Xinjiang Northern Route Tourist Map

Xinjiang Northern Route Travel Map — Plan Your Perfect Northern Xinjiang Journey#

Northern Xinjiang is the heart of Xinjiang tourism, home to famous destinations like Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Ili. Plan your Northern Xinjiang trip with a clearNorth Xinjiang Loop Travel MapAn essential tool. This article provides a detailed guide to the geographical location, key attractions, optimal itineraries, and transportation information for the Northern Xinjiang Loop, helping you plan a perfect trip.

Overview of Northern Xinjiang's Geography#

Northern Xinjiang refers to the northern region of Xinjiang, with the Tianshan Mountains serving as the dividing line. North of the Tianshan range lies Northern Xinjiang. Covering approximately 40 square kilometers, its major cities include Urumqi, Ili, Altay, Tarbagatay, and Changji. The region features diverse terrain, including high mountains, lakes, grasslands, forests, and deserts.

Key Geographic Features:
• Tianshan Mountains: Stretching across central Xinjiang, they form the boundary between northern and southern Xinjiang.
• Altai Mountains: Located in the far north of Xinjiang, bordering Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.
• Junggar Basin: Located between the Tianshan and Altai Mountains
• Ili River Valley: Located in western Tianshan, it is Xinjiang's most humid region.

Map of Key Attractions on the Northern Xinjiang Loop#

East Route: Urumqi → Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) of Tianshan Mountains → Keketuohai

Heading east from Urumqi, you will first arrive atTianchi of Tian Shan(About 110 km from Urumqi), this is the starting point of the Northern Xinjiang loop. Continue east to Fuyun County for sightseeing.KeketuohaiNational Geopark. This route is the eastern segment of the Northern Xinjiang Loop, featuring high-altitude lakes and geological wonders.

North Route: Burqin → Kanas → Hemu → Baihaba

Head north from Keketuohai to Burqin County, the gateway city to Kanas. From Burqin, head north throughWucaitan, arriveKanasScenic Area. Kanas is the core attraction in northern Xinjiang, includingMoon Bay、Fish Observation DeckWait for sub-attractions.

Travel east from Kanas to reachHemu VillageThis is the settlement of the Tuva people, known as "China's Most Beautiful Village." Heading west from Hemu Village leads toBaihaba Village, known as "the First Village of the Northwest," is located on the border between China and Kazakhstan.

West Route: Karamay → Sayram Lake → Ili

Travel south from Hemu Village to the Devil's City, then head west to reachSayram LakeSayram Lake is Xinjiang's highest-altitude and largest alpine lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic." Continue west from Sayram Lake to Yining City for sightseeing.Yining Liuxing Street、Lavender Estateand other attractions.

From Yining, heading south you can reachNalati Grassland、Kalajun Grassland、Zhaosu GrasslandWait for the core attractions of the Ili River Valley.

Best Route for the Northern Xinjiang Loop Tour#

Classic 8-day loop

Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Keketuohai → Burqin → Five Color Beach → Kanas → Hemu → Devil City → Sayram Lake → Yining → Nalati → Urumqi

View detailed itinerary for Beijiang · Autumn Inquiry 8 days →

10-day deep loop

Enhances the classic 8-day itinerary with Baihaba Village and Kalajun Grassland for a richer experience.View detailed itinerary for Wild North Xinjiang 10 days →

Northern Xinjiang Transportation Map#

Main Roads:
• G216: Urumqi → Fuyun → Burqin (Main East Route of Northern Xinjiang)
• G217: Burqin → Kanas → Hemu (Kanas Scenic Area Highway)
• G30: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining (Lianhuo Expressway, main artery of the western Northern Xinjiang route)
• G218: Yining → Nalati → Duku Highway (Main artery of the Ili River Valley)

Airport:
• Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (Main hub for Northern Xinjiang)
• Altay Snow Capital Airport (Shortcut to Kanas)
• Yining Airport (Gateway to the Ili River Valley)

Practical Travel Information for Northern Xinjiang#

Best time to travel:6-10, with 9-10 being the most beautiful autumn months
Suggested Days:8-12 days
Budget Estimate:5000-10000 per person (includes transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, and meals)

Conclusion#

The Northern Xinjiang Loop Travel Map is an essential tool for planning your trip. We hope this guide helps you better understand the distribution of attractions and the best routes in Northern Xinjiang. For more details on travel routes, please browse.Route ListPage, or viewTravel GuideGet more travel tips.