When visiting Xinjiang in March or April, the southern Xinjiang regions of Kashgar, Turpan, and the Ili Valley are recommended.
Southern Xinjiang Kashgar Region:
March and April are the apricot blossom season in Xinjiang, with Datong Township in southern Xinjiang’s Kashgar region known as the ‘First Township of Apricot Blossoms in China’. From late March to early April, walking along the Yarkant River, you can enjoy a 20-kilometer-long apricot blossom corridor, which adds to the beauty of the scenery in contrast with snow-capped mountains and canyons.
In addition, Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake on the Pamir Plateau,Muztagh Ata Glacier,盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road), Bandier Blue Lake, and other scenic spots are also worth visiting.
Turpan Region:
The Flaming Mountain scenic area in Turpan has suitable temperatures in March and April, making it a good time to visit. There is also a wealth of historical culture worth exploring here, such as the ancient village of Mazha Village where gravekeepers have lived for thousands of years, the Thousand Buddha Caves on the Silk Road, and Karez Wells, one of the three major ancient engineering projects in China.
Toksun Apricot Village, Kumtag Desert in Shanshan, Jiaohe Ancient City, Gaochang Ancient City, and other attractions are also worth visiting.
Ili Valley Region:
The flowering seasons of Tuergen Apricot Valley and Daxigou in the Ili Valley are around April 10th. When the apricot blossoms are in full bloom, the earth is dyed pink, creating a spectacular sight.
In addition, the lake surface of Sayram Lake begins to thaw, pushing large amounts of blue ice to the shore and forming long icebergs, making it an excellent time to view the ice pushing. The folk customs, cuisine in Yining city, and the ice lilies in Nalati Grassland provide an overall wonderful travel experience.
In summary, visiting Xinjiang in March or April is a good choice, with the southern Xinjiang regions of Kashgar, Turpan, and the Ili Valley offering excellent options. These regions not only boast beautiful scenery but also have unique features that can meet the needs of different tourists. Before traveling, it is recommended to understand the local weather and traffic conditions in advance and make adequate preparations to ensure a pleasant journey.