An alpine lake in Fukang with mountain scenery towards Bogda Peak. Explore open lakeside paths and viewpoints; allow additional time for scenic shuttles on a day visit from Urumqi.

From Urumqi: Approx. 1.0 – 1.5 hrs one way.

Private vehicle to the entrance, then the scenic shuttle.

A geographical-centre monument and open views make this a short stop for travellers interested in geography. Combining it with Nanshan depends on your starting point and available time.

From Urumqi: Approx. 1.0 hrs one way.

Private vehicle or taxi transfer.

Mountain pastures south of Urumqi offer grassland, woodland and Kazakh pastoral culture. Choose walks and separately arranged horse rides according to open areas and your ability.

From Urumqi: Approx. 1.0 – 1.5 hrs one way.

Private vehicle; confirm open roads if driving independently.

Blue water, mountain backdrops and a lakeside road make this a key stop towards Ili. An overnight gives you evening and morning light; RV stays use permitted campsites.

From Yining: Approx. 2.5 – 3.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer, then reserved lake touring or authorised self-drive access.

Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland and Panlong Valley Road offer different grassland scenes. A permitted scenic overnight adds morning and evening time; walks, photography and riding depend on season, weather and reservations.

From Yining: Approx. 3.0 hrs or more one way.

Private transfer to the entrance, then scenic shuttles; other vehicle access needs confirmation.

Spruce forests, valleys and meadows suit photography and gentle walks. These are separate scenic areas; confirm transfers individually rather than assuming both fit into one full visit.

From Yining: Approx. 2.5 – 3.0 hrs one way.

Private MPV or SUV to the chosen scenic area.

Explore Yining’s blue streets, courtyard architecture, crafts and everyday life, with time for ice cream or tea. Arrange home visits and carriage rides in advance and respect private spaces.

From Yining: Approx. 0.2 hrs one way.

City bus, taxi or private transfer; carriage rides arranged separately.

Rolling meadows and distant peaks create expansive Ili scenery. Confirm the open eastern or western routes and scenic transport, then choose the walking and viewing time that suits you.

From Tekes: Approx. 0.5 – 1.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer to the visitor centre, then scenic shuttles.

Canyon walls and river bends are the focus, with possible connections to Kalajun. Cable cars, boats and shuttles depend on operation and ticket options; visitor-centre arrival is only one part of the visit.

From Tekes: Approx. 0.5 – 1.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer, with cable car, boat and shuttle connections according to the ticket.

Wooden homes, a river valley, grassy slopes and forest define the village setting. Allow breaks on winding roads and time to walk in the village; confirm accommodation and vehicle arrangements ahead.

From Tekes: Approx. 2.0 – 2.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV or SUV on mountain roads.

Valleys, forests and meadows along the Hundred-Li Gallery reward a slow scenic drive. The chosen entrance and approach affect transfer time; camp only at confirmed permitted sites.

From Tekes: Approx. 2.0 – 2.5 hrs one way.

Private touring vehicle; confirm the route for independent driving.

Mountain-facing valleys, woodland and the historic-trail setting suit walks of different lengths. Confirm shuttle access, viewpoints and hiking distances separately; vehicle access is not the same as reaching the glacier.

From Zhaosu: Approx. 1.5 – 2.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer, then available shuttles, electric carts or separately arranged horse rides.

Qiongkushitai is known for wooden village homes, grassy slopes and valleys. Do not assume the cross-mountain connection from Zhaosu is usable; approved routing and vehicle conditions may require a much longer approach.

From Zhaosu: Approx. 2.0 – 2.5 hrs one way.

Confirm the cross-mountain route and 4WD first; a standard detour may take longer.

Pastures, wetland and horse culture form part of the Zhaosu experience. Flower fields, river scenes and organised displays vary by season and schedule; riding is arranged separately.

From Zhaosu: Approx. 0.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV transfer; viewing and activities depend on local operation.

Combine separate visits to mountain scenery near Zhaosu and Shengyou Temple’s architecture. Follow opening, dress and photography rules at the temple; mountain activities depend on weather and access.

From Zhaosu: Approx. 1.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer to the chosen open area.

A seasonal mountain road towards Yining and Zhaosu, with passes, grassland and Tianshan views. Check daily opening, vehicle rules and accessible sections; allow additional time for viewpoints.

From Zhaosu: Approx. 3.0 – 4.0 hrs one way.

A small vehicle on a seasonal mountain road; confirm vehicle eligibility and opening.

Layered canyon scenery near Dushanzi makes a separate stop by the northern gateway to the Duku Highway. Use open paths and viewing platforms; optional attractions such as the glass bridge depend on operation.

From Kuitun: Approx. 0.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV transfer to the scenic area.

This longer mountain-road chapter features passes, valleys and highland scenery. It is different from the short transfer to Dushanzi Canyon; allow separately for driving, viewpoints and breaks.

From Kuitun: Approx. 5.5 – 6.0 hrs one way.

Small-vehicle travel on northern Duku, subject to seasonal opening and vehicle rules.

Broad canyon faces and river landforms suit distant views and photography. Use permitted viewing areas, keep away from unprotected cliff edges and confirm road and site access ahead.

From Kuitun: Approx. 1.5 – 2.0 hrs one way.

Private MPV or SUV to open viewpoints.

The alpine lake, forests and Shenxian, Moon and Wolong bays are highlights of Altay. After arriving at a gateway such as Jiadengyu, allow further time for scenic shuttles and walking.

From Altay: Approx. 4.5 – 5.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer to Jiadengyu, then scenic shuttles.

Cabins, birch woodland, river views and village morning light reward an overnight. Allow separately for viewpoint walks and scenic transfers; mist and sunrise views depend on weather.

From Altay: Approx. 4.5 – 5.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer to the Hemu entrance, then scenic shuttles.

The Irtysh valley, rock walls and Bell Mountain scenery suit a nature-focused visit. No. 3 Mine offers a separate industrial-history theme; divide time according to interests, distance and access.

From Altay: Approx. 5.5 hrs one way.

Private transfer to the visitor centre, then scenic shuttles.

A mountain connection towards Hemu from Altay, with changing forests, valleys and grassland. The stated time is a slow-travel reference; stops and conditions change the total. Confirm opening and vehicle rules for your dates.

Approx. 5–6 hrs for a leisurely scenic drive

Scenic-road vehicle arrangements depend on seasonal opening and current vehicle rules.

Red mountain slopes and a grape-growing oasis show contrasting sides of the Turpan Basin. Summer days can be very hot: combine outdoor stops with shaded breaks. These are separate visits.

From Turpan: Approx. 0.5 – 1.0 hrs one way.

Private MPV touring; internal Grape Valley transfers are additional.

Dunes beside Shanshan offer a desert experience in the Turpan area, distinct from the Taklamakan Desert. Walk in open areas and photograph evening light; camel or dune-vehicle activities are separate options.

From Turpan: Approx. 1.0 – 1.5 hrs one way.

Private transfer to Shanshan; scenic vehicles and dune activities arranged separately.

Karez sites explain oasis irrigation, while Tuyugou offers a village and canyon setting. They are different locations and themes; respect residents, religious places and open visiting areas.

From Turpan: Approx. 0.5 – 1.0 hrs one way.

Private MPV or taxi transfers to the two separate places.

These separate ruins introduce Turpan’s Silk Road history and suit travellers interested in archaeology and city stories. Walks are exposed to the sun; bring water and protection, choosing one or allocating separate visits.

From Turpan: Approx. 0.5 hrs one way.

Private transfer to the chosen ruins; electric carts depend on operation.

A historic pass near Korla that can combine with a city stay or Peacock River time. It suits a shorter cultural visit; confirm walking distances and open areas before arrival.

From Korla: Approx. 0.3 hrs one way.

City bus, taxi or private vehicle transfer.

Desert, Tarim River and poplar landscapes combine with local cultural presentations. Allow transfers between activity areas; sand activities and camel rides depend on weather and operation.

From Korla: Approx. 1.5 – 2.0 hrs one way.

Private MPV to the site, with optional electric carts, camel rides or boats.

Lakeshore, reeds and wetlands offer gentle scenery around Bosten Lake. Dahekou and Golden Beach are different approaches; choose the entrance before calculating transfers and confirm campsites or boat activities.

From Korla: Approx. 1.0 – 1.5 hrs one way.

Private transfer or tourist service to the selected lakeshore entrance.

Red-brown canyon walls and narrow walking passages north of Kuqa are a highlight near the southern Duku gateway. Visits involve walking and may change during rain or temporary closures.

From Kuqa: Approx. 1.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV to the canyon, followed by walking in open areas.

A cultural visit focused on Kucha’s Buddhist art and murals. Confirm open caves, guiding, reservations and photography rules, and balance the visit with Kuqa’s city and canyon experiences.

From Kuqa: Approx. 1.0 – 1.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV transfer; visits follow reservation arrangements.

Head into the Tianshan from Kuqa for mountain-road scenery towards the Tielimaiti area where open. This is seasonal travel; calculate time after confirming the vehicle and reachable endpoint.

From Kuqa: Approx. 1.5 – 2.5 hrs one way.

Small-vehicle travel on southern Duku, subject to seasonal and access rules.

Tarim Basin poplars and desert scenery suit autumn photography, with possible visits around Shayanzhou and open scenic roads. Shaya is a separate destination from Kuqa; autumn colours depend on temperature and date.

From Kuqa: Approx. 2.0 – 2.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV or SUV to the chosen poplar forest and open roads.

Leave Kashgar towards the Gez valley for changing road and mountain scenery. The time here refers only to the first mountain section, not the entire Pamir journey or arrival in Tashkurgan.

From Kashgar: Approx. 1.0 – 2.0 hrs one way.

Private MPV or SUV touring, following checkpoint and stopping rules.

Pale sand mountains and highland water create a striking contrast on the Pamir road. Use open viewpoints, prepare for wind and cold, and confirm nationality-specific access conditions ahead.

From Kashgar: Approx. 2.0 – 2.5 hrs one way.

Private transfer to open viewpoints; confirm border-access requirements.

Lake water and mountains towards Muztagh Ata are the main sights, particularly in clear light. This is a high-altitude visit: pace it around acclimatisation and plan any continuation to Tashkurgan separately.

From Kashgar: Approx. 5.5 – 6.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV or SUV to the lake, subject to access and altitude conditions.

Volcanic landforms and Pamir mountain scenery towards Muji suit a separately planned photography extension. Remote roads, border access and nationality requirements must be checked; this is not an automatic addition.

From Tashkurgan: Approx. 3.0 – 3.5 hrs one way.

High-clearance or 4WD vehicle after confirming border access and road conditions.

Historic ruins and wetland scenery beside Tashkurgan combine stone walls, waterways and distant peaks. A short transfer still involves walking; choose open boardwalks and ruins according to your ability.

From Tashkurgan: Town-adjacent / Approx. 0.1 – 0.2 hrs one way.

Walking, taxi or short private transfer; internal scenic transport is separate.

Successive bends and highland views define this scenic road extension. Confirm direction, opening, vehicle rules and stopping points for the day; travellers with motion sickness or altitude concerns may prefer to omit it.

From Tashkurgan: Approx. 0.5 – 1.0 hrs one way.

Private MPV or SUV following the required direction and current opening conditions.

With host consent and advance arrangements, a family visit, tea, music or dance can introduce local life. Content varies by host and occasion; respect photography preferences and do not expect a fixed performance.

From Tashkurgan: Approx. 0.5 – 1.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer to an agreed host family, arranged in advance.

Red rock layers and ravines show erosion landscapes south of the Tianshan. Confirm internal vehicle transfers, walks and endpoints; the drive to the entrance is only part of the visit.

From Aksu: Approx. 1.5 – 2.0 hrs one way.

Private transfer to the visitor centre, then scenic vehicles.

From Aksu, a Dolan cultural visit can introduce music, dance and local life. Confirm the exact venue and programme before calculating the drive; Awat and Makit are different places.

From Aksu: Approx. 1.0 – 1.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV to the confirmed cultural venue.

Old trees, shaded paths and local cultural stories define Wensu Sacred Tree Garden, contrasting with the canyon’s open terrain. Follow open paths and local customs; both sites are not automatically included in one day.

From Aksu: Approx. 1.5 hrs one way.

Private MPV or taxi transfer, followed by walking inside the garden.