Xinjiang Northern Circuit 12-Day Tour | Explore the Wonders of Grasslands and Lakes

【Xinjiang Northern Circuit｜12-Day Immersive Journey Through Grasslands, Lakes, and Scenic Highways】 From the bustling streets of Urumqi to the hidden paradise of Kanas, from the seasonal transitions of the Duku Highway to the aerial grasslands of Nalati—this route connects the essence of Northern Xinjiang, fulfilling all your imaginations of Northwest landscapes! A carefully curated itinerary by seasoned travelers, offering you 12 days to unlock the ultimate romance of nature's "palette." 🛬【Itinerary: 12 Days of In-Depth Exploration with a Relaxed Pace】 • Recommended travel period: June to October (June features blooming wildflowers in Qiaxi Grassland, September showcases the autumn hues of Kanas, and Duku Highway is only open from June to October). • Highlights: Daily driving time limited to 4-5 hours, blending lesser-known grasslands with popular attractions for a balanced experience. • Classic Route: Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Colorful Beach → Kanas → Hemu → Sayram Lake → Qiaxi Grassland → Nalati → Duku Highway → Kuqa → Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan → Return 🏞️【Must-Visit Attractions: Every Spot is Wallpaper-Worthy】 • Kanas Scenic Area: Hike through the Three Bays (Morning Mist at Fairy Bay, Crescent-shaped Moon Bay), climb Fish Watching Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, explore the "lake monster" legend, and enjoy the oil-paint-like autumn foliage. • Sayram Lake: The highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, with sapphire-blue waters. Drive or cycle along the lakeside road to watch swans play, and capture the "blue ice sunset" in the evening. • Nalati Grassland: Ride a horse-drawn carriage into flower fields, traverse snow lotus valley on horseback through spruce forests, and watch herders drive sheep back to their pens at dusk, experiencing nomadic life. • Duku Highway: Traverse four seasons in one day! Northern section features forested canyons, middle section offers meadows and lakes, and southern section showcases unique Yadan landforms. Stop by Dragon Pool and Tianshan Grand Canyon along the way to check off "China's Most Beautiful Highway." • Qiaxi Grassland: A hidden gem! More pristine than popular grasslands, hike to the "Qiaxi Scroll" viewing platform to see the snow-capped mountains and grasslands spread like a green carpet. 🍢【Must-Try Cuisine: A Feast of Carbs and Meat】 • Baked Dumplings/Tandoor Meat: Freshly baked dumplings at Urumqi's Grand Bazaar with crispy crust and flavorful filling; tandoor-grilled meat at Burqin Night Market, crispy outside and tender inside, paired with kvass to balance the richness. • Pilaf: Shredded meat pilaf at Yining's Han Street, featuring rice fried in lamb fat with large chunks of lamb, topped with raisins and carrots for a fragrant yet not greasy dish. • Big Plate Chicken: A must-try in Kuitun's Shawan! Wide noodles soaked in spicy broth, tender chicken, and soft potatoes, with portions large enough for three people. • Grilled Lamb Skewers: Red willow lamb skewers in Hemu Village, grilled on red willow branches for a natural aroma, with juicy fat and lean meat. • Yogurt Sticky Rice: A street snack in Kashgar Old Town, featuring chilled sticky rice topped with thick yogurt, honey, and crushed nuts for a refreshing and spicy balance. 🧡【Tips: Practical Guide for Northern Xinjiang Travel】 • Clothing: Bring a light jacket and sun-protective clothing in June (15°C+ temperature difference between day and night), and pack a down jacket for September (Kanas may experience snowfall). Wear non-slip shoes for hiking convenience. • Sun Protection: Strong UV rays require SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Use face masks and lip balm to combat dryness. • Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering mosques, and women should avoid wearing shorts. When visiting Kazakh families, do not step on door thresholds and accept food with both hands. • Photography: Drone shots at Sayram Lake are stunning (advance registration required). The best spot for Hemu morning mist is at Harden Platform; arrive before 6:30 AM. @ This route captures the "soul" of Northern Xinjiang—vast grasslands, deep lakes, rugged highways, and hearty cuisine. Every view embodies the essence of escaping to nature. If you're looking to leave the city behind and embrace the great outdoors, save this guide and embark on your journey!