Xinjiang Attractions

Forty degrees and climbing: drive south of Turpan to Toksun, the basin’s furnace town, where grape-drying rooms, white poplar tunnels, and desert roads define the day.

Few travelers drive to Mulei, but this grassland north of Hami rewards self-drivers with rolling green hills, Kazakh yurts, and a genuine sense of having the map to yourself.

Break the Kashgar-to-Aksu drive at Bachu, where the Red Bay wetlands meet desert poplars, and a slow Friday bazaar keeps the old Silk Road rhythm alive.

Skip the Nalati crowds and drive into Gongnais Grassland near Xinyuan, where the Gongnais River carves green valleys, hot springs simmer, and nomads still move with the seasons.

The Gurbantunggut is Xinjiang’s second-largest desert and the easiest true wilderness to explore by car. A first-hand guide to dunes, wildlife, and sand-driving near Karamay.

Two hours west of Kashgar, Oytag is a glacier park of birch forest and red rock, and nearby Upal is a quiet Silk Road village. A full day trip without the Pamir permit.

Between Urumqi and Turpan, the Dabancheng wind corridor funnels China’s biggest winds and inspired a famous folk song. Here’s how to stop and see it on the drive south.

Tuyoq is a 2,000-year-old mud-brick village in a red canyon near Turpan, and Aydingkol is the lowest point in China. Here’s how to visit both on a single afternoon.

Colorful Beach by the Irtysh is the highest-payoff stop between Burqin and Kanas. This guide covers the route, the colored hills and sunset, photography tips, tickets, parking, and fitting it into a northern loop.

Koktokay’s No. 3 mine pit yielded rare metals that once fueled China’s defense. This self-drive guide covers the route, viewing deck, mine tunnel, museum, altitude, season, and fitting it into a northern Xinjiang loop.