9 Days China Silk Road Self Driving Tour from Dunhuang to Urumq Via Dahaidao Gobi Desert Unmanned Area

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.

Mileage: About 200 km, Driving Time: 3 hours (pure driving time, excluding scenic spot check-in and rest), Total Time: 6-7 hours, Road Condition: Full asphalt road. The roads from Turpan Urban Area (吐鲁番市区) to Karez (坎儿井) and Grape Valley (葡萄沟) are urban roads + special scenic area roads, good road condition, moderate traffic flow, flat road surface; the section from Grape Valley (葡萄沟) to Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) is expressway (G30 Lianhuo Expressway), full asphalt road, stable road condition, some sections have long downhill slopes, need to control the speed and pay attention to brake cooling, moderate traffic flow, speed can be controlled at 100-120 km/h, and the distant view of the Tianshan Mountains (天山山脉) can be seen in some sections.

• 08:00 Get up and have meals: After breakfast, sort out luggage, check out, check the vehicle and fill up the oil, depart on time at 08:30 to go to Karez Scenic Area (坎儿井景区).
• 08:40-10:10 VisitKarez (坎儿井): Depart from the urban area, drive about 10 km (20 minutes) to reach Karez Folk Custom Park (坎儿井民俗园) (ticket: 40 yuan per person), stay for 1.5 hours. Follow a guide to visit the Karez (坎儿井), understand the water diversion wisdom of the ancient Xinjiang people, and feel the unique water conservancy culture of Turpan (吐鲁番). There is a parking lot in the scenic area for convenient parking.
• 10:20 Go to Grape Valley (葡萄沟): Drive about 15 km (30 minutes) to Grape Valley Scenic Area (葡萄沟景区) (ticket: 75 yuan per person). The road condition is good, enjoy the pastoral scenery ofTurpan (吐鲁番) along the way, pass through the grape plantations, and you can stop briefly to take photos.
• 10:50-12:50 Visit Grape Valley (葡萄沟): Stay for 2 hours, walk under the grape trellises, taste fresh grapes (rich varieties in summer, raisins can be tasted in autumn), feel the local folk customs, visit the grape processing factory, understand the raisin production process, and you can buy fresh grapes or raisins as souvenirs.
• 12:50 Lunch: Dine at a restaurant around Grape Valley Scenic Area (葡萄沟景区), taste the specialty food of Turpan (吐鲁番). Recommended: Roasted Buns, Hand-Pulled Rice, Grape Chicken, per capita 60-80 yuan. After the meal, rest for 30 minutes, sort out materials, and prepare to go to Urumqi (乌鲁木齐).
• 13:50 Go to Urumqi (乌鲁木齐): Depart from Grape Valley (葡萄沟), enter G30 Lianhuo Expressway and drive towards Urumqi Urban Area (乌鲁木齐市区), the whole journey is about 170 km, driving time 2.5 hours. Enjoy the alternating scenery of Gobi, oasis and the distant view of the Tianshan Mountains (天山山脉) along the way, the road condition is stable, and you can relax driving appropriately. You can rest once at the service area on the way (15 minutes).
• 16:20 Arrive at Urumqi Urban Area (乌鲁木齐市区): Drive out of the expressway and enterUrumqi Urban Area (乌鲁木齐市区), go to the hotel to check in (it is recommended to choose a hotel near the urban center or Erdaoqiao (二道桥) for convenience of the next day's trip), put down the luggage, rest and relax to relieve the driving and travel fatigue of the day.
• 19:00 Dinner: Taste the specialty food of Urumqi Urban Area (乌鲁木齐市区). Recommended: Whole Roasted Lamb, Large Plate Chicken, Nang Pit Meat, per capita 80-120 yuan. After the meal, you can take a walk near Erdaoqiao International Bazaar (二道桥国际大巴扎) to feel the folk customs of Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), and rest before 21:00.

Mileage: About 136 km (round trip), Driving Time: 3 hours (pure driving time, excluding scenic spot check-in and rest), Total Time: 7-8 hours, Road Condition: Full asphalt road. The road from Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) to Tianshan Tianchi (天山天池) is expressway (Tuwu Da Expressway G30) + provincial road (S111), the whole journey is about 68 km, driving time 1.5 hours, good road condition, flat road surface, clear signs. The last 10 km is a mountain road with many bends and moderate slopes, new drivers need to drive carefully, speed controlled at 40-60 km/h; the return road condition is the same as the going road, moderate traffic flow. It is necessary to travel during off-peak hours in peak seasons (April-May, September-October) to avoid congestion.

• 08:00 Get up and have meals: After breakfast, sort out materials, check the vehicle and fill up the oil, depart on time at 08:30 to go to Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area (天山天池景区).
• 08:30-10:00 Go toTianshan Tianchi (天山天池): Depart from Urumqi Urban Area (乌鲁木齐市区), enter Tuwu Da Expressway (G30) via Hedan Expressway, get off the expressway at Fukang Exit, then drive straight along S111 Provincial Road for about 20 minutes to reach the entrance of Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area (天山天池景区). The whole journey is about 68 km, driving time 1.5 hours. Enjoy the scenery at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains (天山山脉) along the way, the vegetation gradually becomes dense, and the air changes from dry to humid.
• 10:00-10:30 Park preparation: Buy tickets to enter the park (ticket: 95 yuan per person, shuttle bus: 60 yuan per person, mandatory purchase). All vehicles must be parked in the designated parking lot at the foot of the mountain, take the unified shuttle bus of the scenic area to prepare to go to the core scenic area. The one-way shuttle bus takes about 40 minutes, passing through multiple viewing points, and you can enjoy the scenery around Tianchi (天池) along the way.
• 11:10-14:10 Visit Tianshan Tianchi (天山天池): Stay for 3 hours, check in at core scenic spots such as Tianchi Main Lake (天池主湖), Yunu Peak (玉女峰), and Dinghai Shenzhen (定海神针). The blue lake water is like a mirror, reflecting the snow-capped Bogda Peak (博格达峰) all year round. Feel the grandeur and tranquility of the Tianshan Mountains (天山山脉). You can take a cruise ship (additional charge) to tour the lake surface, take a panoramic photo of Tianchi (天池), and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the alpine lake. There are simple restaurants in the scenic area, and you can choose to dine by yourself.
• 14:10-14:40 Return downhill: Take the shuttle bus downhill, rest for 30 minutes after picking up the vehicle, have simple meals (per capita 50-70 yuan), supplement energy, and check the vehicle.
• 14:40-16:10 Return to Urumqi (乌鲁木齐): Return along the original route, the whole journey is about 68 km, driving time 1.5 hours, good road condition, you can relax driving appropriately, and you can rest once at the service area on the way.
• 16:10 Arrive at Urumqi Urban Area (乌鲁木齐市区): Return to the hotel, rest and wash to relieve the driving and travel fatigue of the day, and you can have free activities (such as going to Hongshan Park (红山公园) to overlook the panoramic view of the urban area).
• 19:00 Dinner: Taste the specialty food of Urumqi Urban Area (乌鲁木齐市区). Recommended: Xinjiang Hand-Grabbed Meat, Grilled Skewers, Nang Wrapped Meat, per capita 80-120 yuan. After the meal, rest, sort out the materials needed for the return trip, and rest before 21:00.

Mileage: About 30 km (urban commuting), Driving Time: 1 hour (pure driving time, excluding travel and rest), Total Time: 6-7 hours, Road Condition: Full asphalt road, urban roads + roads around scenic spots, good road condition, moderate traffic flow. Some sections (around the International Bazaar (国际大巴扎)) have large pedestrian and vehicle flow, need to slow down and park in order; the section from the urban area to the airport/railway station is expressway + special airport/railway station road, good road condition, clear signs, need to plan the route in advance to avoid congestion.

• 08:30 Get up and have meals: After breakfast, sort out luggage, check the vehicle, and depart on time at 09:00 to go to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (新疆自治区博物馆).
• 11:40-12:40 Lunch: Dine at a restaurant around the museum, taste Xinjiang specialty simple meals. Recommended: Hand-Pulled Rice, Roasted Buns, per capita 50-70 yuan. After the meal, rest for 30 minutes, sort out materials.