Journey to a City for a Book: A Refined Travel Guide to Xinjiang

Dear sisters planning a trip to Xinjiang between May and July, behold this refined and intelligent travel guide tailored for your journey! Do not miss out on this comprehensive guide, painstakingly compiled through the night!

Transportation in Urumqi

Airplane: Diwopu Airport → Downtown: ① Airport Shuttle Bus, priced at 10 RMB ② Taxi, 40-50 RMB ③ Subway Line 1
Train: Urumqi Station, Urumqi South Station → Downtown: Available by bus or taxi
Subway: Board with QR code or cash tickets

Accommodation Suggestions

Urumqi: Accommodations near the airport and train station are close to the city center, eliminating transportation woes. Hotel selection is highly convenient.

Hemu Village: Wooden huts are a local specialty, offering a view of the starry sky. Prices are slightly elevated.

Kanas Scenic Area: Offers wooden cabins in both the old and new villages. The old village lies along the roadside leading to the lake.

Points to Note

Xinjiang has a two-hour time difference with the mainland. Urumqi is the city farthest from the ocean in the world.
In Xinjiang, lamb skewers are known as “烤肉” (kǎo ròu), peppers as “辣子” (là zi), onions as “皮芽” (pí yá), potatoes as “洋芋” (yáng yú).
The climate in Xinjiang is arid, so remember to bring sunglasses, lipstick, sunscreen, body lotion, moisturizing masks, and a thermal cup.
If you plan to visit the Duku Highway, bring a cotton-padded jacket as the weather changes rapidly.

Recommended Routes

North Xinjiang Route:

D1: Arrive from various cities – Urumqi
D2: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Wulun Gu Lake – Colorful Beach – Buerjin
D3: Buerjin – Hemu – Birch Forest
D4: Hemu – Kanas – Jiadengyu
D5: Jiadengyu – Devil’s City – Wuerhe
D6: Wuerhe – Sayram Lake – Bole
D7: Bole – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Urumqi
D8: Urumqi – Return Home

South Xinjiang Route:

D1: Receive at Urumqi Airport – Check into Hotel
D2: Urumqi – Luobo Ethnic Village – Korla
D3: Korla – Luntai Poplar Forest – Kuqa
D4: Kuqa – Desert Highway – Hetian City
D5: Hetian – Kashgar Ancient City – Kashgar
D6: Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake – Pamir Plateau – Golden Grass Beach, Stone City – Tajik Autonomous County
D7: Tajik Autonomous County – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
D8: Kashgar – Return to Departure City

Tips: The distances between attractions in Xinjiang are vast, and self-driving is not recommended for those unfamiliar with the routes. It can be tiring and unsafe. It is advisable to join a reliable local tour, which offers freedom in exploring the highlights of Xinjiang.