2023 Xinjiang Travel Guide Practical Tips
In Xinjiang, there is a distinction between Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang. With the Tianshan Mountains as the boundary, the north is Northern Xinjiang, and the south is Southern Xinjiang. For tourists, Northern Xinjiang tends towards natural scenery, while Southern Xinjiang focuses more on cultural customs. June to September is the best travel time in Northern Xinjiang. The summer from June to August is the perfect opportunity to admire lavender fields and rapeseed flower seas; during this period, the Eastern Swiss scenery composed of grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains will also reach its best level. In September, the popular Kanas autumn scenery begins to gradually come into view. Fairyland on earth, composed of golden birch forests and the smoke from the Tuwa family, is a photographer’s favorite paradise. August to October is the best travel time in Southern Xinjiang. At this time, Southern Xinjiang has a clear autumn and fragrant fruits. There is neither spring sandstorms, summer heat, nor winter cold, making it the most comfortable time of the year.
Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Urumqi
Urumqi is usually used as a transportation hub for visiting Xinjiang. There aren’t many places to visit in the city itself. Generally speaking, visiting the Bazaar, museums, and parks doesn’t require too much time. In addition, people usually travel from Urumqi to surrounding attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi, Tianshan Grand Canyon, and Nanshan Scenic Area.
Xinjiang International Bazaar, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, Hongshan Park, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum, Nanshan Scenic Area, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Daban City Wind Power Station, Shuimogou Scenic Area, Bogda Peak, Glacier No. 1.
Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Altay
The most important thing to visit in Altay is the Kanas scenic area. The Kanas scenic area covers a wide area, mainly including regions such as Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Baihaba. Besides the Kanas scenic area, Colorful Beach and Koktokay are also popular attractions in Altay worth visiting.
Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, Fish Viewing Terrace, Kanas River, Wolong Bay, Hemu Village, Baihaba, Jiadenyu National Forest Park.
Three-Day Self-Driving Tour Guide in Xinjiang
Departing from Urumqi City
Recommended Attractions: Baihua Valley / Wutanggou / Jiangbulake Grassland / Mountain Road / Ten Thousand Mu of Dry Farmland / Majuan Bay
Recommended Itinerary: D1: Urumqi City → Jimusaer County (Baihua Valley / Wutanggou) → Qitai County D2: Qitai County → Jiangbulake Grassland → Mulei County D3: Mulei County → Ten Thousand Mu of Dry Farmland → Majuan Bay → Urumqi City
Itinerary Experience: The flowers in Baihua Valley compete for beauty, the sky over Jiangbulake Grassland is as clear as washed, and the ten thousand mu of dry farmland resemble an oil painting. The scenery at Dragon Boat Festival is just perfect.
Departing from Turpan City
Recommended Attractions: Kumtag Desert / Dahaitao / Qing Dynasty Grain Barn / Balikun Lake, etc.
Recommended Itinerary: D1: Turpan City → Balikun County → Hami City D2: Hami City → Dahaitao → D3 Campsite at Dahaitao Scenic Area: Dahaitao Scenic Area → Kumtag Desert → Turpan City
Travel experience: Feel the flow of history’s light and shadow in Balikun; pass through the Yadan no-man’s land that has existed for tens of millions of years, experiencing an unprecedented journey through a thousand years; explore traces of life in the desert.
Departing from Karamay City
Recommended attractions: Grassland Stone City / G219 / Baihaba / Kanas
Recommended itinerary: D1: Karamay City → Grassland Stone City → Jeminay
D2: Jeminay → Baihaba → Kanas Fish Viewing Pavilion → Kanas Scenic Area
D3: Kanas Scenic Area → Visit the Three Bays → Karamay City
Travel experience: Heading north, experience the charm of National Highway 219; feel the tranquility of border villages up close, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Xinjiang.
Departing from Yining City
Recommended attractions: Kalajun Grassland / Tekes County / Xiata / Sayram Lake / Horgos
Recommended itinerary: D1: Yining City → Kalajun Grassland Scenic Area → Tekes County
D2: Tekes County → Xiata Scenic Area → Yining City
D3: Yining City → Sayram Lake → Horgos Port → Lavender Museum → Yining City
Travel experience: Wildflowers are everywhere on the grassland, with snow-capped mountains behind; the hanging white clouds over Sayram Lake cast faint reflections in the lake, with faint white mist drifting with the wind, ethereal like smoke.
Departing from Aksu City
Recommended attractions: Kuqa Grand Canyon / Kizil Caves / World Populus euphratica Park / Taklamakan Desert
Recommended itinerary: D1: Aksu City → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kizil Caves → Kuqa City
D2: Kuqa City → Xayar County (World Populus euphratica Park / Taklamakan Desert) → Xayar County
D3: Xayar County → 139 Populus euphratica Secret Road → Awati County (Daolang Tribe Scenic Area) → Aksu City
Travel experience: Awesome natural geological landscapes and profound historical and cultural heritage, feeling the charm of Silk Road culture.
Departing from Kashgar City
Recommended attractions: Mount Muztagh Ata / White Sand Lake / Hongqilafu / Panlong Ancient Road / Golden Grass Beach / Stone City / Taman Wetland
Recommended itinerary: D1: Kashgar City →布伦口 White Sand Mountain → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan County
D2: Taxkorgan County → Hongqilafu along the way →盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road) → Taxkorgan County
D3: Taxkorgan County → Golden Grass Beach → Stone City → Taman Wetland → Kashgar City
Travel experience: Majestic ice peaks and breathtaking lake and mountain scenery; drive and play along the way, enjoying the picturesque plateau scenery.
The above is related content about Xinjiang travel guides, strategies, and self-guided travel strategies.
For travel inquiries about Xinjiang (same as WeChat)