Xinjiang Travel Guide (for National Day)?
Visiting Xinjiang during the National Day holiday is an excellent choice. Xinjiang boasts magnificent natural scenery, rich ethnic culture, and unique cuisine, making it a place where people are reluctant to leave. Here is a well-prepared Xinjiang travel guide to help you enjoy this Golden Week to the fullest.?
I. Itinerary Planning?
Due to limited time, it is recommended to choose the essential itinerary of Northern or Southern Xinjiang according to your interests and preferences for your visit.?
Recommended Northern Xinjiang Itinerary:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, and after a short rest, you can head to the International Bazaar to experience the ethnic flavor of Xinjiang.?
Day 2: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Ulungur Lake – Colorful Beach – Burqin?
. Enjoy the vastness and desolation of the desert along the way and arrive in the fairy tale-like town of Burqin for accommodation.?
Day 3: Burqin – Kanas Lake – Fish Viewing Platform – Kanas Village. Feel the tranquility and mystery of nature by Kanas Lake, and you can stay in a log cabin within the Kanas scenic area at night.?
Day 4: Kanas – Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay – Hemu Village. Get up early and hike to Shenxian Bay to feel the fairyland with morning fog swirling around, and then head to Hemu Village to experience the quaint village charm.?
Day 5: Hemu Village – Hadeng Viewing Morning Fog – Hemu Village Stroll – Ghost City. After admiring the morning fog in Hemu Village, head to the World Ghost City to explore the mysteries of ancient geological fossil sites.?
Day 6: Urho – Sayram Lake – Urumqi. Head to Sayram Lake to admire the beautiful scenery known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, and then return to Urumqi.?
Recommended Southern Xinjiang Itinerary:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, and taste local cuisine.?
Day 2: Urumqi – Karez Well System – Flaming Mountain – Kumtag Desert. Visit the Karez Well System, a miracle of ancient water conservancy engineering, feel the blazing heat of Flaming Mountain, and then experience sandboarding and off-roading in the Kumtag Desert.?
Day 3: Turpan – Bosten Lake – Lop Nur Village. Head to Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China, and visit the isolated Lop Nur Village.?
Day 4: Cross the Taklamakan Desert – 139 Populus Euphratesiana Forest Secret Spot – Taxkorgan County. Challenge the Sea of Death, the Taklamakan Desert, and admire the undulating dunes and the magnificent scenery of thousand-year-old Populus Euphratesianas.?
Day 5: Taxkorgan County – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Flaming Spring. Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art, and check out the popular Flaming Spring scenic spot.?
Subsequent Days: Depending on your time and interests, you can continue to explore other attractions in Southern Xinjiang, such as Kashgar Old City and Baisha Lake.?
II. Precautions?
Weather and Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, especially in places like Altay. The average temperature in September and October is low, so bring warm clothing.?
Transportation and Accommodation: Xinjiang’s routes are complex. It is recommended to plan your transportation in advance to avoid getting lost during a self-drive tour. At the same time, book accommodations in advance to ensure a smooth itinerary.?
Food Experience: Xinjiang cuisine is diverse and abundant, such as roast whole lamb, hand-grabbed rice, and mutton skewers. Be sure to taste them. But pay attention to food hygiene to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.?
Safety and Health: Be cautious of your personal belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Meanwhile, maintain good sleep habits, drink plenty of water, and prevent altitude sickness, etc.?
I hope this Xinjiang travel guide can add some excitement and unforgettable memories to your National Day holiday trip!?