Traveling in Xinjiang is an experience that encompasses rich natural scenery and cultural customs, with the best travel time being from May to October.?
Xinjiang is vast and rich in tourism resources, divided into southern Xinjiang and northern Xinjiang by the Tianshan Mountains. Southern Xinjiang mainly offers cultural experiences, such as deserts, gobies, Populus euphratica forests, ancient cities, and ethnic customs, which are largely unaffected by the seasons. Northern Xinjiang, on the other hand, focuses on natural scenery, which exhibits different features as the seasons change from spring, summer, autumn, to winter.?
Specifically, from May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers bloom in abundance, while the ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to enjoy natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen, making it the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu. The scenery is breathtaking. From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees in Kanas and Populus euphratica forests displaying a mesmerizing golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit attractions in Xinjiang include Kanas Scenic Area, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grasslands, and Kashgar Old Town. Kanas Scenic Area is known as the ‘Garden of the Gods’ and features picturesque scenery of mountains, lakes, and forests throughout the four seasons. Hemu Village is a small village filled with primitive charm, where visitors can experience traditional Tuvan culture. Sayram Lake is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. Nalati Grasslands boasts vast grasslands, dense forests, and majestic snow-capped mountains, allowing visitors to experience the folk culture of the Kazakhs. Kashgar Old Town is China’s only labyrinthine urban district featuring Islamic culture.?
In addition, Xinjiang has attractions worth visiting, such as the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area and Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. The Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, with its clear alpine lakes and dense primitive forests, is a great destination for winter skiing. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, on the other hand, revives the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road and embodies the rich ethnic characteristics and regional culture of the Western Regions.?
In short, traveling in Xinjiang is an unforgettable experience, whether it’s enjoying natural scenery or experiencing cultural customs, it can captivate people and make them reluctant to leave.?