Xinjiang is a charming place with rich tourism resources and is definitely worth visiting. To help you better plan your trip to Xinjiang, here are some suggestions:?
I. Travel Time?
Xinjiang has four distinct seasons, each with its unique scenery. The natural landscapes of northern Xinjiang change with the seasons. From March to April, the ice and snow begin to melt; from May to September, summer flowers bloom; from September to November is autumn; and from November to March of the next year is a world of ice and snow. Southern Xinjiang mainly offers cultural experiences, which are basically not affected by the seasons.?
You can choose the best travel time according to your schedule and preferences.?
II. Main Attractions?
Xinjiang is divided into southern Xinjiang and northern Xinjiang by the Tianshan Mountains. Northern Xinjiang mainly offers natural landscapes, such as Tianshan Heavenly Lake in Urumqi, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Koktokay in Altay, as well as Sayram Lake, Karajun Grassland, and Nalati Grassland in Ili.?
Southern Xinjiang mainly offers cultural experiences, such as the Kizil Grottoes in Aksu.?
III. Transportation Options?
Plane: You can fly directly to Urumqi Diwopu Airport, which is the main aviation hub in Xinjiang with many flight options and relatively cheap tickets.?
Train: Departing from Urumqi Railway Station, you can choose to rent a car or take other transportation to your destination.?
Self-driving: Plan your route in advance and pay attention to the many curves on mountain roads, which will test your driving skills. Self-driving is very free, but it is also tiring and requires you to make your own travel plans, book rooms, and tickets.?
Chartered car: Choose a formal tourism operating vehicle with a driver who has a passenger transport license and is familiar with the tourist routes in northern and southern Xinjiang. It is both safe and reliable, and you can see different beautiful scenery.?
IV. Itinerary Suggestions?
Below is a brief 8-day 7-night itinerary example.?
D1: Gather in Urumqi from all over the country, and you can visit the International Bazaar at night.?
D2: Depart from Urumqi, take the S10 National Defense Highway, pass through Anjihai Grand Canyon, and arrive in Jinghe or Kuitun.?
D3: From Kuitun to Sayram Lake, then pass through the Guozigou Bridge to Yining City.?
D4: From Yining City to Kazanqi Folk Village, take the Yizhao Highway, visit Tianma Bathing River, and arrive in Zhaosu.?
D5: From Zhaosu to Xiata National Forest Park or Yuhu Lake, then to Tekes Eight Trigrams City.?
D6: From Tekes to Qiaxi Forest Park, then to Xinyuan.?
D7: From Xinyuan to Nalati Grassland, stay overnight in Nalati Town.?
D8: From Nalati to Baili Gallery and Xiannv Lake, take the northern section of the Duku Highway back to Urumqi.?
Of course, you can also adjust the itinerary according to your interests and time.?
V. Precautions?
Document preparation: An ID card is a must, as it is required for inspection in many places.?
Living essentials: Bring skincare products, cosmetics, sunscreen, daily toiletries, etc.?
Clothing choices: The temperature difference in Xinjiang is large, so it is recommended to bring clothes that are neither too thin nor too thick. At the same time, choose comfortable shoes because you will need to walk often.?
Safety awareness: Whether you are self-driving or taking a chartered car, safety always comes first. Especially when self-driving, pay attention to road conditions and driving skills.?
Hope these suggestions can help you better plan your trip to Xinjiang and enjoy the endless charm of this beautiful and mysterious place!?