Xinjiang North-South Loop Travel Map – See Xinjiang's Most Scenic Views in One Trip
Xinjiang is China's largest province, covering one-sixth of the country's total land area. Northern Xinjiang features high mountains, alpine lakes, grasslands, and forests, while Southern Xinjiang is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and desert landscapes. To experience Xinjiang's most breathtaking scenery in a single trip,North and South Xinjiang Grand Loopis the best choice. This article will provide you with a detailed explanation.North and South Xinjiang Loop Travel MapMarking key attractions across Xinjiang and outlining optimal routes to help you plan the perfect Grand Loop tour.
Overview of Xinjiang's Geography
Xinjiang is divided into Northern and Southern Xinjiang by the Tianshan Mountains. Northern Xinjiang, located north of the Tianshan Mountains, covers approximately 40 square kilometers and includes major cities such as Urumqi, Ili, and Altay. Southern Xinjiang, south of the Tianshan Mountains, spans about 100 square kilometers and features key cities like Kashgar, Hotan, and Aksu.
Core Scenic Highlights of Northern Xinjiang:Alpine Lakes (Kanas, Sayram), Grasslands & Forests (Nalati, Hemu), Geological Wonders (Keketuohai, Five Color Beach)
Core Landscapes of Southern Xinjiang:Cultural History (Kashgar Old City), Alpine Snow Mountains (Pamir Plateau, Muztagh Ata), Desert Poplars (Taklamakan Desert, Tarim Poplar Forest)
Core Attractions Map Distribution of the Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop
Attractions in the Northern Xinjiang Region
East Line:Urumqi →Tianchi of Tian Shan(110 km) → Fuyun →Keketuohai
Northern Route:Buerjin →Wucaitan → Kanas(includingMoon Bay、Fish Observation Deck）→ Hemu Village → Baihaba Village
West Front:Karamay →Sayram Lake→ Yining (Six Star Street、Lavender Estate）→ Nalati Grassland → Kalajun Grassland
Attractions in the Southern Xinjiang Section
East Section:Korla →Bosten Lake → Tarim River→ Kuqa →Kucha Grand Canyon→ Aksu →Wensu Grand Canyon
Core Section:Kashgar →Kashgar Old City → Id Kah Mosque → Kashgar Grand Bazaar → Baisa Lake → Karakul Lake → Muztagh Ata → Tashkurgan → Pamir Plateau
Southern Section:Kashgar → Hotan → Minfeng →Taklamakan DesertHighway → Korla →Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest
Best Itinerary for the North-South Xinjiang Grand Loop
15-Day Classic Grand Loop
Northern Xinjiang Section (Day 1-7):Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Keketuohai → Burqin → Five Color Beach → Kanas → Hemu → Devil's City → Sayram Lake → Yining
Transition (Day 8):Yining → Nalati Grassland → Southern Section of Duku Highway
Southern Xinjiang Section (Day 9-15):Kucha Grand Canyon → Aksu → Kashgar Old Town → Pamir Plateau → Muztagh Ata Peak → Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest → Korla → Urumqi
View the detailed itinerary for DJI North-South solo flight 15 days →
Transportation Map of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
The key corridor connecting northern and southern Xinjiang:
• Duku Highway (G217): Dashanzi → Nalati → Kuqa, 561 km total. Typically open in 6 and closed in 10.
• G30 Lianhuo Expressway: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining (Western Northern Xinjiang Route)
• G3012 Expressway: Urumqi → Korla → Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar (Southern Xinjiang East Route)
• G3: China-Pakistan Friendship Highway: Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Tashkurgan
Major airports:
• Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (Regional Hub)
• Altay Snow Capital Airport (Northern Xinjiang)
• Yining Airport (West Central Northern Xinjiang)
• Kashgar Leining International Airport (Southern Xinjiang Hub)
• Hotan Airport (Southern Xinjiang, Southern Segment)
Travel tips for the Northern and Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop
Best time to travel:6-8 (Summer grassland flower sea), 9-10 (Autumn vibrant colors)
Suggested Days:15-20 days
Budget Estimate:8000-15000 per person (includes transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, and meals)
Transportation:We recommend hiring a private car with a driver or joining a tour group. Self-driving requires extensive experience in high-altitude and desert driving conditions.
Conclusion
The North-South Xinjiang Loop Travel Map is an essential tool for planning your Xinjiang Grand Tour. This journey traverses both northern and southern Xinjiang, showcasing the region's most stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For more details on North-South Xinjiang loop itineraries, browse now.Route Listpage, or contactXinjiang China International Travel ServiceGet personalized itinerary suggestions.
