Ili and Southern Xinjiang 19-Day Grand Loop Route

When the snowmelt from the mountains traces the veins of the grasslands, and the desert winds lift the curtains of ancient cities, the beauty of Xinjiang is never a singular theme. This 19-day grand loop through Northern and Southern Xinjiang is like opening a 'geographical blind box'—you'll drive through the 'four seasons in one day' on the Duku Highway, touch the texture of glaciers on the Pamir Plateau, lose yourself in the thousand-year-old alleys of Kashgar Old Town, and listen to the echoes of Kazakh songs under the starry grassland skies. From the lush landscapes of Ili to the crimson canyons of Southern Xinjiang, from nomadic civilizations to Silk Road heritage, this journey captures the most breathtaking frontier scenery and cultural epics of China. If you wish to understand the soul of Xinjiang in half a month, this guide is your 'key to entering Xinjiang.' Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - S101 National Defense Highway - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Jinghe Day 3: Jinghe - Sayram Lake - Huocheng Lavender Fields - Yining Day 4: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xiata Scenic Area - Zhaosu Day 5: Zhaosu - Qiongkushitai - Tekesi Day 6: Tekesi - Chaxi Forest Park - Xinyuan Day 7: Xinyuan - Nalati Grassland - Nalati Day 8: Nalati - Bayinbuluk Scenic Area - Bayinbuluk Day 9: Bayinbuluk - Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan - Kuqa Day 10: Kuqa - Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon - Aksu Day 11: Aksu - Kashgar Old Town - Kashgar Day 12: Kashgar - Karakul Lake Scenic Area - White Sand Lake Scenic Area - Kashgar Ancient Stone City - Pamir Golden Grassland - Viewing Platform - Tashkurgan Day 13: Tashkurgan - Bandir Blue Lake - Panlong Ancient Road - Kashgar Day 14: Kashgar - Shache Royal Tomb - Hotan Day 15: Hotan - Ancient Walnut King - Minfeng Day 16: Minfeng - Tarim Poplar Forest Park - Luntai Day 17: Luntai - Luobu Village - Korla Day 18: Korla - Bosten Lake - Urumqi Day 19: Departure from Urumqi