Recommended travel times and routes for Xinjiang, as well as travel tips for Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456
There are three major routes in Xinjiang, but based on the season we visit, the number of travel days, and everyone’s individual needs, these three routes can be combined into various itineraries. Every year, I personally travel these routes once, and some scenic areas I visit almost every month on average. Based on my experience, I provide a reference for everyone.
It is essential to understand the landform characteristics of Xinjiang before choosing a route.
"Three mountains sandwiching two basins" is the most vivid description of Xinjiang’s landform. Looking at the map, the Altai Mountains are in the north, the Kunlun Mountains are in the south, and the Tianshan Mountains run across the middle, dividing Xinjiang into two halves—north and south. The Junggar Basin is in the north, and the Tarim Basin is in the south. It is customary to refer to the south of the Tianshan Mountains as Southern Xinjiang and the north as Northern Xinjiang, with Turpan and Hami being referred to as Eastern Xinjiang.
Xinjiang’s tourism routes have also formed the Northern Xinjiang Loop, Yili Tianshan Loop, and Southern Xinjiang Loop based on geographical features.
The attractions of the Northern Xinjiang Loop mainly include: Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Koktokay, Hemo, Kanas, Baihaba, and Urho Devil’s City
From June to September is the peak tourist season in northern Xinjiang. Golden Autumn Kanas (mid-September to National Day) is the peak travel period for the Northern Xinjiang Loop. The autumn in Kanas is simply a fairyland on earth.
After mid-September, northern Xinjiang enters its most fantastic season. At this time, northern Xinjiang is rich in colors. If you want to experience autumn, this place will definitely satisfy all your yearnings for autumn.
Reference Itinerary for Northern Xinjiang Loop:
D1: Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Fuyun
D2: Fuyun – Colorful Beach – Burqin
D3: Burqin – Kanas
D4: Kanas – Hemo
D5: Hemo – Urho Devil’s City – Urho
D6: Urho – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Urumqi
The reference itinerary is suitable for any month and does not represent all attractions in northern Xinjiang. Some attractions have obvious seasonality and can be increased or decreased according to the travel time. There are many lesser-known attractions in northern Xinjiang that are highly recommended, such as the ten thousand mu of dry farmland in Mulei, Mulei Populus euphratica Forest, Silicified Wood Dinosaur Park, S318 on the west line, and Alataw Pass. These places have very few tourist groups. If you don’t want to take some conventional routes and have plenty of time, these routes are highly recommended.
Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway are seasonal roads, normally open from June 1st to the end of September each year. Depending on weather and road conditions, they may open earlier or later. Confirm whether they are open before traveling. Duku Highway restricts vehicles with more than 7 seats, and Yizhao Highway restricts vehicles with more than 5 seats. Both highways are deep in the Tianshan Mountains. Although they are not scenic areas, they are even more beautiful than scenic areas. Tour buses cannot pass through. At present, large vehicles are also restricted on Jongkushitai. If you want to experience the beauty of Yili, chartering a car is the best choice.
Introduction to Landscape Types of Southern Xinjiang Loop: Gobi, Desert, Canyon, Yardang Landform, Ancient City, Folk Culture, Snowy Mountain Plateau, Desert, Populus euphratica, Lake
Suitable Travel Seasons in Southern Xinjiang:
Southern Xinjiang is suitable for tourism throughout the year. From the end of March, apricot blossoms bloom on the Pamir Plateau, and you can arrange a small loop trip of about 5 days. July, August, and September are the seasons when fruits are fragrant in Southern Xinjiang, and it is also the peak tourist season. This is the best time to travel. If you want to see Populus euphratica, you must arrange your trip in October, as the leaves of Populus euphratica forests in the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang begin to turn yellow every October.
July, August, and September are the peak tourist seasons in Xinjiang. During this time, the whole territory of Xinjiang is suitable for tourism. If you come to Xinjiang in autumn, it is recommended to choose Kanas in northern Xinjiang. If your trip lasts for more than 10 days, you can choose Kanas + Yili Loop + Turpan.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456