If you plan to travel in Xinjiang for 12 days, it is recommended to choose Northern Xinjiang, as it is dominated by natural scenery, with many magnificent landscapes and rich nomadic culture, suitable for long-term in-depth travel. Below is a detailed comparison and recommendation reasons for Southern and Northern Xinjiang:?
Natural Scenery Comparison:?
Northern Xinjiang: It is famous for its natural scenery such as grasslands, forests, and lakes, such as the Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, and Yili Grassland, with magnificent and diverse scenery.?
. A 12-day itinerary can fully appreciate these natural beauties and feel the wonders of nature.?
Southern Xinjiang: It mainly features deserts, grand canyons, and grotto murals, such as the Old Town of Kashgar and the jade market in Hotan, which have more historical and cultural significance.?
. But compared to the natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang, the landscapes in Southern Xinjiang may be slightly monotonous, and some attractions require a deeper understanding of historical and cultural backgrounds.?
Cultural Experience Comparison:?
Northern Xinjiang: With a strong nomadic culture, you can experience the lifestyle of herdsmen, taste specialties such as hand-grabbed rice and roasted buns, and feel the enthusiasm and boldness of the grassland people.?
Southern Xinjiang: With prominent Silk Road culture, you can explore ancient grottoes and well-preserved ancient cities, experiencing exotic customs and rich ethnic traditions.?
. However, compared to the nomadic culture of Northern Xinjiang, the cultural experience in Southern Xinjiang may be more focused on history and humanities.?
Visiting Time and Seasons:?
Northern Xinjiang: The best time to visit is from May to August, when the grasslands are lush and green, and the lakes are clear, making it the best season to appreciate natural scenery.?
. A 12-day itinerary can avoid the peak tourist season, allowing you to enjoy a quieter and more comfortable travel experience.?
Southern Xinjiang: Although March to August is also a good time to visit, some attractions may present different features due to seasonal changes.?
. Additionally, the summers in Southern Xinjiang may be relatively hot, which may not be suitable for tourists who prefer cooler climates.?
Itinerary Arrangement and Transportation:?
Northern Xinjiang: With relatively well-developed tourism facilities and transportation networks, a 12-day itinerary can easily arrange round trips between multiple attractions.?
. And the attractions in Northern Xinjiang are relatively concentrated, reducing the fatigue of long-distance travel.?
Southern Xinjiang: Although there are also good tourism facilities and transportation conditions, the distances between some attractions are relatively far, which may require more time and effort to arrange the itinerary.?
In summary, if you plan to travel in Xinjiang for 12 days and prefer natural scenery and nomadic culture experiences, it is recommended to choose Northern Xinjiang as your tourist destination. The magnificent landscapes, rich culture, and well-developed tourism facilities in Northern Xinjiang will bring you an unforgettable travel experience.?