Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang + Highlights of Duku Highway (20 Days)

【Introduction】: Xinjiang, an autonomous region in northwest China, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. It is divided into Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang, each offering unique scenery and attractions. Below is an introduction to the landscapes of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, along with travel tips: 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Home - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) - Fuyun Day 3: Fuyun - Koktokay - Altay Day 4: Altay - Ahe Highway - Hemu Yunxiao Peak - Hemu Village Day 5: Hemu Village - Kanas Three Bays - Guanyu Pavilion - Five-Colored Beach - Burqin Day 6: Burqin - Ghost City - Kuytun Day 7: Kuytun - Sayram Lake (Lake Loop) - Jinghe Day 8: Jinghe - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Duku Highway - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Xinyuan Day 9: Xinyuan - Nalati Grassland - Bayinbuluk - Bayin Day 10: Bayin - Small and Large Dragon Pools - Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves - Kuqa Day 11: Kuqa - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aksu Day 12: Aksu - Kashgar Old Town - Century-Old Tea House - Kashgar Day 13: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Golden Grassland - Stone City - Tashkurgan Day 14: Tashkurgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandier Blue Lake - Muztagh Ata Peak - Kashgar Day 15: Kashgar - Shache Royal Palace - Yotkan Ancient City - Hotan Day 16: Hotan - Desert Highway - Dolan Tribe - Aral Day 17: Aral - Tarim Poplar Forest - Korla Day 18: Korla - Lop Nur Village - Korla Day 19: Korla - Bosten Lake - Urumqi Day 20: Urumqi - Home Northern Xinjiang Highlights: 1. Kanas Lake: Located in Altay, it is known as "a paradise on earth." The lake is crystal clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests. In autumn, the vibrant colors make it a haven for photographers. 2. Tianchi Lake: Near Urumqi, this alpine lake boasts azure waters and is encircled by snow-capped mountains, offering breathtaking views. 3. Sayram Lake: Situated in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, the lake's blue waters are surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, earning it the nickname "the last tear of the Atlantic." 4. Hemu Village: A typical Tuva village, surrounded by golden birch forests in autumn, resembling a fairy tale world. Southern Xinjiang Highlights: 1. Kashgar Old Town: The cultural center of Southern Xinjiang, featuring ancient mosques and traditional residences, rich in Uyghur ethnic charm. 2. Taklamakan Desert: China's largest desert, offering thrilling desert adventures and camel rides. 3. Pamir Plateau: Known as "the roof of the world," the plateau features a stunning mix of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands. 🍩【Must-Try Cuisine】: Roasted buns + Whole roasted lamb + Lamb skewers + Big plate chicken + Hand-grabbed rice 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Ctrip Four-Diamond Hotels + Classic Inns + Century-Old Wooden Houses 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Seven-seater business vehicles or luxury seven-seater business vehicles 🧡【Travel Tips】: 1. Climate and Clothing: Xinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night, especially in Northern Xinjiang. Summers are hot during the day and cool at night, while winters are extremely cold. Pack appropriate clothing such as windproof jackets and warm layers. 2. Altitude Sickness: The Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang has high altitudes, and some travelers may experience altitude sickness. Prepare in advance by bringing anti-altitude sickness medication and avoiding strenuous activities. 3. Food: Xinjiang cuisine is primarily based on lamb and wheat-based dishes, with strong flavors that some travelers may find unfamiliar. 4. Language and Communication: Xinjiang has a diverse ethnic population, especially in Southern Xinjiang, where some locals may not speak Mandarin. Learn basic Uyghur or Kazakh phrases or use translation apps. 5. Safety and Etiquette: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region, and respecting local customs and religious beliefs is crucial. Follow rules when entering religious sites, such as removing shoes and dressing modestly. Key Attractions: Tianchi Lake, Koktokay Scenic Area, Hemu Scenic Area, Kanas Scenic Area, Five-Colored Beach, Ghost City, Sayram Lake, Duku Highway, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Tangbula Grassland, Nalati Scenic Area, Bayinbuluk Scenic Area, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area (Grand Canyon), Kashgar Old Town, White Sand Mountain - White Sand Lake Scenic Area, Karakul Lake Scenic Area, Panlong Ancient Road, Bandier Blue Lake, Yotkan Ancient City, Tarim Poplar Forest Park, Bosten Lake, Lop Nur Village.