Traveling to Kashgar, Xinjiang in May is a very good choice. It is the beginning of summer, with pleasant scenery and relatively fewer tourists. Here are some detailed suggestions for traveling to Kashgar, Xinjiang in May:?
Best Travel Time:?
From early May to early June is the early summer in Kashgar, Xinjiang. The grassland flower fields are very beautiful, making it a good time for tourism. However, note that at this time, the Duku and Yizhao highways are not yet open.?
Recommended Attractions:?
Old Town of Kashgar: This is a place full of exotic charm, divided into east and west zones. You can watch the opening ceremony at the East Gate, take a hot air balloon to overlook the old town, and feel the local cultural atmosphere. The alleys within the old town are also suitable for casual strolling and taking photos.?
Duku Highway: This highway has many beautiful scenic spots with excellent photo opportunities, but there may be traffic jams during the peak season.?
Kanas: Known as the ‘Eastern Switzerland’, it is a fairyland on earth and worth visiting.?
Hemu: With fairy tale-like cottages, summer is the best season to visit.?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the aerial grasslands and one of the four major river valley grasslands, the scenery is beautiful.?
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the scenery is breathtaking when the weather is good.?
Aoyitake Red Valley, Baisha Lake, Mushtagh Peak: These are attractions along the way to Taxkorgan County. The unique red yardang landform of Red Valley, the plateau sapphire-like Baisha Lake, and the 7,554-meter-high glacier of Mushtagh Peak are breathtaking.?
Accommodation and Dining:?
From mid-May to early June is the off-season for tourism in Kashgar, with cheaper hotel accommodations. Generally, comfortable hotel rooms cost less than 200 yuan.?
Kashgar has many local restaurants with good value for money. If you’re not accustomed to local flavors, you can also choose Sichuan or Hunan cuisine restaurants, as there are many such restaurants in the Kashgar area.?
Travel Tips:?
Participate in the city walk event in the old town of Kashgar, leisurely wandering through exotic alleys, entering century-old tea houses with local characteristics, and experiencing local culture.?
Visit the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, a famously unique livestock market in Asia with fascinating trading practices.?
If time permits, take your time exploring the old town of Kashgar. Both large and small streets are full of charm. Also, taste local cuisine such as pilaf, noodles, yogurt, and more.?
Precautions:?
The temperature difference between morning and night in Xinjiang is large, so even in midsummer, bring a thick coat or a light down jacket.?
Be sure to carry your ID card at all times and keep it safe.?
Kashgar’s tourism services are relatively underdeveloped, and finding accommodation during the summer peak season can be challenging. Remember to book in advance.?
If choosing to travel by self-drive or chartered car, please note that the Duku and Yizhao highways are restricted to vehicles with less than 7 seats.?
In summary, traveling to Kashgar, Xinjiang in May allows one to appreciate beautiful natural scenery and unique exotic cultures, making it a highly recommended tourist destination.?