Is it really not possible to travel in Xinjiang without a tour guide?

Here's a 7-day Xinjiang travel guide for late May: - Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi. Rest in the morning to adjust to the time difference and environment. Visit the International Grand Bazaar in the afternoon, where you can experience Central Asian culture, buy unique souvenirs, and enjoy local delicacies like baked buns, lamb skewers, yogurt rice dumplings, paired with pomegranate juice to cut the grease. - Day 2: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Fukang. Head to Heavenly Lake Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus directly to the lakeside. Optional hike to Mayashan Cableway for a bird's-eye view of snow-capped mountains reflected in the emerald lake at 3,056m altitude. Overnight in Fukang. - Day 3: Fukang - Kanas Lake - Jiadengyu. Travel north to Kanas Lake Scenic Area, visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay to explore the mystery of Kanas Lake. Stay overnight in Jiadengyu. - Day 4: Jiadengyu - Hemu Village - Urho Ghost City - Karamay. Enjoy the primitive village scenery and morning mist in Hemu Village, experience Tuvan life. Visit Urho Ghost City in the afternoon, take a small train through the Yardang landform, and admire the "rose gold" sunset views. Overnight in Karamay. - Day 5: Karamay - Sayram Lake - Yining. Drive counterclockwise around Sayram Lake (recommended route: South Gate to Keleyongzhu for fewer crowds and better views), bring bread to feed swans. Pass Guozigou Bridge at dusk for stunning photos of mountains and bridge. Stay in Yining. - Day 6: Yining - Nalati Grassland. Visit Nalati Grassland, experience horseback riding and grassland cuisine. Avoid crowded spots and hike towards Snow Lotus Valley for breathtaking views of snow mountains and flower fields. Stay near Nalati. - Day 7: Nalati - Urumqi. Return to Urumqi, enjoy the scenery along the way to conclude the trip. - Food Recommendations - Urumqi: Xiao Li Zi Big Plate Chicken (Northwest Road branch) for big plate chicken with belt noodles; Mi La Ji (Karamay East Street) for pomegranate juice and baked buns. - Kanas: Hemu Earth Pot (stewed lamb with wild mushrooms). - Yining: Halikmu Special Pilaf (yellow carrot and raisin sweet version) and Gulandanmu Handmade Ice Cream (Six Star Street branch). - Accommodation Suggestions - Hemu: Hemu Huafangu Homestay - Sayram Lake: Dianjiangtai RV Camp - Nalati: Senge International Camp - Important Notes - Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference from mainland China. Breakfast is usually served at 10am, lunch at 2pm, and dinner at 9pm. - Long drives between attractions - prepare motion sickness medicine and snacks. Duku Highway only opens in summer and requires experienced drivers. Weak mountain signals - download offline maps in advance. - Strong UV radiation - bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats. Large temperature differences between day and night, especially in mountains and grasslands - pack warm clothing. - Respect ethnic minority customs - ask for permission before taking photos.