When traveling to Xinjiang, you need to pay attention to the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and budget planning.?
Best Travel Time:?
Xinjiang has a vast territory, and the best travel times differ in different regions. Overall, from May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush green, and wildflowers are in full bloom. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent opportunity to appreciate the natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits are ripe, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic areas 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 ‘God’s Back Garden’. It has mountains, lakes, forests, and picturesque scenery throughout the seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery at the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. By climbing up the Fish-watching Tower, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake.?
Hemu Village: Known as ‘God’s Private Reserve’, it is a small village filled with primitive charm and a habitat for the Tuwa people. The village is surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. The morning mist, distant snow-capped mountains, and grasslands form a picturesque scene like a poem or painting.?
Sayram Lake: The highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’. The lake water is azure blue, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent choice for self-driving tours.?
Tianshan Tianchi: Like a dazzling pearl embedded at the foot of Bogda Peak, the lake is clear, surrounded by mountains, presenting a magnificent scenery.?
Nalati Grassland: Located in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, it boasts vast grasslands, dense forests, and majestic snow-capped mountains. It is a habitat for the Kazak people, where you can experience their folk culture.?
Budget Planning:?
Xinjiang has a vast territory with long distances between attractions, resulting in relatively high transportation costs. Whether choosing to travel by airplane, train, or renting a car for self-driving, it will require a significant expenditure. In terms of accommodation, during peak tourist seasons, the prices of hotels and homestays in Xinjiang generally increase. Regarding dining, Xinjiang boasts abundant cuisine but at a not-so-low price. Considering transportation, accommodation, dining, as well as potential costs for tickets and entertainment, it is recommended to allocate a higher daily budget for a trip in Xinjiang to ensure a more comfortable travel experience.?
In addition, you can visit attractions such as Koktokay, Colorful Beach, Xiangfei Garden, and Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to experience the natural scenery and cultural charm of Xinjiang.?
. When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to arrange it reasonably according to your interests and time to ensure a pleasant trip.?