19 Days Myanmar-China-Kazakhstan Self-Driving Tour from Yunnan Ruili to Xinjiang Khorgas

This 19-day self-driving adventure takes you through diverse landscapes and rich cultural sites from Myanmar through China to Kazakhstan. Starting from Ruili in Yunnan, the journey spans multiple provinces including Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang, concluding at Khorgas. The tour is designed for travel from March to November, providing a comprehensive exploration of China’s historical and natural landmarks.

Duration

  • 19 Days

Areas Covered

  • Yunnan-Sichuan-Shaanxi-Gansu-Qinghai-Xinjiang Province

Destinations:

  • Ruili-Dali-Xichang-Chengdu-Xi’an-Lanzhou-Xining-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang-Hami-Turpan-Urumqi-Sayram Lake-Huocheng

Season

  • March to November

Difficulty

  • The journey involves a mix of expressways and country roads, with some long driving days. It is recommended for experienced drivers comfortable with varied terrain and long distances.

Highlights

  • Dali Ancient Town: Known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and beautiful Erhai Lake.
  • Ethnic Minorities Villages in Yunnan: Experience the diverse cultures and traditions of the local ethnic groups.
  • Chengdu Panda Base: Get close to the adorable giant pandas.
  • Xi’an: Famous for the Terra-Cotta Warriors and rich historical heritage.
  • Kumbum Monastery: A significant Tibetan monastery near Xining.
  • Qinghai Lake: China’s largest inland saltwater lake.
  • Dunhuang Mogao Caves and Sand Dunes: Explore ancient Buddhist cave art and the stunning desert landscape.
  • Turpan: The third-lowest place on Earth with unique cultural and historical sites.
  • Silk Road: Travel along the ancient trade route that connected the East and the West.
  • Sayram Lake: The largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang.

China Self-Driving Travel Tips

  1. Documents: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport, driver’s license, and vehicle registration.
  2. Route Planning: Plan your route carefully, including rest stops and accommodations.
  3. Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations.
  4. Navigation: Use reliable GPS navigation tools and have offline maps as a backup.
  5. Emergency Supplies: Carry essential supplies such as water, food, a first-aid kit, and spare tires.
  6. Weather Conditions: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in high-altitude areas.
  7. Fuel: Keep your fuel tank topped up and be aware of fuel stations along your route.
  8. Language: Learning basic Chinese phrases can be helpful for communication.
  9. Safety: Always follow safety guidelines, including wearing seatbelts and adhering to speed limits.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Burma-Enter China by Ruili [Enter Yunnan Prov.]

  • Activities: Entering China and completing all procedures.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Ruili to Dali (420km)

  • Activities: Complete the remaining procedures, then drive to Dali for overnight stay.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3: Dali

  • Activities: Enjoy the Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 4: Dali to Xichang [Enter Sichuan Prov.] (568km)

  • Activities: Drive to Xichang via expressway.
  • Highlights: Yi people’s living areas, Lake of Qinghai.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 5: Xichang to Chengdu (440km)

  • Activities: Drive to Chengdu via expressway.
  • Highlights: Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle, Chengdu Panda Base.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 6: Chengdu to Guangyuan via Jiange (310km)

  • Activities: Drive to Guangyuan, enjoy the scenic route.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 7: Guangyuan to Xi’an [Enter Shaanxi Prov.] (470km)

  • Activities: Driving day, enjoy the scenery.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 8: Xi’an

  • Activities: Explore Xi’an city, including the city wall, drum tower, bell tower, and Shanxi Historical Museum.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 9: Xi’an to Tianshui [Enter Gansu Prov.] via Terra Cotta Warriors (420km)

  • Activities: Morning in Xi’an, visit Terra Cotta Warriors, drive to Tianshui.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 10: Tianshui to Lanzhou to Xining [Enter Qinghai Prov.] (550km)

  • Activities: Drive via expressway.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 11: Xining to Mingle via Kumbum (420km)

  • Activities: Visit Kumbum Monastery, drive to Mingle.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12: Mingle to Zhangye to Jiayuguan [Enter Gansu Prov.] (300km)

  • Activities: Driving day, enjoy the scenic route.
  • Highlights: Jiayu Pass.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 13: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang (370km)

  • Activities: Drive to Dunhuang, free visiting after arrival.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 14: Dunhuang to Hami [Enter Xinjiang Prov.] (400km)

  • Activities: Drive to Hami, enjoy the Silk Road scenery.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 15: Hami to Turpan (400km)

  • Activities: Drive via expressway, visit Turpan attractions.
  • Highlights: Karez Well System, Grape Valley, Gaochang Ancient Town, Flaming Mountain.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 16: Turpan to Urumqi (192km)

  • Activities: Drive to Urumqi, enjoy the road.
  • Highlights: Heaven Lake of Tian Shan.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 17: Urumqi to Jinghe (420km)

  • Activities: Free time in Urumqi, drive to Jinghe.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 18: Jinghe to Huocheng via Sayram Lake (230km)

  • Activities: Drive to Huocheng, enjoy the mountain passes, yurts, and yaks. Visit Sayram Lake.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 19: Huocheng to Horgos-Exit to Kazakhstan

  • Activities: Complete exit procedures and cross into Kazakhstan. NAVO service ends here.
  • Accommodation: Hotel