Xinjiang Self Drive Car Rental Guide Starting from Urumqi to Explore the Scenic Beauty of the Entire Region

Xinjiang Customized Car Rental for a Comfortable Trip: Regular fleet, flexible itinerary. Consultation hotline: 0991-8866234. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, customized consultation Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel routes and prices).
🗺️ Want to start from Urumqi and explore Xinjiang without being tied to a tour group? Self-guided customized car rental is a great choice. This guide will break it down from two angles: ‘Route Design’ and ‘Customized Car Rental Details,’ helping you plan your trip easily.
📍 Destination Overview:How big is Xinjiang?
Xinjiang covers about 1.66 million square kilometers, equivalent to the total area of over a dozen provinces. Attractions are often hundreds of kilometers apart, making it a typical ‘large space, long distance’ travel destination.
Northern Xinjiang:Mainly natural scenery, such as Kanas, Hemu, Nalati, Sayram Lake, etc. Green grasslands in summer, colorful forests in autumn.
Southern Xinjiang:More focused on cultural experiences, such as Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Taklamakan Desert Highway, etc., offering a taste of Silk Road history and multi-ethnic atmosphere.
Therefore, customized car rental allows better control of the pace, offering a more ‘flexible’ Xinjiang trip.
🚗 Route Design:How to plan your itinerary?
1. Choose by Season
June-August:Recommended: Ili River Valley + Northern Xinjiang, such as Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kanas, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
September-October:Recommended: Northern Xinjiang Kanas + parts of Southern Xinjiang, to enjoy autumn colors and poplar forests.

🗺️ Want to start from Urumqi and explore Xinjiang without being tied to a tour group? Self-guided customized car rental is a great choice. This guide will break it down from two angles: ‘Route Design’ and ‘Customized Car Rental Details,’ helping you plan your trip easily.November-April:Suitable for experiencing Northern Xinjiang’s snow scenery and skiing.
2. Choose by Duration
5-7 days:Suitable for short Ili River Valley routes or Kanas-specific routes.
8-10 days:Can try the classic Northern Xinjiang loop or ‘Ili + Kanas’ combination.
10+ days:Consider the grand Northern and Southern Xinjiang loop.
3. Classic Route References
Ili Grassland + Sayram Lake Route (7-9 days)
Reference Route:Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Sayram Lake → Yining → Zhaosu → Shata Ancient Trail → Tekes → Qiaxi → Nalati → S101 Danxia Landscape → Urumqi.
Suitable for:First-time visitors to Xinjiang wanting to experience grasslands, lakes, and canyons.
Northern Xinjiang Loop (8-12 days)
Reference Route:Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Keketuohai → Kanas → Hemu → Devil City → Sayram Lake → Yining → Nalati → Bayinbuluke → Duku Highway → Urumqi.

📍 Destination Overview: How big is Xinjiang?Suitable for:Travelers with ample time wanting to see the highlights of Northern Xinjiang in one go.
Southern Xinjiang Cultural Route (8-12 days)
Reference Route:Urumqi → Korla → Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar → Taxkorgan → Hotan → Desert Highway → Korla/Urumqi.
Suitable for:Travelers interested in history, ancient cities, and desert scenery.
> 💡 Tip
> Scenic roads like Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway are usually recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and are heavily affected by weather. Check their status before departure.
🗓 ️ Sample Itinerary:9-Day Ili + Sayram Lake Loop
Below is a 9-day, 8-night itinerary framework. Adjust it based on your time and interests.
Day 1:Arrive in Urumqi
Free time after arrival. Visit Xinjiang Museum or International Grand Bazaar to soak in the city vibe. Confirm departure time with the car rental company for the next day.
Day 2:Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Jinghe/Bole

Xinjiang covers about 1.66 million square kilometers, equivalent to the total area of over a dozen provinces. Attractions are often hundreds of kilometers apart, making it a typical ‘large space, long distance’ travel destination.Drive about 4 hours. Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon in the morning, then head to Jinghe or Bole for the night.
Day 3:Bole → Sayram Lake Loop → Yining
Drive about 3 hours. Spend most of the day circling the lake, enjoying the stunning scenery of the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ then head to Yining in the evening.
Day 4:Yining → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu
Drive about 4 hours. Cross the scenic Yizhao Highway (depending on its status), and watch the Zhaosu Tianma River Bathing performance in the afternoon.
Day 5:Zhaosu → Shata Ancient Trail → Tekes

Explore Northern and Southern Xinjiang worry-free with professional customized car rental. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency hotline: 0991-8866234, dedicated customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (WeChat ID available).
Drive about 3 hours. Enter the Shata scenic area, hike or ride horses to get close to the Muzart Glacier.
Day 6:Tekes → Qiaxi Grassland → Nalati Town
Drive about 5 hours. Pass through Qiaxi Grassland, enjoy the lesser-known river valley and spruce forest scenery, then arrive at Nalati Town in the evening.
Day 7:Nalati → Sky Grassland → Kuitun/Dushanzi

Northern Xinjiang: Mainly natural scenery, such as Kanas, Hemu, Nalati, Sayram Lake, etc. Green grasslands in summer, colorful forests in autumn.Drive about 6 hours. Spend the day exploring Nalati Sky Grassland, then head north along the Duku Highway in the afternoon, enjoying snowy mountain views.
Day 8:Kuitun → S101 Danxia Landscape → Urumqi
Drive about 5 hours. Cross the S101 National Defense Highway, enjoy Danxia landforms like Anjihai Grand Canyon, then return to Urumqi in the evening.
Day 9:Depart from Urumqi
Free time based on flight schedule. Buy some dried fruits or souvenirs.
💰 Price Reference:2026 Customized Car Rental Costs
Below are reference price ranges for 2026. Actual costs may vary by season, route, vehicle condition, etc. Confirm with the contract.
7-Seat Minivan (Buick GL8, etc.):Approx. 1000 RMB/day and up
14-Seat Minivan:Approx. 1000 RMB/day and up
18-19 Seat Minibus:Approx. 1200 RMB/day and up
20-23 Seat Minibus:Approx. 1300 RMB/day and up

Southern Xinjiang: More focused on cultural experiences, such as Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Taklamakan Desert Highway, etc., offering a taste of Silk Road history and multi-ethnic atmosphere.33-38 Seat Bus:Approx. 1500 RMB/day and up
45-55 Seat Bus:Approx. 1800 RMB/day and up
> ⚠️ Note
> The above quotes usually include vehicle rental, driver service, fuel, tolls, and parking fees. Driver’s accommodation and meals (whether included) should be confirmed with the travel agency in advance.
📋 Booking and Consultation
You can consult and book customized car rental services through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Consultation Phone:181-3962-2233
WeChat Consultation:181-3962-2233 (Add with note ‘Xinjiang Customized Car Rental’)
When consulting, clarify the following:
1. Number of travelers, luggage, and children.
2. Planned travel dates and duration.

Therefore, customized car rental allows better control of the pace, offering a more ‘flexible’ Xinjiang trip.3. Preferred route or general direction.
4. Vehicle type and budget requirements.
5. Accommodation standards (e.g., budget, comfort).
6. Whether guide service is needed.
The travel agency will provide itinerary suggestions and quotes based on your needs. Sign a formal contract after mutual agreement.
📝 Cost and Service Description
Included:Typically covers vehicle rental, fuel, tolls, parking, and driver service. Some quotes may include driver’s meals and accommodation; confirm in advance.
Not Included:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, accommodation, meals, attraction tickets, and personal expenses.
Insurance:It is recommended to purchase travel accident insurance for added protection.
Contract:Ensure you sign a formal travel service contract specifying the itinerary, costs, and rights and obligations of both parties.
> 📌 Important Note
> All itinerary arrangements, costs, and service details are subject to the contract signed with the travel agency and confirmation on the day. In case of force majeure factors like weather or road conditions, both parties can negotiate reasonable changes to the itinerary.
For Xinjiang travel, choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customized car rental is hassle-free and reliable. Hotline: 0991-8866234. Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233.