The travel guide for Northern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary planning.?
Best Travel Time:?
The best travel time for Northern Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili area are lush and wildflowers bloom competitively, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise and fruits ripen, making it the peak season to visit scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees in Kanas and Populus euphratica forests displaying a charming golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit Attractions:?
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is enchanting. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake as a whole, and also walk along the lakeside plank road to feel the tranquility of nature.?
Hemu Village: A small village filled with primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. Here, you can experience traditional Tuwa culture, such as enjoying Tuwa people’s song and dance performances and tasting special delicacies.?
Sailimu Lake: The largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as the ‘Last Teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean’. The lake water is azure, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Driving along the lakeside, you can enjoy the picturesque lake and mountain scenery.?
Nalati Grassland: Located in the hinterland of Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Ili River Valley. Here, there are vast grasslands, dense forests, and majestic snow-capped mountains, and it is inhabited by the Kazakhs. You can ride horses here and experience the folk culture of the Kazakhs.?
Sample Itinerary Planning:?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and embark on the S21 Desert Highway to admire the unique landscape of the desert intertwined with the highway. Arrive at Colorful Beach in the evening to appreciate the Yadan landform, and stay in Burqin at night.?
Day 2: Depart from Burqin to Kanas. In the afternoon, stroll along Kanas Lake to enjoy the scenery, and stay in a log cabin within the Kanas scenic area at night.?
Day 3: Get up early to admire the morning fog at Shenxian Bay, then hike along the plank road through the three bays to feel the beauty of Kanas up close. In the afternoon, head to Hemu Village to stay in a log cabin.?
In addition, you can also plan your itinerary for attractions such as Huocheng Lavender Base, Yizhao Highway, Xiata Scenic Area, and Qiongkushitai, based on personal interests and time arrangements.?
When packing your luggage, remember to bring sunscreen, heatstroke prevention items, spring and autumn jackets, summer clothes, etc., as well as necessary documents and photo-taking equipment.?
. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Xinjiang!?