The travel guide for Xinjiang in May mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary planning.?
Best Travel Time: May is one of the better times to visit Xinjiang. At this time, the grasslands in the Yili area are lush and wildflowers are blooming in competition. The ice and snow at Sayram Lake begin to melt, and the lake water and snow-capped mountains complement each other, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy natural scenery.?
Must-Visit Attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. Here there are mountains, lakes, and forests, with scenery that is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in spring, when the scenery is delightful.?
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’. In May, wildflowers bloom along the lakeside, decorating the entire lakeshore like a sea of flowers.?
Nalati Grassland: Located in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains and at the eastern end of the Yili River Valley. Here there are vast grasslands, dense forests, and towering snow-capped mountains. It is a settlement area for the Kazakhs, where you can experience their folk culture.?
Kashgar Old City: China’s only labyrinthine urban block featuring Islamic culture. The buildings within the old city are filled with a strong Uyghur style, and walking through the ancient streets and alleys allows you to experience the cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.?
Itinerary Planning Suggestions:?
Day 1: Upon arrival in Urumqi, you can visit the Grand Bazaar, taste Xinjiang cuisine, and feel the local cultural atmosphere.?
Day 2: Head to Sayram Lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery, and visit attractions such as Songshutou and Dianjiangtai.?
Day 3: Go to Nalati Grassland to experience the grassland scenery and the folk culture of the Kazakhs.?
Day 4: Head to Kashgar Old City, visit the Gaotai Residential Area, taste local specialty foods, and feel the unique charm of southern Xinjiang.?
Day 5: Depending on interest and time, you can choose to continue exploring other attractions in southern Xinjiang or return to Urumqi to visit urban attractions such as Hongshan Park.?
During the trip, it is also necessary to note that Xinjiang has a vast territory, so it is important to plan your itinerary well before departure and book air tickets, train tickets, and hotels in advance. At the same time, Xinjiang’s sunshine is intense, so sunscreen measures should be taken during travel. Additionally, when tasting Xinjiang’s cuisine, attention should also be paid to food hygiene.?