Following several editions of our "Journey to the West" public welfare poverty alleviation self-driving tours, we have received active participation and strong support from numerous self-driving enthusiasts. Now, the poverty alleviation activity of self-driving around the northern and southern loops of Xinjiang is also set to kick off.
Located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, Xinjiang boasts a land border stretching over 5,600 kilometers and shares boundaries with eight countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, India, and Afghanistan. Historically, it served as a crucial corridor along the ancient Silk Road and now stands as an essential part of the second "Eurasian Continental Bridge."
Xinjiang is also world-renowned as the homeland of song and dance, fruits, and treasures like gold and jade. Vast in territory and abundant in resources, it features magnificent mountains and rivers, boundless deserts, ancient relics scattered across the land, diverse ethnic groups, and unique customs. Across this expansive land, snow-capped peaks coexist with sprawling deserts, hosting numerous glaciers, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and rare wildlife. It has the world’s second-highest peak at 8,600 meters above sea level, as well as China’s lowest point at 154 meters below sea level. Here, you’ll find rivers that surge for miles, vast grasslands of emerald green, surreal desert mirages, and mysterious desert wonders. Well-preserved primitive flora and fauna further showcase the exceptional beauty of nature.
Xinjiang is a land of richness and beauty, vastness and magic – a kingdom for poets, a treasure trove for painters, a paradise for historians, and a wonderland for travelers.
Through this public welfare poverty alleviation self-driving tour in Xinjiang, our volunteer drivers will journey to China’s northwestern frontier, integrating acts of poverty relief and charity into their travels, making this self-driving experience all the more meaningful. Below, let’s take a look at a panoramic map to understand our journey through both northern and southern Xinjiang.
Just by looking at the map, you can get a sense of how vast Xinjiang is.
As with previous travelogues, we’d like to extend our special thanks once again to our sponsor, Danfere Lubricants.
Day 1
August 12 — Urumqi to Wucaitan to Burqin County, 634 km
Xinjiang is huge, but also incredibly beautiful — on the first day alone, we drove 600 km.
When you encounter dàpánjī (a spicy chicken and potato dish) on the road — one big plate feeds four people perfectly.
Rest stop along the way
Scenic views accompany you throughout the journey
They say the afternoon is the most beautiful time at Wucaitan
Here’s another shot
This building is really pretty
It’s especially stunning at sunset
Sunset time
Sunset time
Day 2
August 13 — Burqin County — Enter Kanas Scenic Area — Jiadengyu, 150 km Event: Kanas Scenic Area
After a day of travel, everyone gradually got to know and become familiar with each other (Car 1 leader, the lovely and cheerful Sister Liang, Old Ding, and the young couple from Tianjin traveling the first half of northern Xinjiang; Cars 2/3/5 were classmates traveling with their families; Car 6 was a photography-loving elder brother with his family of three; Car 7 was a couple with the youngest grandchild of the group and the oldest member of the entire car of five; Car 8 included three people from a military background, with one returning from southern Xinjiang; Car 9 had three humorous brothers; Car 10 drove from Beijing to Xinjiang; Car 11 was our familiar rear car driver Pengfei; from southern Xinjiang there was also the new Car 7, a family of three from Shijiazhuang, and the new Car 11, four adorable female students), we continued our journey. Today’s highlight was the Kanas Scenic Area — the legendary Kanas truly is as beautiful as they say.
Panoramic view of Kanas
A closer view of Kanas Lake
View from the side
Here’s a shot with foreground elements
The weather at Kanas is unpredictable — when we reached the summit, dark clouds rolled in
Kanas also has three bends that are equally beautiful
The most beautiful is still Moon Bay
View of Moon Bay from a distance
D3
August 14th: Jiadengyu – Kanas Scenic Area – Hemu Village, 96KM Event: Hemu Village
If Kanas is a breathtakingly stunning beauty, then this small village not far from Kanas is lovely with a sense of tranquility, allowing you to slowly appreciate its leisure and charm.
If you’re staying in Hemu Village, the men need to have plenty of stamina to carry the luggage.
The village is full of wooden houses and all kinds of blooming flowers.
Everywhere is quiet and peaceful.
If you’re in the mood, listening to the local people sing is also a nice experience.
Of course, when it comes to poverty alleviation, a big part is eating local agricultural products—we’re not selling anything here.
In the evening, we lit the cooking smoke, and our meal was ready.
The conditions are limited, but the farmhouse food is still good.
Finally, enjoy the sunset clouds in the yard.
Of course, it’s not over yet—the starry sky at night here is also beautiful, and although it’s very cold, you can really see shooting stars.
D4
August 15th: Hemu Village – Urho Ghost City – Karamay City, 500KM
Event: Urho Ghost City
Today is mostly retracing our steps, viewing the Ghost City on the way back to Karamay.
Let’s take a group photo.
The Yardang landform of Ghost City
Yardang
All kinds of shapes require some imagination.