How to plan the first trip to Xinjiang
Template of days for the first trip to Xinjiang: seven days classic Northern Xinjiang, ten days Northern Xinjiang + Ili, fourteen days full North and South Xinjiang loop, with daily travel time and sightseeing spots all scheduled.
Seven Days: Classic Northern Xinjiang
Urumqi—Heavenly Lake—Keketuohai—Kanas—Hemu—Sayram Lake—Return. The longest driving day is six hours, the rest are within four hours.
Ten Days: Northern Xinjiang + Ili
Based on the seven-day itinerary, extend from Sayram Lake to Nalati and Bayinbulak, returning via the northern section of Duku. Suitable for June to September.
Fourteen Days: Complete Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Northern Xinjiang loop + Kuqa—Kashgar—Pamir, connecting the segments by plane (from Kuqa or Yining to Kashgar). Suitable for travelers with ample vacation time who prefer a deep exploration.
Scheduling Principles
If there are two consecutive days with driving over five hours, be sure to insert a "stay put" day in a scenic area in between; during the golden autumn window, arrange accommodations backward; staying overnight in a scenic area is better than rushing through three spots.