The self-guided travel guide for northern and southern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and recommended routes.?
I. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. Overall, from May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers bloom, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
The Kanas scenic area in northern Xinjiang is known as the ‘Garden of God’. It has mountains, lakes, forests, and picturesque scenery throughout the seasons, especially in autumn, when the scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. In addition, there are famous attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi Lake. Southern Xinjiang has its unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes, such as the Old Town of Kashgar.?
III. Recommended Routes?
Here is a classic self-guided tour route for northern and southern Xinjiang:?
D1: Arrive in Urumqi, free activities.?
D2: Urumqi – Colorful Beach – Burqin.?
D3: Burqin – Kanas, feel the grandeur of nature.?
D4: Kanas – Three Bays – Hemu, visit the village of Hemu to experience local customs.?
D5: Hemu – Ghost City – Karamay.?
D6: Karamay – Sayram Lake – Yining.?
D7: Yining – Nalati Aerial Grassland – Bayinbuluke.?
D8: Bayinbuluke – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa.?
Subsequently, you can continue to explore southern Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, based on personal interests and time arrangements.?
In addition, there is a detailed 16-day travel route that covers multiple famous attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi Lake, Kanas, Sayram Lake, as well as classic road segments such as the Duku Highway, suitable for an in-depth exploration of northern and southern Xinjiang.?
During your trip, be sure to taste the delicious foods of Xinjiang, such as roast meat, whole roast lamb, and pilaf, to experience the unique folk customs of Xinjiang. At the same time, pay attention to protecting the natural environment, respect local customs and habits, and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang.?