The best travel time for the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Circle Route (including some areas of southern Xinjiang) is between May and October. Here is a detailed analysis:?
Spring (May): At this time, the grasslands begin to turn green, with small flowers emerging, exuding vitality. There are relatively fewer tourists, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenery more leisurely, and the cost of travel is lower, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers.?
At the same time, in early May, the ice on Qinghai Lake has not completely melted, and the water surface of Chaka Salt Lake is stable, making it easy to capture the mirror-like reflection of the sky.?
Summer (June to August): Grasslands are lush and green, and lakes are deep blue, making it the best time to view aquatic landscapes such as Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. It is also the peak period for the rapeseed flower sea in Menyuan, but visitors may encounter the highest tourist flow during the peak season, so it is necessary to plan the itinerary and make reservations in advance.?
Autumn (September to October): The sky is clear and the air is crisp, with leaves turning yellow and grasslands turning golden, creating a colorful picture scroll. This is the best time to view geological landscapes such as colorful Danxia landforms, and the number of tourists is less than in summer, providing a better travel experience.?
In addition, although temperatures are lower in winter (from December to February of the following year) and some attractions may be closed, the snowy scenery has a unique charm, suitable for travelers who enjoy tranquility and unique landscapes.?
However, it should be noted that winter travel requires adequate cold protection measures.?
For southern Xinjiang (such as southern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), the best travel time may vary depending on specific attractions and the climate, but generally speaking, summer and autumn are also good times to visit southern Xinjiang, allowing visitors to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. However, due to the particular climate and geographical conditions of southern Xinjiang, it is recommended to obtain detailed information about the local climate and attractions before traveling in order to better plan the itinerary.?