The summer travel guide to Xinjiang mainly includes scenic spot recommendations, itinerary arrangements, clothing suggestions, and practical tips.
Scenic Spot Recommendations
Xinjiang’s summer tourism focuses on natural landscapes, especially in northern Xinjiang, which gathers the most beautiful mountainous and water landscapes in Xinjiang. Here are some must-visit scenic spots:
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, it is crystal clear and an excellent place for self-driving around the lake and searching for wild white swans.
Xiata National Forest Park: With glaciers, grasslands, and forests, it is a paradise for hikers.
Nalati Grassland: Under cotton candy-like clouds, herds of cattle and sheep graze, making it a great place to enjoy afternoon tea.
Kanas: Although summer is not the best season for viewing, it remains one of China’s and the world’s top natural landscapes, well worth a visit.
Yili and the Ili River Valley Area: The protagonist of Xinjiang’s summer, with shining green grasslands and blooming wildflowers. It includes famous scenic spots such as Tekes Eight Trigrams City, Karajun Grassland, Qiongkushitai, and Bayanbulak Swan Lake.
Itinerary Arrangements
Recommended Travel Time: Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang. However, considering its vast territory and numerous scenic spots, it is recommended to allocate at least a week or more for an in-depth exploration.
Recommended Route: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Xiata → Tekes → Qiongkushitai → Nalati → Bayanbulak → Tangbula Grassland → Urumqi. This is a classic summer self-driving route in Xinjiang, with a total distance of 2,500 kilometers. The basic itinerary takes 6-8 days, but it is recommended to allocate an additional 2-3 days to focus on visiting Sayram Lake, Xiata Grassland, Qiongkushitai, and Nalati.
Clothing Suggestions
Clothing: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night in summer. It is recommended to bring a jacket, long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, and a thin down jacket each. Don’t forget to bring a dress; it takes great photos.
Accessories: Sunglasses are a must because of the strong UV rays and glaring sun in Xinjiang. Additionally, hydrating face masks and sunscreen are also essential skincare products for females.
Practical Tips
ID Card: ID cards are required at checkpoints along the way in Xinjiang, so please carry it with you at all times.
Transportation: Xinjiang has a vast territory with large distances between scenic spots. It is recommended to rent a car for self-driving or choose chartered car services. Meanwhile, flying or taking the train to some scenic spots can also be considered.
Accommodation: Xinjiang offers diverse accommodation options, ranging from starred hotels to homestays. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Food: Xinjiang boasts a rich variety of cuisine, such as Xinjiang barbecue, mutton kebabs, large plate chicken, spicy fried rice noodles, etc., all of which are delicious and not to be missed.
In summary, the summer travel guide to Xinjiang covers scenic spot recommendations, itinerary arrangements, clothing suggestions, and practical tips, hoping to provide useful references for your trip to Xinjiang.