"My Altay" by Li Juan remains unfinished as I embark on my dream journey to Altay.
The desert, grasslands, forests, snowy mountains, spirited horses, cattle and sheep, quaint wooden cabins, and herdsmen—I've finally stepped into the fairytale world depicted in the book, it's almost unreal in its beauty. Many of my friends have also asked about my itinerary, wanting to share the routes I've traveled with those who wish to visit Xinjiang.
🚗 Itinerary Reference:
DAY 1: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Five-Colored Beach - Burqin
DAY 2: Burqin - Kanas Scenic Area - Tianmu
DAY 3: Stroll in Tianmu Village - Wuerhe
DAY 4: Wuerhe - Devil City - Jinghe
DAY 5: Jinghe - Sailimu Lake Loop - Lijie - Tekesi
DAY 6: Tekesi - Qiongkushitai Primitive Village - Tekesi
DAY 7: Tekesi - Nalati Grassland - Nalati Town
DAY 8: Nalati Town - Du-Ku Highway - Hundred Li Gallery - Urumqi
🚙 Transportation Tips:
- Chartering a car is suitable for friends and families traveling together, it's more convenient and fun.
- Self-driving is more suitable for experienced drivers familiar with the roads. Given Xinjiang's mountainous terrain, it's recommended to drive an off-road or SUV for ease.
🏠 Accommodation:
Since the Xinjiang trip is relatively long, it's best to change hotels in each location. For popular options like the wooden cabins in Kanas and Hemu, advance booking is necessary.
🍱 Food Tips:
Most of the delicious eateries in Xinjiang are in Urumqi. Upon arrival, I immediately indulged in the Red-Billed Wild Goose Hot Pot at Dalu Red-Billed Wild Goose, which I've been craving for a long time. It's said that the geese they serve are raised at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, and the meat is particularly tender and juicy. After enjoying the meat, dipping vegetables in the broth still tastes delicious.
✅ Travel Tips:
- Xinjiang experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. It's chilly in places without sunlight, so be sure to wear thick outerwear.
- Xinjiang is relatively dry, with strong UV rays. Bring more hydrating skincare products, sunscreen, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- When encountering wild animals in scenic areas, avoid feeding them to prevent accidental harm.
- Xinjiang's scenery is too beautiful to capture with just one battery charge. Bring a high-capacity power bank and extra camera batteries.
- Remember to bring motion sickness medication in advance, as travel times between scenic spots can be long.
