The travel guide for southern and eastern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel times, must-visit attractions, and travel advice.?
I. Best Travel Time?
The best travel times for southern and eastern Xinjiang vary slightly, but overall, the golden period for visiting these two regions is from May to October. In southern Xinjiang, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of apricot blossoms from March to April, while from November to February of the next year is a good time to experience snowy landscapes and enjoy skiing. Eastern Xinjiang attracts tourists with its unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes, and the best travel time is also mainly concentrated between May and October.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
Southern Xinjiang:?
Old Kashgar: As a strategic hub on the ancient Silk Road, Old Kashgar retains a large number of traditional Uyghur houses and handicraft workshops, making it an excellent destination to understand the history and culture of Xinjiang.?
Pamir Plateau: Known as the "Roof of the World", it boasts magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Ta County Apricot Village: From March to April, apricot blossoms cover the entire village, making it look like a picturesque poem.?
Kuqa Grand Canyon: The mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, carved by nature, exudes a breathtaking desolate atmosphere and is a top choice for adventure lovers.?
Eastern Xinjiang:?
Turpan: Famous for attractions such as the Flaming Mountain and Kaner Well, it is a great place to experience the unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Xinjiang.?
Hami: Attractions like the Da Hai Dao and Balikun Lake in Hami attract numerous tourists with their unique natural scenery.?
Mulei: Attractions such as the Mingsha Mountain and Populus euphratica forest in Mulei are excellent choices for photography and hiking enthusiasts.?
III. Travel Advice?
Accommodation: Xinjiang offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious campsites to homestays and hotels. However, during peak travel seasons, the cost-effectiveness may decrease, so it is recommended to book in advance.?
Transportation: Xinjiang has a vast territory with long distances between places. It is recommended to choose a chartered car or self-drive tour to better arrange your itinerary and time.?
Safety: Security checks in Xinjiang are very strict. No matter which mode of transportation you take, arrive at the station or airport early for security checks.?
Diet: The dietary habits in Xinjiang differ from those in the mainland. Generally, work starts at 10 am, lunch is around 2 pm, and dinner is from 8-9 pm. You can prepare some snacks for the trip to avoid getting hungry.?
In summary, southern and eastern Xinjiang boast rich and diverse natural scenery and cultural landscapes, making them two unmissable regions for tourism in Xinjiang. When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to make reasonable arrangements based on the best travel times and must-visit attractions, and to pay attention to the details in the travel advice to ensure a pleasant journey.?