Our Xinjiang Self-Drive Itinerary is based on an unforgettable 11-day Northern Xinjiang road trip we completed in August 2025, covering lakes, deserts, grasslands, canyons and some of the most scenic highways in China. This guide shares our exact day-by-day route, which you can follow if you are planning a similar trip across Northern Xinjiang.
Date visited: Aug-2025
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Why Visit Northern Xinjiang?
Northern Xinjiang is widely considered one of the most scenic regions in China and has become a bucket-list destination for domestic travellers. Unlike the deserts often associated with Xinjiang, the north features alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands and colourful canyons. The region sits along the Tianshan and Altai mountain ranges, creating incredibly diverse landscapes within relatively short driving distances. For road-trip lovers, Northern Xinjiang is one of the best self-drive destinations in the country.
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Our 11-Day Northern Xinjiang Self-Drive Itinerary
Day 1
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar 新疆国际大巴扎
A lively cultural and shopping complex in Urumqi showcasing Xinjiang architecture, food and local crafts — a great introduction to the region.
Stay: Urumqi
Day 2
Kelameili Service Area 克拉美丽服务区 (S21 Highway)
A famous desert highway rest stop known for its photogenic road views and vast Gobi scenery.
Ulungur Lake 乌伦古湖
A peaceful lake in northern Xinjiang offering wide open landscapes and a relaxing break from driving.
Stay: Beitun 北屯
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Day 3
S232 (Burqin 布尔津 → Kanas 喀纳斯)
One of the most scenic drives of the trip, passing forests, rivers and mountain landscapes on the way to Kanas.
Stay: Kanas Village
Day 4
3 Bays of Kanas 喀纳斯
The iconic viewpoints of the Kanas Scenic Area.
- Fairy Bay 神仙湾 – famous for morning mist and dreamy scenery.
- Moon Bay 月亮湾 – the classic crescent-shaped river viewpoint.
- Dragon Bay 卧龙湾 – a wide panoramic river bend surrounded by forest.
Fish Viewing Tower 观鱼台
The highest viewpoint in Kanas offering panoramic views of the entire lake.
Stay: Kanas Village
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Day 5
Kanas Lake 喀纳斯湖
The heart of the scenic area, known for its turquoise water and alpine surroundings.
Burqin Colorful Beach 五彩滩
A dramatic sunset destination famous for colourful rock formations and river views.
Stay: Burqin 布尔津
Day 6
Wuerhe Wind City 世界魔鬼城
A unique desert landscape of wind-eroded rock formations, often called the “Devil’s City”.
Stay: Kuytun 奎屯
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Day 7
Sayram Lake 赛里木湖
Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, surrounded by snow mountains and grasslands. A scenic loop drive highlight.
Stay: Ili 伊犁
Day 8
Kalajun Grassland 喀拉峻草原
A UNESCO-listed grassland known for rolling hills, wildflowers and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Stay: Tekes 特克斯
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Day 9
Nalati Grassland 那拉提草原
One of China’s most famous alpine meadows, home to Kazakh culture, yurts and endless green landscapes.
Stay: Nalati 那拉提
Day 10
Duku Highway 独库公路
One of China’s most legendary scenic highways, crossing the Tianshan Mountains through dramatic landscapes.
Stay: Dushanzi 独山子
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Day 11
S101 Provincial Highway
A scenic drive featuring colourful hills and wide open landscapes.
Anjihai Grand Canyon 安集海大峡谷
A striking canyon with layered rock formations and dramatic viewpoints.
Kenswat Reservoir 肯斯瓦特水库
A peaceful turquoise reservoir surrounded by rugged terrain.
Stay: Urumqi
This 11-day route forms a complete loop through the highlights of Northern Xinjiang and is ideal for travellers planning a self-drive adventure in the region.
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