The travel guide for Northern Xinjiang in August mainly includes must-visit attractions, food recommendations, and itinerary planning suggestions.?
Must-Visit Attractions?
In August, Northern Xinjiang is full of beautiful scenery. Here are some must-visit attractions:?
Colorful Beach: A river separates the two banks with colorful scenery. It feels like being in a fairy tale world and is an excellent location for photo taking?
Kanas Lake and the ‘Three Bays’: Kanas Lake is mysterious with clear water. Snowy mountains and forests around are reflected in it, like a fairyland. Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Shenxian Bay are great places for hiking and appreciation?
Hemu: In summer, Hemu Village is filled with blooming wildflowers. The starry sky at night is dazzling, and under the sunshine, cows and sheep graze leisurely in the village while horses stroll around, full of idyllic charm?
Sayram Lake: Known as ‘The Last Blue Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, it offers a magnificent view of the Tianshan Mountains?
Nalati Grassland: It feels like being transported to the aerial grassland of Switzerland. The scenery is so beautiful that people are reluctant to leave. There are also valley grasslands and the ancient Wusun Road?
Bayinbuluke Grassland: The scenery of Tianshan grassland pastures is like a dream. It is a good place to take photos of the Nine-Bend River and observe swans?
Duku Highway: Gobi deserts, snowy mountains, lakes, alpine meadows, and spectacular scenery continue. It is only open for four months a year and is a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts?
In addition, Koktokay is also a worthwhile summer resort with snowy mountains, rivers, and dense forests?
Food Recommendations?
The cuisine of Xinjiang is also an indispensable part of the trip. Here are some recommended dishes:?
Internet-famous big plate chicken: Spicy and satisfying, with tender chicken meat?
Xinjiang grilled meat: The aroma is enticing, and the meat is delicious?
Baked stuffed bun: The crust is crispy, and the filling is juicy?
Mutton-bone pilaf: The mutton is tender, and the rice is fragrant and soft?
There are also dishes like oil-fried pork noodles, hand-grabbed mutton, pit-cooked meat, sheep innards, spicy chicken with pepper and numbing sauce, tangkawa meat, and yellow noodles with grilled meat. Each dish is mouthwatering?
Itinerary Planning Suggestions?
To fully experience the beautiful scenery and cuisine of Northern Xinjiang, here is a suggested 9-day itinerary plan:?
Day 1: Hometown – Urumqi. After arrival, adapt to the plateau environment and taste local cuisine?
Day 2: Explore Urumqi downtown, such as Hongshan Park, Xinjiang Museum, etc.?
Day 3-4: Head to Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area to feel the magnificent snowy mountains and emerald-green lake?
Day 5-6: Head to Yili to visit Sayram Lake, Khorgos Port, Kazanqi Folk Village, etc.?
Day 7-8: Head to Bayinbuluke Grassland to experience the grassland scenery and folk activities?
Day 9: Depending on time and interest, you can choose to continue exploring or return to Urumqi to end your trip?
Of course, specific itinerary planning needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Xinjiang in August!?