The Northern Xinjiang travel guide mainly covers the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary planning.
Best Travel Time:
The golden period for visiting Northern Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers bloom competitively, making it an excellent time to appreciate the natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise and fruits ripen, making it the peak season to visit attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers.
Must-Visit Attractions:
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Backyard’. It boasts mountains, lakes, and forests, with scenery as picturesque as a painting throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn when the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) are exceptionally beautiful. By climbing up the Fish Viewing Terrace, you can overlook the entire beauty of Kanas Lake.
Colorful Beach: Located in Burqin County, it is a unique Yadan landform. Under the afterglow of the sunset, the scenery on both banks of the river is different – the south bank is lush with trees, while the north bank is adorned with colorful rocks, creating a breathtaking scene.
Hemu Village: The original village of the Tuwa people, known as the ‘Pure Land on Earth’. The natural scenery here is primitive and mysterious, with log cabins, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and forests forming a beautiful picture scroll.
Sample Itinerary Planning:
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and embark on the fantastical S21 Desert Highway, enjoying the unique landscape of the desert intertwined with the highway all the way. Arrive at Colorful Beach in the evening to admire the unique Yadan landform. Stay in Burqin at night and try the local grilled fish.
Day 2: After breakfast, head to Kanas. Stroll along Kanas Lake and admire its emerald-green waters. Stay in a log cabin within the Kanas scenic area at night.
Day 3: Get up early to enjoy the morning fog at Shenxian Bay, then hike along the wooden栈道 through the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay). In the afternoon, head to Hemu Village and stay in a log cabin.
In addition, you can also plan visits to other famous attractions in Northern Xinjiang such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Aerial Grassland, and Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery based on personal interests and time.
Before traveling, remember to apply for a pass for the border scenic areas in advance and prepare the corresponding luggage items.
. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Northern Xinjiang!