The guide for a free and independent trip to Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, travel preparations, and transportation options.?
I. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. However, in general, the golden period for visiting Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush, and wildflowers bloom in competition, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise throughout Xinjiang, and fruits ripen, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu. From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees in Kanas turning golden, making it a paradise for photographers.?
. In addition, from March to April, you can enjoy apricot blossoms in Pamir and Yili in southern Xinjiang. From November to February, northern Xinjiang is suitable for snowboarding and skiing, while southern Xinjiang is suitable for viewing snowy mountains and glaciers.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
There are numerous must-visit attractions in Xinjiang, including but not limited to:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Backyard’. It is picturesque all year round, especially in autumn when the scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb.?
Hemu Village: A stunning village surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests, it is known as the ‘Photographer’s Paradise’. The snowy scenery of Hemu in winter is picturesque.?
Karakun Grassland: Rated as the most beautiful 3D grassland by National Geographic, the scenery is magnificent.?
Sayram Lake: Described as the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean, it is fascinating.?
Kashi Old Town: It was once the filming location of ‘The Kite Runner’ and is full of cultural and historical charm.?
III. Travel Preparations?
Documents: ID cards are a must as they are required for inspection in many places. For border scenic areas, a pass needs to be obtained in advance.?
Living essentials: Bring skincare products, cosmetics, sunscreen, and daily toiletries.?
Electronic devices: Don’t forget to bring chargers, power banks, headphones, a selfie stick, and a camera.?
Clothing: Due to the potential large temperature difference, you should prepare both thin and thick clothing. In addition, choose comfortable shoes as you will often need to walk a lot.?
Others: Remember to bring anti-motion sickness medication, insect repellent, masks, an umbrella, and a small amount of cash.?
IV. Transportation Options?
Airplane: You can fly from Urumqi Airport to various places, which is convenient and fast.?
Train: You can depart from Urumqi Railway Station to various places in Xinjiang.?
Chartered car: Although it is more expensive than carpooling, it offers more freedom. If economic conditions permit, it is highly recommended to travel by chartered car.?
Carpooling/Group tour: This is an economical and guaranteed choice. You can choose a local pure-play tour group.?
Self-driving: If you choose to self-drive, remember to set the navigation route. If you are not familiar with the road conditions, there are many mountain roads with curves, which will test your driving skills to some extent.?
The above guide is for reference only. The specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal preferences and time arrangements. Wish you a pleasant trip in Xinjiang!?