China News Network Urumqi, June 6 Question: Why is Xinjiang a longing place for self-driving tour enthusiasts?

Written by Tao Jiaoke

Self-driving travel is an increasingly popular way to travel. Because of its unique geographical environment, cultural history and tourism resources, Xinjiang has become a "paradise" and yearning place for self-driving tourism enthusiasts.

Xinjiang has a diverse topography and landforms, with large areas of grasslands, Gobi, deserts, snow-capped mountains and lakes. There are 56 kinds of tourism resources, accounting for 93% of the country's tourism resources, Xinjiang also has a rich cultural history, diverse folk culture and cuisine, and an open and inclusive tourism atmosphere, which will bring unexpected joy to tourists during the trip.

The self-driving team is in the Devil City scenic spot in Hamiyardang, Xinjiang. Photo by Tao Jiaoke

Rich tourism resources, self-driving travel is more free

For self-driving tours, a reporter from Chinanews.com recently interviewed Zhang Xiaoyu, vice president and secretary general of Xinjiang Tourism Association. He said: "Xinjiang is too far away from its natural scenic spots because of its vast land and resources, which is suitable for self-driving enthusiasts. Self-driving enthusiasts can explore these attractions more freely without being restricted by public transportation. At the same time, the traffic situation in Xinjiang is relatively good, the roads are spacious and smooth, and there are fewer vehicles, which is very suitable for self-driving tours. ”

Whether it is natural scenery or urban culture, Xinjiang has a lot to explore for tourists. Self-driving tours can allow tourists to plan their itinerary more freely and flexibly, and enjoy more beautiful scenery and culture.

Every year in April, the weather gradually warms up, most scenic spots in Xinjiang are open to the outside world, and self-driving enthusiasts from all over the world begin to taste food and enjoy the beautiful scenery in Xinjiang. With the prevalence of online videos, some popular routes for self-driving tours in Xinjiang have also frequently appeared on hot searches.

Self-driving enthusiasts shuttle through the Dabancheng Salt Lake Scenic Area. Photo by Tao Jiaoke

Zhang Xiaoyu said that there are many famous self-driving routes in Xinjiang, such as the Northern Xinjiang Ring Road, the Southern Xinjiang Ring Road, and the Tarim Ring Road, which are carefully planned and allow tourists to appreciate the different scenery and culture of Xinjiang. Among them, the Northern Xinjiang Ring Road is the most classic self-driving route, which passes through Kanas, Hemu, Ili, Khorgos and other famous scenic spots in northern Xinjiang, and is a challenging and surprising travel route.

In addition, traveling in Xinjiang is not only in scenic spots, most of the attractions are on the road. For example, G219, S21, S101 and other highways are all self-driving tour routes created in recent years, and the natural landscapes along the way are colorful.

As a self-driving tourist destination full of charm and temptation, Xinjiang can allow every self-driving travel enthusiast to find their favorite travel methods and destinations.

Self-driving enthusiasts take a group photo at the base camp under the Mushtag. Photo by Tang Qun

Self-driving tourism is developing rapidly in Xinjiang and has strong policy support

Self-driving tourism has become an important form of modern tourism, and has also played a positive role in promoting the development of Xinjiang's tourism industry. In recent years, Xinjiang has introduced a series of self-driving travel policies to encourage more tourists to choose the self-driving tour mode. For example, Xinjiang's tourism department has launched an electronic map, including information such as driving directions, attraction introductions, and food recommendations, to help tourists better plan their self-driving travel routes.

Many scenic spots and parks in Xinjiang have introduced free parking policies for self-driving tours, encouraging tourists to choose self-driving tour modes to facilitate tourists to park; Provide discounted tickets to reduce the cost of tourism for tourists; Strengthen the construction of self-driving tour service facilities, including adding service facilities such as parking lots, toilets, and restaurants, to provide a better travel experience for self-driving tourists.

"Self-driving + cycling" enthusiasts in Narathi Scenic Area. Photo by Tao Jiaoke

Zhang Xiaoyu analyzed that the climatic conditions in Xinjiang are very suitable for self-driving tours. Due to its inland location, Xinjiang's climate is continental arid, with four distinct seasons and large temperature differences between day and night. In summer, the temperature is higher in southern Xinjiang, but moderate in northern Xinjiang, which is very suitable for self-driving trips. In winter, the temperature in the southern Xinjiang region is low, but the snow scenery in the northern Xinjiang region is beautiful, which is very suitable for self-driving travelers to experience the wonders of the ice and snow world.

The reporter of Chinanews.com noticed that the development trend of self-driving tourism in Xinjiang has become better and better in recent years, attracting many travelers to experience. As people's travel experience becomes more and more abundant, travel needs become more and more personalized, and more and more attention is paid to more free travel methods, the new format of caravan camping tourism has also begun to develop rapidly, and it is becoming a new way of self-driving travel.

Self-driving enthusiasts cross the Duku Highway. Photo by Tang Qun

Diversified tourism resources and cultural history add thickness to self-driving tourism

In Xinjiang self-driving tour, you can enjoy different folk customs and food culture. "Xinjiang's folk culture and cuisine are also one of the important reasons for attracting tourists. The folk culture and cuisine here are very colorful, such as Muqam of the Uyghur ethnic group, Dongbula of the Kazakh ethnic group, and Kumzi of the Kirgiz ethnic group, which are all important parts of Xinjiang culture. In addition, Xinjiang also has many delicacies, such as kebabs, large plate chicken, mutton soup, milk tea, etc., which are an indispensable part of the daily life of the locals. While traveling, self-driving enthusiasts can learn about the culture of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang, taste food, and add fun to the journey. Zhang Xiaoyu said.

In addition to its natural landscapes and cultural heritage, Xinjiang also has many cities and regions worth visiting. For example, Urumqi is the capital city of Xinjiang. Here, visitors can visit local museums, modern era shopping malls, food courts, etc., to feel the bustle and multiculturalism of the modern city.

In addition, Kashgar, Korla, Turpan and other places are also very worthy of a visit tourist cities, these cities have rich historical and cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes, such as Kashgar's Id Kah Mosque, Kuqa's Guzi Ancient City, Turpan's Flame Mountain, etc., are very famous tourist attractions.

Zhang Xiaoyu said: "Self-driving tourism not only allows tourists to freely choose travel routes and attractions, but also has a deeper understanding of local culture and life. At the same time, self-driving tourism can also bring more fun and challenges, such as driving through the desert and climbing mountains, making the journey more memorable and exciting." (End)