Xinjiang International Travel: Detailed Guide to Northern Xinjiang Tourism Map
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 clearNorthern Xinjiang Travel MapAn essential tool.Xinjiang International Travel(Xinjiang International Travel Agency) provides a detailed overview of Northern Xinjiang's geography, key attractions, optimal itineraries, and transportation information to help you plan the perfect trip.

Overview of Northern Xinjiang's Geography
Northern Xinjiang refers to the northern region of Xinjiang, bounded by the Tianshan Mountains. The area north of the Tianshan Mountains is known as Northern Xinjiang. Covering approximately 40 square kilometers, its major cities include Urumqi, Ili, Altay, Tarbagatay, and Changji.
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 Core Attractions in Northern Xinjiang
East Route: Urumqi → Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) of Tianshan Mountains → Keketuohai
Heading east from Urumqi, you will first arrive atTianchi of Tian Shan(About 110 kilometers from Urumqi). Continue east to Fuyin County for sightseeing.KeketuohaiNational Geopark
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 includesMoon Bay、Fish Observation DeckWait for sub-attractions.
Travel east from Kanas to reachHemu VillageThis is a Tuva settlement. Heading west from Hemu Village leads toBaihaba Village, known as the "First Village of Northwest China".
West Route: Karamay → Sayram Lake → Ili
Travel south from Hemu Village to the Devil's City, then head west to reachSayram LakeFrom Sayram Lake, continue west 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 travel route in Northern Xinjiang
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
Adds Baihaba Village and Kalajun Grassland to the classic 8-day itinerary.View detailed itinerary for Wild North Xinjiang 10 days →
Northern Xinjiang Transportation Information
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
Conclusion
The Northern Xinjiang Travel Map is an essential tool for planning your trip.Xinjiang International TravelWe hope this article helps you better understand the distribution of scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang and plan your ideal itinerary. For more details on Northern Xinjiang tour routes, please visitRoute Listpage, or contactXinjiang China International Travel ServiceGet personalized itinerary suggestions.
