19 Days China Silk Road Self Driving Tour from Dunhuang to Northern Xinjiang Via Dahaidao

Mileage: About 35 km, Driving Time: 1.5 hours (including urban commuting and round-trip to scenic spots), Road Condition: Full asphalt road, urban roads + special scenic area roads, good road condition, no complex sections, moderate traffic flow. Some sections around the scenic spots need to slow down and park in order. There are a few gravel auxiliary roads around Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area (鸣沙山景区), which are smooth and free of bumps.

• 08:30 Get up and have meals: After breakfast, sort out materials, check the vehicle, and depart on time at 09:00 to go to Mingsha Mountain · Crescent Moon Spring Scenic Area (鸣沙山·月牙泉景区).
• 09:10-12:30 Visit Mingsha Mountain · Crescent Moon Spring (鸣沙山·月牙泉): Depart from the urban area, drive about 10 km (20 minutes) to reach Mingsha Mountain · Crescent Moon Spring Scenic Area (鸣沙山·月牙泉景区) (ticket: 110 yuan per person), stay for 3 hours. Experience activities such as camel riding, sand sliding, and desert hiking, take photos of the coexisting scene of Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉) and the desert, shoot the desert sunrise (the departure time can be adjusted in advance), and feel the wonderful integration of the desert and oasis. There is a large parking lot around the scenic area for convenient parking.
• 12:30 Lunch: Dine at a restaurant around the scenic area, mainly featuring Dunhuang (敦煌) specialty food. Recommended: Donkey Meat Noodle Soup, Grilled Lamb, per capita 60-80 yuan. After the meal, rest for 30 minutes and clean the sand on the vehicle.
• 13:30 Go to Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟): Drive about 20 km (40 minutes) to Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center (莫高窟数字展示中心) (you need to watch a documentary at the digital center first, then take the scenic area shuttle bus to the grotto area). The road condition is good, full asphalt road, passing through the outskirts of downtown Dunhuang (敦煌), with Gobi scenery along the way, flat road surface and clear signs.
• 14:10-17:30 Visit Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟): Buy tickets to enter the park (ticket: 238 yuan per person, including the digital exhibition center, scenic area shuttle bus, and grotto explanation), stay for 3.5 hours. Follow a professional guide to visit the core grottoes, appreciate the thousand-year-old murals and sculptures, understand the historical culture of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (敦煌莫高窟), and feel the charm of the Silk Road civilization. Taking photos is prohibited in the grotto area, and you must abide by the scenic area regulations.
• 17:30 Return to the urban area: Drive about 25 km (50 minutes) back to the hotel in downtown Dunhuang (敦煌), rest and wash to relieve the fatigue of the tour, and you can rest for 1 hour.
• 19:30 Dinner: Taste Dunhuang (敦煌) specialty food in the urban area. Recommended: Xingpi Water, Roasted Buns, Hand-Pulled Rice, per capita 70-100 yuan. After the meal, you can take a walk in the urban area to feel the night scenery of Dunhuang (敦煌), and rest before 21:00.
• Supplementary Tips: Tickets for Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟) need to be booked 3 days in advance. You must take the scenic area shuttle bus for the round trip between the digital exhibition center and the grotto area, and you are not allowed to drive into the grotto area by yourself; there is a lot of wind and sand in Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area (鸣沙山景区), so you need to make wind and sand protection preparations and wear high-top shoes to avoid sand entering the shoes.

Mileage: About 280 km, Driving Time: 4.5 hours (pure driving time, excluding check-in and rest), Total Time: 5-6 hours, Road Condition: Urban roads + Gobi roads. The first 180 km is asphalt road (from downtown Dunhuang (敦煌) to Yardang Park (雅丹公园)), good road condition, flat road surface, very little traffic flow; the last 100 km is gravel road and washboard road (from Yardang Park (雅丹公园) to Wupu Town (五堡镇)), obvious bumps, no mobile phone signal in some areas, no complex and dangerous sections, a small amount of sharp gravel on the road surface, need to prevent tire puncture, suitable for adapting to the Gobi driving rhythm.

• 08:00 Depart from downtown Dunhuang: After breakfast, depart from downtown Dunhuang (敦煌) to Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark (敦煌雅丹国家地质公园) (search directly on the navigation), the whole journey is about 180 km, driving time 3 hours. Enjoy the Gobi desert scenery along the way, good road condition, mainly asphalt road, you can get familiar with the Gobi driving feel in advance, and the speed can be controlled at 80-100 km/h.
• 11:00 Arrive at Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark (敦煌雅丹国家地质公园) (Starting Point of Crossing): Check in at the "Devil City", which is the essence of the Yardang landform, known as the "Museum of Earth Sculptures". View iconic Yardang landscapes such as Golden Lion Welcoming Guests, Peacock Spreading Its Tail, and West Sea Fleet, stay for 1.5 hours, take panoramic photos of the Yardang landform, start the prelude to this Da Haidao (大海道) crossing journey, and feel the magical charm of the wind-eroded landform.
• 12:30 Lunch: Dine at a simple restaurant at the gate of the scenic area (mainly simple meals and noodles), or bring your own road meal. After the meal, supplement drinking water, check the vehicle, and confirm the tires and oil volume again to prepare for entering the Gobi section.
• 13:30 Depart to cross Nanhu Gobi (南湖戈壁): Depart from Yardang Park (雅丹公园), drive northeast along the Gobi dirt road to enter the western section of Da Haidao (大海道) (Nanhu Gobi section), the whole journey is about 100 km, driving time 1.5 hours. This section is gravel road and washboard road, no signal in some areas, need to drive along the ruts to avoid deviating from the main road, speed controlled at 40-60 km/h. Enjoy the original Yardang landform along the way, take photos of the Gobi wilderness at will, and you can stop briefly to check in at the Yardang murals (natural landform textures formed by wind erosion) on the way.
• 16:30 Arrive at Hami Wupu Town (哈密五堡镇): Drive out of the Gobi section and arrive at Wupu Town (五堡镇), which is an important supply point for entering the core area of Da Haidao (大海道). First, go to the gas station to fill up the oil, supplement drinking water, snacks and other materials, and check the tire wear of the vehicle.
• 17:30 Check in for accommodation: Stay at a homestay or express hotel in Wupu Town (五堡镇) (price: 150-300 yuan per night), rest and wash to relieve the driving fatigue of the day, and sort out the materials needed for the next day's crossing.
• 18:30 Dinner: Taste the specialty food of Wupu Town (五堡镇). Recommended: Roasted Buns, Hand-Grabbed Meat, Gobi Lamb Soup, per capita 50-80 yuan. After the meal, rest, plan the next day's crossing itinerary of the core area of Da Haidao (大海道), and it is recommended to rest before 20:30 to reserve physical strength for the next day's uninhabited area crossing.

Mileage: About 160 km, Driving Time: 5 hours (pure driving time, excluding check-in, rest and adventure), Total Time: 7-8 hours, Road Condition: Full uninhabited area sections, mainly gravel roads, washboard roads, simple dirt roads and soft sand roads. Most areas have no mobile phone signal. Some sections (around Pterosaur Grand Canyon (翼龙大峡谷) and sinkholes) have severe bumps and poor road conditions. There are a few gravel steep slopes on the colored mountain slope sections, and the road surface around the poplar forest is soft. Need to drive carefully, control the speed below 40-60 km/h, there are sharp gravel in some sections, need to prevent tire puncture. Hard-core off-road vehicles can pass normally, and ordinary SUVs are strictly prohibited from entering this section. As the largest and most mature Yardang landform group in the world, Da Haidao (大海道) gathers a variety of complex terrains and is the core section of this adventure.

• 07:30 Get up and have meals: After breakfast, sort out materials, fully check the vehicle again (focus on checking tires, oil volume and brakes), and depart on time at 08:00, carrying the emergency contact form issued by the scenic area (an important certificate for uninhabited area rescue).
• 08:00 Enter the core area of Da Haidao (大海道): Depart from Wupu Town (五堡镇), navigate to the East Gate (main gate) of Da Haidao Scenic Area (大海道景区), go through the entry procedures and enter the core area. The 70 km from the East Gate to Hongliutan Tourist Center (红柳滩游客中心) is asphalt road, driving time 1.5 hours. You can check in at iconic象形 Yardang landscapes such as Sea God Turtle (瀚海神龟), Two-Headed Horse (双头马), and Golden Valley Full Barn (金谷满仓) along the way, stay for 10-15 minutes to take photos at each place. As the gateway landmark of Da Haidao (大海道), the Sea God Turtle (瀚海神龟) is lifelike and can be focused on shooting.
• 10:30 Arrive at Hongliutan Tourist Center (红柳滩游客中心): This is the only supply station with mobile phone signal, stable water and electricity, and complete accommodation and catering in Da Haidao (大海道). You can rest here for 30 minutes, supplement hot water and simple meals, check the vehicle, and also supplement a small amount of materials here (the price is relatively high). Hongliutan Hotel (红柳滩酒店) can provide accommodation, and you can continue to move forward if you do not stay. Most of the sections from Hongliutan (红柳滩) to the North Gate are gravel roads, and ordinary vehicles are prone to tire blowouts and bottoming out, so extra caution is required.
• 11:00 Start the uninhabited area adventure (sinkhole, colored mountain slope, poplar forest): Depart from Hongliutan (红柳滩) and drive into the core adventure section of the uninhabited area. First, go to the sinkhole (about 15 km from Hongliutan (红柳滩), driving time 30 minutes). The road condition is soft sand + gravel road, need to drive slowly. The sinkhole is a huge depression formed by hundreds of millions of years of wind and water erosion, with steep edges. Stay for 30 minutes, take a panoramic photo of the sinkhole, and feel the uncanny workmanship of nature. The last 50 km in some areas is gravel road, saline-alkali land and soft sand road, which is very easy to get stuck. Desert driving experience is a must.
• 12:00 Go to the colored mountain slope: Depart from the sinkhole, drive about 20 km (40 minutes) to reach the colored mountain slope (red, yellow, brown and black interspersed mountain slopes formed by wind erosion, with strong visual impact). The road condition is gravel steep slope, need to drive carefully to avoid landslides. Stay for 40 minutes, hike to watch the texture of the colored mountain slope up close, and take adventure photos.
• 13:20 Go to the poplar forest: Depart from the colored mountain slope, drive about 15 km (30 minutes) to reach the poplar forest (the only contiguous poplar forest in the uninhabited area, drought-tolerant and cold-tolerant, golden in autumn and winter, green in spring and summer). The road condition is soft dirt road, need to control the speed to avoid getting stuck. Stay for 1 hour, appreciate the vigorous beauty of the poplar forest, take photos of the coexisting scene of the poplar forest and the Yardang landform, and feel the tenacity of life.
• 14:20 Road meal and rest: Rest in a leeward place around the poplar forest, enjoy the self-prepared road meal, supplement energy, rest for 30 minutes to avoid long-term driving fatigue, and check the vehicle tires and oil volume.
• 14:50 Go to Water Source (水源地): Depart from the poplar forest, drive about 20 km (40 minutes) to reach the only oasis in Da Haidao (大海道) - Water Source (水源地). This is an artificial oasis formed by oil exploration drilling opening the underground confined aquifer in the 1980s. There are large areas of reeds around it, which is a drinking point for wild animals such as gazelles and foxes. Stay for 30 minutes to rest, supplement hot water. Note that the groundwater in the Water Source (水源地) is rich in sulfur, which cannot be directly drunk and can only be used externally.
• 15:20 Go to Mars Base (火星基地): Depart from Water Source (水源地), drive about 4 km to the right along the fork road (15 minutes driving time) to reach Mars Base (火星基地), which is known as "the place on Earth most like Mars". Stay for 2 hours, check in at the sci-fi space capsule, rent a spacesuit to take photos (experience "Mars survival"), visit the base facilities, and feel the atmosphere of the "space station" in the uninhabited area.
• 17:20 Check in at Mars Base (火星基地): Stay in the space capsule of Mars Base (火星基地) (price: 400 yuan per person, 800 yuan per capsule, including breakfast, need to book in advance in peak season), rest and relax to relieve the crossing fatigue. You can take photos of the Yardang sunset around the base and feel the desolation and grandeur of the uninhabited area.
• 18:00 Dinner: Dine at the restaurant of Mars Base (火星基地) (mainly simple meals, per capita 60-80 yuan). After the meal, you can watch the Milky Way and starry sky around the base (very little light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible), experience the quiet night scene of the uninhabited area, and rest before 22:00 to avoid staying up late. In summer (June-August), the surface temperature here can reach 60-70℃, vehicles are very prone to tire blowouts, and people are prone to heatstroke and dehydration, so it is not recommended to go; in winter (November-March), it is extremely cold, below -20℃ at night, and there are often snowstorms and road closures, so you need to carefully choose the travel time.

Mileage: About 200 km, Driving Time: 4 hours (pure driving time, excluding check-in and rest), Total Time: 5-6 hours, Road Condition: The morning section is the remaining uninhabited area sections (gravel roads, washboard roads), obvious bumps, no signal in some areas, a small amount of gravel on the road surface; turn to the highway in the afternoon, the road condition gradually stabilizes; there is a 20 km gravel road from the North Gate exit to G30 Expressway, and there are multiple 2.2-meter height limit poles, need to pay attention to the vehicle height to avoid scratching the roof; the highway section is full asphalt road, good road condition, moderate traffic flow, speed can be controlled at 100-120 km/h. Most of the sections from Hongliutan (红柳滩) to the North Gate are gravel roads and washboard roads, so you need to drive carefully throughout the whole journey.

• 07:30 Get up and have meals: After breakfast at Mars Base (火星基地), sort out luggage, check the vehicle, and depart on time at 08:30 to continue the Da Haidao (大海道) uninhabited area crossing.
• 08:30 Check in at Tongtian Cave (通天洞): Depart from Mars Base (火星基地), drive about 10 km (20 minutes) to reach Tongtian Cave (通天洞) (a huge Yardang fissure formed by hundreds of millions of years of wind and water erosion, about 23 meters high, 8 meters deep, and 120 meters wide). Stay for 20 minutes to take photos. At noon, the sun can form a golden light beam through the cave, with strong visual impact. Standing at the bottom of the cave and looking up, the cave entrance is like a skylight leading directly to the sky. The Yardang here belongs to the "young and middle-aged" Yardang landform, with very distinctive scenery.
• 09:00 Go to Da Haidao North Gate (大海道北门): Depart from Tongtian Cave (通天洞), drive northeast along the gravel road, the whole journey is about 50 km, driving time 1.5 hours. Enjoy the Yardang landscapes such as Wind Castle and Interstellar Warship along the way, feel the original style of the uninhabited area. This section needs to drive along the ruts to avoid getting lost, speed controlled at 40-60 km/h.
• 10:30 Drive out of Da Haidao Uninhabited Area (大海道无人区): Arrive at Da Haidao North Gate (大海道北门) (Liaodun Exit), go through the exit procedures, and end the whole uninhabited area crossing. Rest here for 15 minutes, check the vehicle, and relieve driving fatigue.
• 10:45 Go to Liaodun (了墩): Depart from the North Gate, drive about 30 km (45 minutes) to reach Liaodun (了墩) (next to G30 Expressway). There are gas stations and simple restaurants here, where you can supplement oil, rest briefly, and have simple meals (per capita 40-60 yuan).
• 12:30 Enter G30 Lianhuo Expressway: Enter G30 Lianhuo Expressway from Liaodun (了墩) and drive towards Shanshan County (鄯善县城), the whole journey is about 120 km, driving time 1.5 hours. Enjoy the alternating scenery of Gobi and oasis along the highway, the road condition is stable, and you can relax driving appropriately.
• 14:00 Arrive at Shanshan County (鄯善县城): Drive out of the expressway and arrive at Shanshan County (鄯善县城). Check in at the hotel (price: 180-350 yuan per night, it is recommended to choose a hotel near Kumtag Desert (库木塔格沙漠) for convenience of the next day's trip), rest and wash, and you can rest for 1-2 hours to relieve the fatigue of the previous two days' crossing.
• 16:00 Free activity: You can go to the old urban area of Shanshan (鄯善) to feel the local folk customs, buy Xinjiang specialty souvenirs (raisins, almonds), or rest in the hotel to adjust the state and prepare for the next day's desert self-driving course.
• 19:00 Dinner: Taste the specialty food of Shanshan County (鄯善县城). Recommended: Whole Roasted Lamb, Grilled Skewers, Hand-Pulled Rice, per capita 80-120 yuan. After the meal, you can take a walk in the county to feel the night scenery of Shanshan (鄯善), and rest before 21:00.

Mileage: About 110 km, Driving Time: 2.5 hours (pure driving time, excluding courses, crossing and rest), Total Time: 7-8 hours, Road Condition: The 10 km from Shanshan County (鄯善县城) to Kumtag Desert (库木塔格沙漠) is asphalt road, good road condition, driving time 10 minutes, flat road surface and clear signs; the desert self-driving crossing section is soft sand and sand dune sections with obvious ruts, need to drive under the guidance of the coach, control the speed to avoid getting stuck. Hard-core 4WD off-road vehicles can pass normally, and ordinary SUVs are strictly prohibited from entering the desert crossing section, speed controlled at 20-40 km/h; the 93 km from Kumtag Desert (库木塔格沙漠) to Turpan Urban Area (吐鲁番市区) is expressway, full asphalt road, good road condition, moderate traffic flow, speed can be controlled at 100-120 km/h.

• 08:30 Get up and have meals: After breakfast, sort out luggage, check the vehicle and fill up the oil, depart on time at 09:00 to go to Kumtag Desert (库木塔格沙漠).
• 09:10 Arrive at Kumtag Desert (库木塔格沙漠): About 10 km from Shanshan County (鄯善县城), driving time 10 minutes. Buy tickets to enter the park (ticket: 30 yuan per person, desert self-driving course is an additional charge, about 500-800 yuan per person), arrive at the desert self-driving camp, rest for 30 minutes, get familiar with the desert driving precautions, and receive course materials.
• 09:40-12:40 Desert self-driving course learning + desert self-driving crossing: Follow a professional coach to learn desert self-driving skills (sand dune climbing, downhill, skid control, sand trap recovery, etc.), 30 minutes of theoretical explanation and 3 hours of practical training. During the practical training, drive across the shallow area of Kumtag Desert (库木塔格沙漠), the whole journey is about 20 km, driving time 1.5 hours. Immersively experience the fun of desert self-driving, the coach accompanies the whole process to ensure safety, and you can stop to take photos on the way to feel the grandeur of the sand sea.
• 12:40 Lunch: Dine at a restaurant around the desert scenic area, taste Xinjiang specialty food. Recommended: Large Plate Chicken, Hand-Pulled Noodles, per capita 60-80 yuan. After the meal, supplement drinking water, rest for 30 minutes, sort out the desert travel equipment, and clean the sand on the vehicle.
• 13:40 Go to Turpan Urban Area (吐鲁番市区): Depart fromKumtag Desert (库木塔格沙漠), enter G30 Lianhuo Expressway and drive towards Turpan Urban Area (吐鲁番市区), the whole journey is about 93 km, driving time 1.4 hours. Enjoy the scenery on the edge of the Turpan Basin (吐鲁番盆地) along the way, overlook the outline of Flame Mountain (火焰山), and feel the unique landform of the "Fire State".
• 15:20 Arrive at Turpan Urban Area (吐鲁番市区): Check in at the hotel (price: 150-300 yuan per night, it is recommended to choose a hotel near the urban center for convenience of going to various scenic spots), rest and wash, and you can rest for 1 hour to avoid the high afternoon temperature (the afternoon temperature in Turpan (吐鲁番) can reach above 40℃ in summer).
• 16:30 Free activity: You can go to the supermarket inTurpan Urban Area (吐鲁番市区) to supplement materials, or rest in the hotel to adjust the state and relieve the fatigue of desert self-driving.
• 19:30 Dinner: Taste the specialty food ofTurpan (吐鲁番). Recommended: Roasted Buns, Hand-Grabbed Meat, Grape Feast, per capita 70-100 yuan. After the meal, you can take a walk in the urban area to feel the cool night of Turpan (吐鲁番), and rest before 21:00.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 360km, total driving time is about 5.5-6h (including scenic spot stay), accommodation in Korla (库尔勒) urban area, mainly highway throughout the journey, combining humanistic scenic spot experience
Driving Route: Turpan (吐鲁番) urban area → G312 → Karez Folk Garden (坎儿井民俗园) → G312 → Grape Valley (葡萄沟) → G3012 Turpan-Kashgar Expressway → Korla urban area

• 07:00-07:30: Depart from Turpan urban area (have breakfast in advance to avoid high noon temperature), navigate to Karez Folk Garden, driving distance about 20km, 30 minutes; Road Conditions: Asphalt roads in Turpan urban area, with many narrow roads and concentrated pedestrian flow, speed limit 40-60km/h, avoid school and market sections, do not park in occupied roads.
• 08:00-09:30: Visit Karez Folk Garden, duration 1.5h; Sightseeing Focus: Visit the underground water conservancy project and Karez Museum, understand the ancient irrigation technology in Xinjiang, it is recommended to hire a guide, avoid staying outdoors for too long at noon.
• 09:40-10:10: Karez Folk Garden → Grape Valley, driving distance about 15km, 30 minutes; Road Conditions: Rural asphalt roads, with grape trellises along the road, speed limit 50km/h, pay attention to avoiding local farmers' vehicles and pedestrians.
• 10:10-12:10: Visit Grape Valley, duration 2h; Sightseeing Focus: Visit grape manors, experience Uyghur home visits (you can taste grapes and milk tea for free, home visit fee is voluntary), take photos, avoid buying overpriced raisins (it is recommended to purchase in urban supermarkets).
• 12:20-13:20: Have lunch near Grape Valley, recommend local Uyghur restaurants, per capita consumption (specialties: pilaf, samsa, big plate chicken), rest for 30 minutes.
• 13:50-18:20: Grape Valley → Korla urban area, navigate to "Korla Urban Hotel", driving distance about 320km, 4.5h; Road Conditions: Entirely G3012 Turpan-Kashgar Expressway, flat asphalt road surface, speed limit 100-120km/h; passing through the Gangu Section (about 80km), with many curves and large slopes, speed limit 60-80km/h, no service areas, pay attention to speed control and do not overtake; some sections have strong cross winds and many trucks, keep a safe distance from vehicles. Self-Driving Tips: Fill up the fuel tank before departure (gas stations in Turpan urban area are sufficient), prepare enough mineral water and heatstroke prevention medicines (Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, sunscreen), the expressway is fully unobstructed, pay attention to sun protection.
• 18:30-19:00: Arrive at Korla urban hotel and check in (it is recommended to stay in the center of Korla, close to the Peacock River, convenient for dinner and rest, standard room per night).
• 19:30-21:00: Have dinner in Korla urban area, recommend "Korla Fragrant Pear Feast" and "Roast Whole Lamb", per capita consumption, you can take a walk along the Peacock River after dinner to feel the night view of Korla.
• Notes: The noon temperature in Turpan in summer (June-August) can reach above 40℃, so be sure to depart early; there is no mobile phone signal in the Gangu Section of the expressway, download offline maps in advance; Korla is cool at night, you can prepare a thin coat.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 380km, total driving time is about 7h (including scenic spot stay + rest), accommodation in Bayanbulak (巴音布鲁克) Town, passing through the southern section of Duku Highway (独库公路), the altitude gradually rises, need to pay attention to altitude sickness
Driving Route: Korla urban area → Wushi-Yuli Expressway → Baluntai (巴伦台) → Baluntai Yellow Temple (巴伦台黄庙) → G218 → G217 Duku Highway (Southern Section) → Bayanbulak Town

• 07:30-08:00: Depart from Korla urban area (have breakfast, recommend local samsa and milk tea), navigate to Baluntai Yellow Temple, driving distance about 143km, 1.5h; Road Conditions: Korla → Baluntai section, take Wushi-Yuli Expressway (already open to traffic), full asphalt road surface, excellent road conditions, speed limit 100km/h, 1 service area, can rest and replenish water briefly.
• 09:30-10:30: Visit Baluntai Yellow Temple, duration 1h; Sightseeing Focus: A Tibetan Buddhist temple, known as the "Little Potala Palace", visit the temple buildings and Buddha statues, take photos, respect local religious customs, do not touch Buddha statues and prayer flags at will.
• 10:40-11:10: Baluntai Yellow Temple → Baluntai Town, driving distance about 10km, 30 minutes, rest in Baluntai Town, replenish hot water and use the toilet (there is no gas station after Baluntai Town, be sure to check the fuel volume).
• 11:10-13:10: Baluntai Town → Bayanbulak Grassland Entrance, driving distance about 227km, 2h; Road Conditions: Baluntai → Bayanbulak section, take G218 Yining-Ruoqiang Line and turn to G217 Duku Highway Southern Section, full asphalt road surface, many winding sharp curves and rapid altitude rise (from 1500m to 2500m), speed limit 40-60km/h; some sections have the risk of falling rocks, pay attention to observing the road surface, drive cautiously on rainy days. Self-Driving Tips: The southern section of Duku Highway is only open from June 10 to September 30, private cars with 7 seats or less can pass, and those with more than 7 seats are prohibited; as the altitude rises, some people will have mild altitude sickness (dizziness, fatigue), avoid strenuous exercise, prepare altitude sickness medicines (Rhodiola Rosea, glucose).
• 13:20-14:20: Have lunch near the entrance of Bayanbulak Grassland, recommend grassland farm dishes, per capita consumption (specialties: hand-grasped meat, grassland milk tea, fried noodles), rest for 30 minutes.
• 14:50-18:00: Visit Bayanbulak Grassland, duration 3.5h; Sightseeing Focus: Take the shuttle bus to visit Swan Lake and the 九曲十八弯 (Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns) in turn, it is recommended to arrive at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns before 18:00 to wait for the sunset (at sunset, the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns can present the spectacle of "nine suns"); the temperature difference in the grassland is large, prepare a 冲锋衣 (jacket).
• 18:30-19:00: Arrive at Bayanbulak Town, check in (it is recommended to stay in a homestay in the town, close to the scenic spot entrance, standard room per night, some homestays include breakfast and dinner).
• 19:30-21:00: Have dinner in the town, mainly grassland flavor, per capita consumption, avoid drinking alcohol (drinking alcohol at high altitude can easily aggravate altitude sickness).
• Notes: There is no gas station after Baluntai Town, be sure to fill up the fuel tank before departing from Korla; the mountain weather is changeable, sudden showers may occur, prepare rain gear; the southern section of Duku Highway is closed at night (prohibited from passing after 20:00), be sure to arrive at Bayanbulak Town before evening.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 70km, total driving time is about 1.5-2h (including along-the-way sightseeing), accommodation in Nalati (那拉提) Town, the entire journey is the northern section of Duku Highway (独库公路), with stunning scenery, suitable for slow travel
Driving Route: Bayanbulak Town → G217 Duku Highway (Northern Section) → Nalati Air Grassland Entrance (那拉提空中草原入口) → G218 → Nalati Town

• 08:00-08:30: Depart from Bayanbulak Town (have breakfast, included in the homestay, mainly millet porridge, steamed buns and pickles), navigate to Nalati Air Grassland Entrance, driving distance about 70km, 1.5-2h; Road Conditions: Entirely G217 Duku Highway Northern Section, flat asphalt road surface, good road conditions, but many sharp curves and cliffside sections, speed limit 40-60km/h; altitude 2000-3000m, there is residual snow in some parts in summer, pay attention to black ice; there are many viewing platforms along the way (such as Chahan Nur Daban), you can stop to take photos. Self-Driving Tips: The northern section of Duku Highway is closed from 20:00 to 9:00 the next day, be sure to pass during the day; when parking at the viewing platforms along the way, park in the designated areas, do not occupy the road, to avoid affecting the passage of other vehicles; pay attention to avoiding cattle and sheep (grassland livestock will cross the road at will).
• 10:00-10:30: Arrive at Nalati Air Grassland Entrance, handle scenic spot tickets, rest for 10 minutes.
• 10:40-14:00: Visit Nalati Air Grassland, duration 3.5h; Sightseeing Focus: Take the shuttle bus to visit the Air Grassland, Nomadic Home and Snow Lotus Valley, you can ride horses on the grassland (choose a regular horse farm), take photos (grassland, snow-capped mountains and forests in the same frame); you can have lunch at the snack stalls in the grassland at noon, per capita consumption (such as sausages, instant noodles, milk tea).
• 14:10-15:10: Air Grassland → Nalati Town, driving distance about 20km, 30 minutes, check in (it is recommended to stay in the center of Nalati Town, close to the food street, standard room per night), rest for 1h (relieve driving fatigue).
• 16:20-18:30: Visit Nalati River Valley Grassland (optional), duration 2.5h; Sightseeing Focus: The River Valley Grassland has a gentle terrain, with streams and forests, suitable for strolling and taking photos, you can experience Uyghur folk activities (such as tambourine performances).
• 19:00-20:30: Have dinner at the food street in Nalati Town, recommend "Nalati Big Plate Chicken" and "Grilled Mutton Skewers", per capita consumption, you can visit the small shops in the town after dinner to purchase local specialties (such as cheese, beef jerky).
• Notes: The entrance of Nalati Scenic Spot is crowded after 16:00, it is recommended to go to the Air Grassland in the morning and the River Valley Grassland in the afternoon; there are many mosquitoes in the grassland, prepare mosquito repellent; the temperature is low at night, prepare a thin coat.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 230km, total driving time is about 5-6h (including lunch + along-the-way sightseeing), accommodation in a homestay near Kalajun Grassland, passing through Tekes Bagua City, with many mountain roads
Driving Route: Nalati Town → S237 → Tekes (特克斯) County → S237 → Kalajun (喀拉峻) Grassland Tourist Center

• 08:30-09:00: Depart from Nalati Town (have breakfast, recommend local naan and milk tea), navigate to Tekes Bagua City, driving distance about 180km, 4h; Road Conditions: Nalati → Tekes section, take S237 winding mountain road, full asphalt road surface, sharp curves, steep slopes, some sections are narrow (only allowing two cars to pass each other), speed limit 40-50km/h; the altitude along the way fluctuates greatly (from 2000m to 2800m), there are many viewing platforms, you can stop to enjoy the snow-capped mountains and grassland scenery; some sections have gravel, sedans need to drive cautiously to avoid scratching the chassis. Self-Driving Tips: S237 Highway is closed at night and in winter, must be driven during the day; there are many blind spots on mountain roads, honk the horn before turning, do not overtake in occupied roads; download offline maps in advance (weak mobile phone signal in mountainous areas).
• 13:00-14:00: Arrive at Tekes Bagua City, have lunch (recommend restaurants in the center of Bagua City, per capita consumption, specialties: Bagua Chicken, pilaf), rest for 30 minutes.
• 14:30-15:30: Visit Tekes Bagua City (free), duration 1h; Sightseeing Focus: Bagua City is the world's largest Bagua City with no traffic lights, you can overlook the entire Bagua layout of the city from the viewing tower in the center of the city, visit the folk street in the city and feel the local humanistic customs.
• 15:40-16:40: Tekes Bagua City → Kalajun Grassland Tourist Center, driving distance about 29km, 1h; Road Conditions: Full asphalt road surface, some sections have a small amount of gravel, speed limit 50km/h, the scenery along the way is grassland, you can drive slowly and take photos.
• 16:50-17:20: Handle scenic spot tickets (Kalajun Grassland combined ticket, including East and West Kalajun and Kuokesu Grand Canyon (阔克苏大峡谷), shuttle bus is mandatory), check in at the homestay (it is recommended to stay in a homestay near the grassland, slate house style, standard room per night, including breakfast and dinner).
• 17:30-19:30: Visit East Kalajun Grassland (Flower Platform, Falcon Platform), duration 2h; Sightseeing Focus: Take the shuttle bus to the Flower Platform (there are large areas of flower sea in June-July) and Falcon Platform (overlook the panoramic view of the grassland, you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance), take photos, you can ride horses on the grassland.
• 20:00-21:30: Have dinner at the homestay, grassland farm dishes, per capita consumption, you can take a walk on the grassland after dinner to enjoy the night view of the grassland (the starry sky is stunning, no light pollution).
• Notes: The road layout of Tekes Bagua City is complex and easy to get lost, choose "Bagua City Center" when navigating to avoid going astray; private cars are prohibited from entering Kalajun Grassland, and shuttle buses are required throughout the journey; the temperature difference between day and night in the grassland is large, prepare a jacket or thin down jacket.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 450km, total driving time is about 7-8h (including lunch + Guozigou sightseeing), accommodation in Sayram Lake Scenic Area (or homestay by the lake), good road conditions throughout the journey, passing through Yining folk scenic spots
Driving Route: Kalajun Grassland Tourist Center → S237 → Yining (伊宁) City → G30 Lianhuo Expressway → Guozigou (果子沟) Bridge → G30 → Sayram Lake (赛里木湖) Scenic Area East Entrance

• 07:30-08:00: Depart from Kalajun Homestay (have breakfast, included in the homestay), navigate to Yining Kazanqi Folk Village (伊宁市喀赞其民俗村), driving distance about 180km, 3h; Road Conditions: Kalajun → Yining section, take S237 + G218, full asphalt road surface, many winding mountain curves and large altitude fluctuations (from 2800m to 1000m), speed limit 40-60km/h; there are grassland, forest and river valley scenery along the way, you can stop to take photos briefly; some sections have trucks, keep a safe distance from vehicles.
• 11:00-12:30: Visit Yining Kazanqi Folk Village (free), duration 1.5h; Sightseeing Focus: The largest Uyghur folk village in Xinjiang, with all houses blue, known as the "Blue Fairy Tale Town", you can rent an electric car to tour the village, experience Uyghur home visits, taste local special snacks (such as ice powder, samsa), take photos.
• 12:40-13:40: Have lunch near Kazanqi Folk Village, recommend Uyghur characteristic restaurants, per capita consumption (specialties: Roast Whole Lamb, pilaf, nang pit meat), rest for 30 minutes.
• 14:10-17:10: Yining → Sayram Lake Scenic Area East Entrance, driving distance about 270km, 3h; Road Conditions: Yining → Sayram Lake section, take G30 Lianhuo Expressway, full asphalt road surface, excellent road conditions, speed limit 100-120km/h; passing through Guozigou Bridge ("No.1 Scenery in Yili"), the bridge section is cliffside, speed limit 60km/h, no parking allowed, viewing platforms are at both ends of the bridge (you can stop to take photos, duration 20 minutes). Self-Driving Tips: There is no gas station between Yining and Sayram Lake, be sure to fill up the fuel tank before departing from Yining; the traffic flow on Guozigou Bridge is large, pay attention to avoiding trucks and do not change lanes at will; private cars can drive in Sayram Lake Scenic Area, or you can take the shuttle bus.
• 17:20-19:30: Visit Sayram Lake (self-driving around the lake), duration 2.5h; Sightseeing Focus: Enter from the East Entrance, drive around the lake along the lakeside highway, pass through Moon Bay (月亮湾), Swan Bay (天鹅湾) and Command Post (点将台) in turn, enjoy the stunning scenery of "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", take photos by the lake; wait for the sunset by the lake around 19:00, the lake water is bright blue at sunset, the scenery is extremely beautiful.
• 19:40-20:10: Arrive at the accommodation in Sayram Lake Scenic Area (it is recommended to stay in a lakeside wooden house, standard room per night, lake view available), check in.
• 20:30-21:30: Have dinner in the scenic area, recommend lake fresh food and grassland farm dishes, per capita consumption, you can take a walk by the lake after dinner to enjoy the night view and starry sky of Sayram Lake.
• Notes: The altitude of Sayram Lake is 1900m, some people will have mild altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise; the wind by the lake is strong, the temperature is low at night, prepare a thick coat; the speed limit on the lakeside highway is 50km/h, do not park at will (only park at designated viewing platforms).

Core Information: Total mileage is about 400km, total driving time is about 5.5-6h (including Dushanzi Grand Canyon stay), accommodation in Karamay (克拉玛依) urban area, mainly highway throughout the journey, passing through Gobi and oilfield scenery
Driving Route: Sayram Lake Scenic Area East Entrance → G30 Lianhuo Expressway → Dushanzi (独山子) District → G217 → Dushanzi Grand Canyon (独山子大峡谷) → G3016 Kuihe-Aletai Expressway → Karamay Urban Area

• 08:00-08:30: Depart from Sayram Lake Scenic Area (have breakfast, included in the homestay), navigate to Dushanzi Grand Canyon, driving distance about 220km, 2.5h; Road Conditions: Sayram Lake → Dushanzi section, take G30 Lianhuo Expressway, full asphalt road surface, good road conditions, speed limit 100-120km/h; some sections have strong cross winds, especially near Gobi sections, pay attention to stabilizing the steering wheel; there are sufficient expressway service areas, you can rest and replenish water midway.
• 11:00-12:30: Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, duration 1.5h; Sightseeing Focus: The starting point of Duku Highway (独库公路), reddish-brown canyon landform, you can walk on the glass plank road (additional charge), overlook the panoramic view of the canyon, take photos; the wind in the canyon is strong, pay attention to sun protection.
• 12:40-13:40: Have lunch near Dushanzi Grand Canyon, recommend Xinjiang characteristic restaurants, per capita consumption (specialties: big plate chicken, fried noodles, grilled mutton skewers), rest for 30 minutes.
• 14:10-17:40: Dushanzi → Karamay urban area, navigate to "Karamay Urban Hotel", driving distance about 180km, 3.5h; Road Conditions: Entirely G3016 Kuihe-Aletai Expressway, asphalt road surface, few cars and excellent road conditions, speed limit 120km/h; the scenery along the way is Gobi, desert and oilfield (you can see pumping units), there are sufficient expressway service areas, you can refuel and replenish supplies at any time. Self-Driving Tips: Karamay has high temperature in summer (above 35℃), prepare enough water and sun protection products; the expressway has many straight roads throughout, pay attention to avoiding fatigue driving, rest for 10 minutes every 1 hour.
• 17:50-18:20: Arrive at Karamay urban hotel and check in (it is recommended to stay in the city center, close to Century Park, standard room per night).
• 18:30-20:00: Have dinner in Karamay urban area, recommend "Karamay Roast Whole Lamb" and "Oil City Big Plate Chicken", per capita consumption, you can visit Century Park after dinner to feel the night view of the oil city.
• Notes: The glass plank road in Dushanzi Grand Canyon is relatively thrilling, those who are afraid of heights should be cautious; the mobile phone signal in Gobi sections is intermittent, download offline maps in advance; the speed limit in Karamay urban area is strict, pay attention to observing the speed limit signs.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 450km, total driving time is about 6-7h (including lunch + Wucai Beach stay), accommodation in Jiadenyu (贾登峪) Homestay, passing through Devil City and Wucai Beach, combining mountain roads and highways
Driving Route: Karamay Urban Area → G3016 Kuihe-Aletai Expressway → G217 → Urho Devil City (乌尔禾魔鬼城) → G217 → Burqin (布尔津) County → S232 → Wucai Beach (五彩滩) → S232 → Jiadenyu

• 08:00-08:30: Depart from Karamay urban area (have breakfast, recommend local naan and soybean milk), navigate to Urho Devil City, driving distance about 100km, 1.5h; Road Conditions: Karamay → Devil City section, take G3016 Kuihe-Aletai Expressway and turn to G217, half expressway and half national highway, asphalt road surface, good road conditions, speed limit 100km/h; the scenery along the way is Gobi and yardang landform, the wind is strong, pay attention to sun protection.
• 10:00-11:30: Visit Urho Devil City, duration 1.5h; Sightseeing Focus: Wind-eroded yardang landform, known as "Devil City", take the shuttle bus to tour, you can enjoy natural landscapes such as "Sphinx" and "Peacock Spreading Its Tail", the scenery is the best at sunset in the evening (arranged to visit in the morning today to avoid high temperature in the afternoon); the wind in the scenic area is strong, prepare a windproof jacket and hat.
• 11:40-13:10: Devil City → Burqin County, driving distance about 180km, 2.5h; Road Conditions: Entirely G217, asphalt road surface, good road conditions, speed limit 80-100km/h; the scenery along the way is Gobi and desert, there are many section speed measurements, pay attention to speed control and do not overspeed; there is 1 service area midway, you can rest and replenish water.
• 13:20-14:20: Have lunch in Burqin County, recommend "Burqin Cold Water Fish" and "pilaf", per capita consumption, rest for 30 minutes, replenish hot water and check the fuel volume.
• 14:50-16:20: Burqin County → Wucai Beach, driving distance about 25km, 40 minutes, visit Wucai Beach, duration 1.5h; Sightseeing Focus: On the opposite bank of the Irtysh River (额尔齐斯河), Danxia landform, interweaving colors such as red, yellow, purple and green, contrasting with the Irtysh River, the scenery is extremely beautiful at sunset (arranged to visit in the afternoon today, arrive in advance to wait for the sunset); the wooden plank road in the scenic area is narrow, pay attention to safety and do not approach the cliff edge.
• 16:30-18:30: Wucai Beach → Jiadenyu, driving distance about 130km, 2h; Road Conditions: Entirely S232, winding mountain asphalt road, many curves, steep slopes and cliffside, speed limit 30-40km/h; some sections have the risk of falling rocks, pay attention to observing the road surface; weak mobile phone signal in mountainous areas, download offline maps in advance; road conditions are smooth from June to October, closed due to snow in winter. Self-Driving Tips: S232 has sharp curves and many blind spots, honk the horn before turning, do not overtake in occupied roads; pay attention to avoiding cattle and sheep (many mountain livestock); Jiadenyu is the gate of Kanas Scenic Area (喀纳斯景区), private cars need to be parked in Jiadenyu Parking Lot, and are not allowed to enter Kanas Scenic Area.
• 18:40-19:10: Arrive at Jiadenyu, check in at the homestay (it is recommended to stay in Jiadenyu Town, close to the scenic spot entrance, standard room per night, including breakfast and dinner).
• 19:30-21:00: Have dinner at the homestay, mainly farm dishes and cold water fish, per capita consumption, rest after dinner to reserve energy for visiting Kanas the next day.
• Notes: Wucai Beach is crowded at sunset, arrive in advance to occupy a position; S232 mountain section is closed at night, be sure to arrive at Jiadenyu before evening; Jiadenyu Parking Lot has a large capacity, plan the parking position in advance; Kanas Scenic Area tickets need to be booked 1 day in advance.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 80km (Jiadenyu-Kanas 25km, Kanas-Hemu 55km), total driving time is about 2.5-3h (including Kanas sightseeing + shuttle bus transfer), accommodation in Hemu (禾木) Village Wooden House Homestay, shuttle buses are required in the scenic area, mountain roads are narrow
Driving Route: Jiadenyu → Scenic Area Shuttle Bus → Kanas (喀纳斯) Scenic Area → Kanas Transfer Center → S232 + X852 → Hemu Village

• 07:00-07:30: Depart from Jiadenyu Homestay (have breakfast, included in the homestay), go to Jiadenyu Tourist Center, buy Kanas Scenic Area tickets (shuttle bus is mandatory), take the shuttle bus to Kanas Scenic Area, driving distance about 25km, 40 minutes; Road Conditions: Jiadenyu → Kanas Scenic Area section, full scenic area shuttle bus, winding mountain asphalt road, many curves and steep slopes, speed limit 40km/h; private cars are prohibited from entering the scenic area, all tourists need to take the shuttle bus.
• 08:10-12:30: Visit Kanas Scenic Area, duration 4.5h; Sightseeing Focus: 1. Take the shuttle bus to Shenxian Bay (神仙湾) first (the morning mist is the most beautiful, arrive before 8:30 when the morning mist has not dispersed, like a fairyland), take photos; 2. Walk to Moon Bay (月亮湾) (the iconic landscape of Kanas, crescent-shaped river course, you can go down to the viewing platform to take photos); 3. Walk to Wolong Bay (卧龙湾) (the river course is shaped like a lying dragon, with dense forests on both banks); 4. Take the shuttle bus to Guan Yu Tai (观鱼台) (need to buy an additional shuttle bus ticket, you can overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake and see the snow-capped mountains in the distance after reaching the top); 5. Have lunch at the snack stalls in Kanas Scenic Area at noon, per capita consumption (such as instant noodles, sausages, milk tea).
• 12:40-13:10: Kanas Scenic Area → Kanas Transfer Center, take the shuttle bus back to the transfer center, rest for 30 minutes, prepare to go to Hemu.
• 13:40-15:10: Kanas Transfer Center → Hemu Village, driving distance about 55km, 1.5h; Road Conditions: Entirely S232 + X852, winding mountain asphalt road, many curves, large slopes and narrow road surface (only allowing two cars to pass each other), speed limit 30-40km/h; road conditions are smooth in summer, four-wheel drive + snow tires are required in winter; there are birch forests and river valley scenery along the way, you can stop to take photos briefly. Self-Driving Tips: The mountain roads are narrow and difficult to pass each other, avoid cattle, sheep and local vehicles, do not overtake in occupied roads; private cars can enter Hemu Village without transferring to shuttle buses, but the roads in the village are narrow, drive cautiously.
• 15:20-15:50: Arrive at Hemu Village, check in at the wooden house homestay (it is recommended to stay in the center of Hemu Village, close to Hemu Bridge (禾木桥), standard room per night, wooden house style, including breakfast and dinner), rest for 30 minutes.
• 16:20-19:00: Visit around Hemu Village, duration 2.5h; Sightseeing Focus: Visit Hemu Bridge and Hemu Birch Forest (excellent for taking photos), hike to the bank of Hemu River (禾木河), enjoy the river valley scenery, you can experience Tuvan home visits (taste milk tea and cheese, understand Tuvan culture).
• 19:30-21:00: Have dinner at the homestay, mainly Hemu characteristic food (such as hand-grasped meat, grilled mutton, Hemu cold water fish), per capita consumption, you can take a walk in the village after dinner to enjoy the night view of Hemu Village (the starry sky is stunning).
• Notes: The operating time of Kanas Scenic Area shuttle buses is 7:00-20:00, arrange the sightseeing time reasonably; the temperature difference between day and night in Hemu Village is large, prepare a thin down jacket; there are many mosquitoes in the village, prepare mosquito repellent; when driving into Hemu Village, drive at a low speed and avoid pedestrians.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 20km (in the village + grassland), full-day sightseeing (hiking + self-driving + taking photos), accommodation in Hemu Village Wooden House Homestay, focusing on casual slow travel to feel the original ecological scenery of Hemu
Driving Route: Hemu Village → Harden Viewing Platform (哈登观景台) → Hemu Village → Dirt Road → Hemu Grassland (禾木大草原) → Hemu Village

• 05:30-06:00: Get up, go to Harden Viewing Platform (about 40 minutes on foot, or take a local motorcycle one-way), wait for the sunrise; Sightseeing Focus: Harden Viewing Platform is the best position to overlook the panoramic view of Hemu Village, at sunrise, the morning mist lingers, the smoke curls from the wooden houses, and the snow-capped mountains, birch forests and wooden houses are in the same frame, the photos are stunning; the altitude of the viewing platform is relatively high, prepare a thick coat and wear non-slip shoes (the hiking section is steep and has gravel).
• 07:30-08:30: Return to the homestay from Harden Viewing Platform, have breakfast (included in the homestay, mainly millet porridge, steamed buns, pickles and milk tea), rest for 30 minutes.
• 09:00-12:00: In-depth sightseeing of Hemu Grassland, duration 3h; Sightseeing Focus: Drive to Hemu Grassland (driving distance about 10km, 15 minutes), you can ride horses on the grassland (choose a regular horse farm), stroll on the grassland, enjoy the flower sea (June-July) and snow-capped mountain background, take photos; you can bring a picnic mat and have a picnic on the grassland (the homestay can pack breakfast). Road Conditions: The grassland is dirt roads/pastoral roads, SUVs can pass, sedans need to drive cautiously to avoid scratching the chassis; there is no mobile phone signal in the grassland, do not leave the main road without permission.
• 12:10-13:30: Return to the homestay, have lunch (included in the homestay, or have lunch at a restaurant in the village, per capita consumption), rest for 1.5h (relieve hiking and horse riding fatigue).
• 15:00-18:00: Free sightseeing, optional items: 1. Hemu River Rafting (禾木河漂流) (duration 1h, enjoy the scenery of Hemu River along the way, best in summer); 2. Visit Hemu Village Folk Street, purchase local specialties (such as cheese, beef jerky, Tuvan handicrafts); 3. Take in-depth photos of the birch forest to capture the original ecological beauty of Hemu.
• 18:30-19:30: Have dinner at the homestay, taste Hemu characteristic food, per capita consumption.
• 20:00-21:00: Take a walk by Hemu River, enjoy the night view of Hemu, take photos of the starry sky (no light pollution, the starry sky is extremely beautiful, it is recommended to bring a tripod).
• Notes: Harden Viewing Platform is crowded in the morning, depart in advance to occupy a position; when riding horses on the grassland, follow the instructions of the horse driver and pay attention to safety; Hemu River Rafting has certain risks, wear a life jacket, and minors need to be accompanied by parents; the temperature is low at night, pay attention to keeping warm.

Core Information: Total mileage is about 210km one-way, total driving time is about 3-3.5h one-way, accommodation in Aletai (阿勒泰) urban area, passing through Ahe Highway, stunning scenery, many mountain roads
Driving Route: Hemu Village → G681 Ahe Highway → Aletai Urban Area → 500-li Folk Street (五百里风情街) → General Mountain (将军山)

• 08:30-09:00: Depart from Hemu Village (have breakfast, included in the homestay), navigate to Aletai 500-li Folk Street, driving distance about 210km, 3-3.5h; Road Conditions: Entirely G681 Ahe Highway (officially opened on June 30, 2025), secondary highway, asphalt road surface, sharp curves and beautiful scenery, speed limit 30-60km/h; there are 31 viewing platforms and 25 toilets along the way, no gas stations; the altitude fluctuates greatly (from 1800m to 2200m), some sections are cliffside, pay attention to observing the road surface. Self-Driving Tips: There are no gas stations along Ahe Highway, be sure to fill up the fuel tank before departing from Hemu; sharp curves and many blind spots, honk the horn before turning, do not overtake in occupied roads; wild animals (brown bears, wild boars) appear along the way, do not stop to feed or stay away from the road; fully open in summer (April 26-October 15), limited time in winter (10:00-14:00), four-wheel drive + snow tires are required.
• 12:30-13:30: Arrive at Aletai urban area, have lunch (recommend Aletai characteristic restaurants, per capita consumption, specialties: Aletai Big Plate Chicken, Roast Whole Lamb, hand-grasped meat), rest for 30 minutes.
• 14:00-15:00: Check in at the hotel (it is recommended to stay in the center of Aletai, close to 500-li Folk Street, standard room per night), rest for 1h.
• 15:30-17:30: Visit Aletai 500-li Folk Street (free), duration 2h; Sightseeing Focus: A landmark commercial street in Aletai, with local special snacks, handicrafts and folk performances, you can visit shops, taste snacks (such as samsa, ice powder), take photos.
• 18:00-19:30: Go to General Mountain (free ticket, about 20 minutes drive up the mountain), wait for the sunset, duration 1.5h; Sightseeing Focus: General Mountain is the best position to overlook the panoramic view of Aletai urban area, at sunset, the urban area, distant mountains and sunset glow are in the same frame, the scenery is stunning; the wind on the mountain is strong, prepare a windproof jacket.
• 20:00-21:30: Have dinner in Aletai urban area, recommend "Aletai Cold Water Fish" and "Grilled Mutton Skewers", per capita consumption, visit the urban night view after dinner and rest.
• Notes: The signal of Ahe Highway is weak, download offline maps in advance; General Mountain is crowded at sunset, arrive in advance to occupy a position; Aletai is cool at night, prepare a thin coat.

Core Information: One-way total distance is about 210km, one-way total driving time is about 3-3.5h, accommodation in Hemu Village (禾木村) wooden house homestay, in-depth tour of scenic spots along the way on the return trip, focusing on slow travel.

• 08:30-09:00: Depart from Altay (阿勒泰) urban area (have breakfast, recommend local Naan and Milk Tea), navigate to "Tuolehait Grassland (托勒海特草原)", driving distance about 100km, 2h; Road Conditions: Altay (阿勒泰) → Tuolehait Grassland (托勒海特草原) section, take G681 Ahe Highway (阿禾公路), asphalt pavement, sharp bends and beautiful scenery, speed limit 30-60km/h; there are many viewing platforms along the way, where you can stop to take photos; some sections have gravel, so sedans need to pass cautiously.
• 11:00-12:30: Tour Tuolehait Grassland (free), duration 1.5h; Sightseeing Focus: An original ecological grassland with few people and beautiful scenery, featuring snow-capped mountains, forests and streams; you can walk on the grassland, take photos, and experience nomadic life (you can communicate with local herdsmen and taste milk tea).
• 12:40-13:40: Have lunch near Tuolehait Grassland (recommend grassland farm dishes, per capita 50 yuan), rest for 30 minutes.
• 14:10-15:40: Tuolehait Grassland → Tongba Basin Forest, driving distance about 50km, 1.5h; Road Conditions: Entire journey is asphalt + dirt road, with many bends and steep slopes, speed limit 30-40km/h; the forest is densely vegetated and the air is fresh; you can stop for a 1-hour hike to enjoy the forest scenery and take photos.
• 16:10-18:10: Tongba Basin Forest → Hemu Village, driving distance about 60km, 2h; Road Conditions: Take G681 Ahe Highway, asphalt pavement, sharp bends and beautiful scenery; pay attention to avoiding vehicles, cattle and sheep; you can stop briefly at the viewing platforms along the way to enjoy the last section of Ahe Highway scenery.
• 18:20-18:50: Arrive in Hemu Village, check in at the homestay (the same wooden house homestay as the previous day), rest for 30 minutes.
• 19:20-21:00: Have dinner at the homestay, taste Hemu characteristic food, per capita 70-90 yuan; walk around the village after dinner to enjoy the night view of Hemu and say goodbye to Hemu.
• Notes: There is no mobile phone signal in Tuolehait Grassland, do not leave the main road without permission; there are many mosquitoes in Tongba Basin Forest, prepare mosquito repellent; arrange rest reasonably during the return trip to avoid fatigue driving.

Core Information: Total distance is about 570km, total driving time is about 7-8h (including Tianchi Lake tour + lunch), accommodation in Urumqi urban area, combining expressway and mountain roads throughout the journey; the driving time is long, so it is necessary to arrange time reasonably.

• 07:00-07:30: Depart from Hemu Village (have breakfast, included in the homestay), navigate to "Keketuohai Scenic Area", driving distance about 280km, 4h; Road Conditions: Hemu → Keketuohai section, take G681 Ahe Highway and turn to S226, asphalt pavement, mainly Gobi highway with few cars and many straight roads, speed limit 100km/h; some sections have section speed measurement, pay attention to speed control; the signal in mountainous areas is weak, download offline maps in advance. Self-Driving Tips: There are no gas stations between Keketuohai and Tianchi Lake, so be sure to fill up the fuel tank before departing from Hemu; the wind is strong on Gobi sections, pay attention to stabilizing the steering wheel; the driving time is long, rest for 10 minutes every 1 hour to avoid fatigue driving.
• 11:30-12:30: Tour Keketuohai Scenic Area (ticket 90 yuan/person + shuttle bus 36 yuan/person, mandatory purchase), duration 1h (streamlined tour to avoid delaying the subsequent itinerary); Sightseeing Focus: Visit Irtysh River Grand Canyon and No.3 Mine Pit (Meritorious Mine), understand the history and geological features of Keketuohai, and take photos; there are many walking sections in the scenic area, so wear comfortable shoes.
• 12:40-13:40: Have lunch near Keketuohai Scenic Area, recommend Xinjiang characteristic restaurants, per capita 50 yuan, rest for 30 minutes.
• 14:10-16:40: Keketuohai → Tianchi Lake Scenic Area, driving distance about 200km, 2.5h; Road Conditions: Keketuohai → Tianchi Lake section, take S226 + G216 and turn to S111, Gobi highway + winding mountain road, asphalt pavement, many bends and large slopes, speed limit 60km/h; some sections have the risk of falling rocks, pay attention to observing the road surface.
• 16:50-18:50: Tour Tianchi Lake of Tianshan (ticket 95 yuan/person + shuttle bus 50 yuan/person, mandatory purchase), duration 2h; Sightseeing Focus: Take the shuttle bus to the lakeside of Tianchi Lake, enjoy the stunning scenery of the "Pearl of Tianshan", overlook Bogda Snow Mountain, and take photos; you can take the Mayashan Cableway (additional charge 180 yuan/person, optional) to overlook the panoramic view of Tianchi Lake; the altitude of Tianchi Lake is 1980m, some people may have mild altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise.
• 19:00-20:30: Tianchi Lake → Urumqi urban area, driving distance about 90km, 1.5h; Road Conditions: Entire journey is expressway + urban express road, asphalt pavement, excellent road conditions, speed limit 100-120km/h; avoid Urumqi evening peak (19:00-21:00), try to depart from Tianchi Lake before 19:00.
• 20:40-21:10: Arrive in Urumqi urban area, check in at the hotel (recommend staying in the city center, close to International Bazaar, standard room 250-400 yuan/night).
• 21:30-22:30: Have dinner in Urumqi urban area, recommend "Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken", "Whole Roast Lamb" and "Hand-Grasped Rice", per capita 80-100 yuan; rest after dinner to relieve the fatigue of the whole day's driving.
• Notes: The total driving time of the day is long, prepare enough water, snacks and emergency medicines in advance; the operating time of the shuttle bus in Tianchi Lake Scenic Area is until 19:00, arrange the tour time reasonably; Urumqi urban area is congested during the evening peak, plan the route in advance; check the vehicle after arrival to prepare for departure the next day.

Core Information: Full-day free activity, purchase specialties, visit urban scenic spots, arrange the itinerary according to the return time, no accommodation (depart from Urumqi).

• 08:30-09:00: Get up, have breakfast (recommend Urumqi characteristic breakfast, such as Naan, Milk Tea, Thin-Skinned Buns).
• 09:30-11:30: Visit Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (free, reservation 1 day in advance), duration 2h; Sightseeing Focus: Understand the history, culture and folk customs of Xinjiang, visit "Xinjiang Ancient Corpse Exhibition Hall" and "Silk Road Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall" to feel the historical heritage of Xinjiang; photography is prohibited in the museum, please abide by the museum rules.
• 12:00-13:00: Have lunch near the museum, recommend Xinjiang characteristic restaurants, per capita 60 yuan.
• 13:30-15:30: Visit Urumqi International Bazaar (free), duration 2h; Sightseeing Focus: The largest bazaar in Xinjiang, with local characteristic handicrafts, food and specialties; you can purchase specialties such as raisins, cheese, beef jerky and Xinjiang carpets; pay attention to distinguishing prices to avoid being overcharged; there are many people in the bazaar, keep your personal belongings safe.
• 15:40-16:40: Return to the hotel, pack luggage, check out, and go to the airport/train station; Road Conditions: The morning peak in Urumqi urban area is 7:30-9:30, and the evening peak is 19:00-21:00; arrange the departure time reasonably according to the return time; it takes about 40 minutes to go to the airport and about 20 minutes to go to the train station (depending on traffic conditions).
• Notes: Pay attention to the shelf life when purchasing specialties (especially raisins and cheese); security checks in Xinjiang are strict, arrive at the airport/train station 1.5-2 hours in advance and prepare your ID card; check the vehicle before departure to ensure no items are left behind; pay attention to safety during the return trip.