Recent travel strategies for visiting Xinjiang include the best travel times, essential travel routes, and attraction reservation methods.
Firstly, the best travel time is from May to October. From May to June, you can enjoy the lush grasslands in the Ili region and the melting scenery of Sayram Lake; July to August is the peak season for tasting Xinjiang fruits and visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, Xinjiang’s colorful autumn is a paradise for photographers.
Secondly, there are multiple essential travel routes in Xinjiang. For instance, the Kanas Loop allows visitors to explore Kanas, Hemu, Keketuohai,魔鬼城, and other fairyland-like scenic spots, with an itinerary of about 5-7 days; the Ili Loop includes the stunning scenery at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains such as Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Xiata, with an itinerary of about 6-10 days; there are also the Kai-Ili Loop, the Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop, and the Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop, which cover the essential natural scenery and cultural customs of northern and southern Xinjiang, with itinerary durations ranging from 11 to 17 days.
Additionally, advance reservations are required for popular attractions in Xinjiang. For example, attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba can be booked through WeChat official accounts or mini-programs for timed tickets. Each attraction has a different maximum daily capacity, and entry must be done according to the reserved time slot.
In terms of itinerary arrangement, you can refer to the seven-day in-depth tour itinerary, such as departing from Urumqi on the first day, visiting Tianshan Tianchi and then proceeding to Fuyun County, followed by可可托海, Kanas Scenic Area, Hemu Village, Baihaba Village, and other places, with the last day returning to Urumqi.
Or choose the classic ten-day tour route for a deeper experience of Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural customs.
Lastly, some travel tips need to be noted. For instance, Xinjiang has a two-hour time difference with the mainland, so be sure to confirm the time when renting or taking a car; security checks in Xinjiang are very strict, so arrive early when taking public transportation; meanwhile, the cuisine in Xinjiang is also a must-try, such as big plate chicken, grilled mutton kebabs, and Turpan fruits.
The above strategies are for reference only, and the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. Before traveling, it is recommended to have a detailed understanding of the destination’s weather, transportation, accommodation, and other conditions to ensure a smooth trip.