Traveling to Xinjiang during summer vacation allows you to experience its magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture, making it an excellent choice. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Best Travel Time
During the summer vacation, namely July and August, is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang. At this time, the temperature in various parts of Xinjiang is moderate, and the weather is sunny, which is very suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Especially in the northern Xinjiang region, such as Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic spots, the scenery is breathtaking, but there are also relatively many tourists.
II. Recommended Must-Visit Attractions
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is charming. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the beautiful scenery of Kanas Lake, or walk along the lakeside栈道 to feel the tranquility of nature.
Hemu Scenic Area: The log cabins here are a specialty. You can watch the starry sky at night and enjoy the sunset in the evening. Both the new village and the old village offer accommodation, but during the peak season, it is difficult to find a room, so book in advance.
Tianshan Tianchi Lake: As a famous scenic spot in Xinjiang, Tianshan Tianchi Lake attracts many tourists with its beautiful lakes and mountains. You can enjoy a leisurely hike here and enjoy the gifts of nature.
Nalati Grassland: Beneath the cotton candy-like clouds, with flocks of cows and sheep, it is a great place for afternoon tea. It is also a paradise for photographers, where many beautiful moments can be captured.
Duku Highway: Although it is only open for 4 months a year, this highway attracts countless tourists with its unique scenery and experiences. It experiences four seasons in one day and different weather conditions within a short distance, making it an excellent choice for self-drive tours.
III. Itinerary Planning Suggestions
Seven-Day Tour Route:
Day1: Arrive in Urumqi, pick up at the station and check into the hotel.
Day2: Urumqi – Koktokay – Beitun, stay in Fuhai.
Day3: Beitun – Hemu, stay in Hemu’s characteristic log cabins.
Day4: Hemu – Kanas – Jiadengyu, stay in Jiadengyu or Heiliutan.
Day5: Jiadengyu – Changji Urho, stay in Changji.
Day6: Changji – Tianshan Tianchi Lake – Urumqi, stay in Urumqi.
Day7: Urumqi – Turpan – Urumqi (return trip)
Self-Drive Routes:
If you like self-drive tours, you can choose the route from Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Xiata → Tekes → Qiongkushitai → Nalati → Bayinbrook → Tangbula Grassland → Urumqi. The total distance is 2,500 kilometers, and the basic itinerary takes 6-8 days, but it is recommended to allocate an additional 2-3 days for key scenic spots.
IV. Precautions
Accommodation Reservation: During the peak tourist season in Xinjiang, accommodation resources are tight, especially for good-condition accommodations. Therefore, be sure to book in advance to avoid not finding suitable accommodation after arriving at the scenic spot.
Ticket Reservation: Many scenic spots in Xinjiang require real-name reservation. Due to the large flow of people in some scenic spots during the peak tourist season, if you don’t book in advance, you may find that tickets have already sold out when you arrive at the scenic spot.
Clothing Tips: The weather in Xinjiang is changeable, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. No matter which season you come, bring enough warm clothes to prevent cold exposure.
Road Safety: When taking a self-drive tour, pay attention to road safety and abide by traffic rules. Especially when encountering cows and sheep crossing the road, be patient and wait for them to pass.
I hope this travel guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!