisite Hetian jade jewelry, as well as fragrant local delicacies like mutton skewers, pilaf, and nang pit meat, allowing you to instantly immerse yourself in the western customs. On the square of the bazaar, you can also see enthusiastic Uygur people dancing the Maxrap dance – feel free to join them and experience the joyful ethnic rhythm. In addition, Hongshan Park is a great place to overlook the panoramic view of Urumqi. Climb to the top of Hongshan Tower, and you can take in the entire city’s scenery, with the distant Bogda Peak clearly visible, kicking off your self-driving journey perfectly.
Stop 2: Urumqi – Changji – Altay, Indulge in Northern Xinjiang’s Lakes and Mountains
Departing from Urumqi, drive northeast along the Jingxin Expressway (G7) for about 1.5 hours to reach the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Scenic Area in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture – the first major attraction on the route. Known as the “Jade Pool,” Heavenly Lake boasts crystal-clear water surrounded by rolling snow-capped mountains and lush spruces. When the sun shines on the lake, the water shimmers like a fairyland. You can stroll along the lakeside plank road to breathe in the fresh air, or take a cruise to admire the majestic Tianshan Mountains from the center of the lake.
Leaving Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, continue driving to Altay Prefecture along National Highway G216, and arrive in Burqin County after about 6 hours – a necessary stop on the way to Kanas. Burqin’s Russian-style street is uniquely charming, with colorful wooden houses and retro street lamps that make you feel as if you’re in a European town. In the evening, enjoy the sunset by the Irtysh River, where the afterglow dyes the river golden, creating a breathtaking view.
Departing from Burqin, drive about 3 hours along Provincial Highway S232 to Kanas, hailed as the “Pure Land on Earth.” Kanas Lake is the core attraction here, with its water color changing with seasons and weather – sometimes bright blue, sometimes emerald green, sometimes milky white, earning it the name “Color-Changing Lake.” In the morning, the lake is often shrouded in thin mist, with the surrounding forests and snow-capped mountains faintly visible, like a fairy tale world. You can hike along the lakeside wooden plank road or climb the Fish-Watching Platform to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake. The legendary “lake monster” adds a touch of mystery to this place. In addition, the three bays around Kanas – Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Shenxian Bay – are paradises for photographers, each boasting unique scenery.
Altay
Stop 3: Altay – Tacheng – Ili, Encounter Grasslands and Flower Seas
Leaving Kanas, drive southwest along the G3014 Expressway into Tacheng Prefecture, where the Urho Devil City is another wonder on the self-driving route. As a typical yardang landform, the Devil City has been carved by wind and rain for hundreds of millions of years into bizarre rock shapes. When the wind blows, the rocks emit a whimpering sound like the roar of devils, hence the name. You can take a small train to tour the scenic area and marvel at the magical craftsmanship of nature. Especially at sunset, the setting sun dyes the rocks orange-red, presenting a magnificent scene.
Departing from the Devil City, drive southeast along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway into Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, known as the “South of the Yangtze River Beyond the Great Wall” in Xinjiang, famous for its stunning grassland scenery. Nalati Grassland, one of Ili’s most renowned grasslands, is hailed as the “Alpine Grassland.” From June to August every year, the grassland is covered with lush green grass and blooming wildflowers, dotted with white yurts, while herdsmen gallop on horses – a beautiful pastoral picture. You can experience horse riding here, or walk into a yurt to taste homemade milk tea and hand-grabbed meat, and feel the hospitality of the Kazakh people.
In addition to Nalati Grassland, Ili’s Kalajun Grassland is also not to be missed. Famous for its undulating hilly landform, Kalajun Grassland is called the “Human Body Grassland” for its graceful lines and distinct layers. Here, you can see various landforms such as grasslands, forests, canyons, and rivers, with an extremely broad view. Moreover, the lavender fields in Huocheng, Ili, are a major highlight. From June to July every year, vast areas of lavender bloom, forming an endless purple sea of flowers comparable to Provence in France – a perfect spot for taking photos.
Stop 4: Ili – Bayingolin – Aksu – Kashgar, Explore Southern Xinjiang’s Culture and Deserts
Departing from Ili, drive south along the Duku Highway into Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. Known as the “Hero Highway,” the Duku Highway crosses the Tianshan Mountains, connecting Northern and Southern Xinjiang. With a total length of only 561 kilometers, it condenses various landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes, allowing you to experience four seasons in one day. It is hailed as one of China’s most beautiful highways. However, it should be noted that the Duku Highway is greatly affected by weather and is usually open from June to October. Be sure to check the latest road conditions before driving.
Driving south along the Duku Highway, you will reach Yuli County in Bayingolin, near the Taklamakan Desert. As China’s largest desert, the Taklamakan Desert is known as the “Sea of Death,” but it also boasts shocking desert scenery. Here, you can experience the excitement of desert off-roading, riding in an off-road vehicle to gallop on the sand dunes, or enjoy the desert sunset in the evening, watching the setting sun slowly sink into the sea of sand and feeling the tranquility and grandeur of nature.
Leaving the Taklamakan Desert, drive southwest along the G3012 Turpan-Kashgar Expressway into Aksu Prefecture. The Kuqa Grand Canyon here is a typical danxia landform, with steep cliffs and gorgeous colors. The red rocks are particularly striking under the sunlight, and walking in the canyon feels like being in a red maze.
Continuing along the Turpan-Kashgar Expressway, you will finally reach Kashgar – the political, economic, and cultural center of Southern Xinjiang. Kashgar Ancient City is the core attraction here and the largest existing earthen architecture city in the world. Walking into the ancient city, you can see winding alleys, simple dwellings, and exotic shops everywhere.
Kashgar city
You can wander around the ancient city to feel the thousand-year-old historical heritage, or sit in a century-old teahouse to taste a cup of tea and listen to folk music, experiencing the slow life of Kashgar. In addition, the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is one of the largest mosques in China, with a unique architectural style and a solemn atmosphere – an important place to experience Islamic culture.
Stop 5: Kashgar – Urumqi, Return Journey and Memories
After fully experiencing the cultural customs of Southern Xinjiang in Kashgar, you can return to Urumqi along the Turpan-Kashgar Expressway and Lianhuo Expressway, taking about 20 hours to end this wonderful self-driving journey. On the way back, you can review the bits and pieces along the way – from the pure natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang to the rich cultural and desert landscapes of Southern Xinjiang, every view is unforgettable.
Practical Tips for Xinjiang Self-Driving Route
- Vehicle Preparation: Some roads in Xinjiang have complex conditions. It is recommended to choose a high-performance SUV or off-road vehicle. Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle in advance and prepare spare tires, jacks, toolboxes, and other supplies.
- Document Preparation: Overseas tourists must carry valid passports and visas. To enter some border areas (such as Kanas, Kashgar, etc.), you need to apply for a border defense certificate in advance, which can be done at the border defense brigade in Urumqi or local areas.
- Road Condition Check: Some highways in Xinjiang are greatly affected by weather, such as the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway. Before driving, check the latest road conditions through local transportation departments or navigation apps to avoid delaying the trip.
- Supplies Preparation: Xinjiang has a dry climate and large temperature differences between day and night. Bring sun protection products (sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, etc.), warm clothing (jackets, sweaters, etc.), as well as sufficient drinking water and snacks.
- Respect Customs: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region. Respect the customs, traditions, and religious beliefs of local ethnic groups. Abide by relevant regulations when entering religious venues such as mosques, and communicate politely with local residents.
This Xinjiang self-driving route spanning north and south of the Tianshan Mountains is not only a visual feast but also a cultural edification. From the pure natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang to the rich cultural customs of Southern Xinjiang, every section of the journey is full of surprises and touches. If you want to make this trip smoother and more worry-free, the customized service of China Dragon Travel is definitely your best choice. They will tailor a unique Xinjiang self-driving route according to your needs and preferences, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique charm of the west. Pack your bags, start the car, and set off along this charming route – the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang is waiting for your exploration.
