Early July is one of the best times to visit Northern Xinjiang. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Recommended Attractions?
Sayram Lake: The lake water is clear and transparent, reflecting the blue-green of the sky. The scenery of the snow-capped mountains in the reflection is even more breathtaking, making it an excellent place for taking photos and relaxing.?
Kalakun Grassland: The Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace in East Kalakun, as well as the Kuokesu Grand Canyon and Human-shaped Grassland in West Kalakun are all scenic spots worth exploring.?
Nalati Aerial Grassland: It is recommended to visit the Snow Lotus Valley in the morning, where there are fewer people and the scenery is beautiful, perfect for taking photos. Afterwards, you can visit the grassland near Nomadic Families, which is spacious and even if there are many people, it won’t feel crowded.?
Tian Chi in Mount Tianshan: Reputed as a ‘fairyland on earth’, the lake water is emerald green and clear, surrounded by mountains. It is an ideal place to escape the summer heat. You can take a boat ride on the lake or go hiking.?
Kanas Lake: The lake water exhibits different colors due to seasonal and weather changes, surrounded by dense primitive forests and magnificent snow-capped mountains, presenting breathtaking scenery. Summer is also an excellent spot for observing wildlife and shooting starry skies.?
II. Recommended Route?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and drive to Burqin, enjoying the scenic beauty of the S21 Desert Highway along the way. Upon arrival, visit the Colorful Beach and experience the Hedi Night Market in the evening.?
Day 2: Depart from Burqin, pass through Haba River, arrive at Baihaba, visit the Zhongha Border Grand Canyon, and enjoy the slow life in Baihaba Village.?
Day 3: Take an in-depth tour of Baihaba Village to experience the pastoral life of the Tuwa people.?
Day 4: Depart from Baihaba and head to Kanas, then to Jiadenyu, to enjoy the natural scenery of Kanas.?
(This route is recommended for self-drive travel, but can be adjusted according to actual circumstances)?
III. Other Suggestions?
Time arrangement: Xinjiang is a vast territory, so it is recommended to allocate at least 7 days to visit the main attractions in Northern Xinjiang. If you want a deeper exploration, consider allocating 10-14 days.?
Means of transportation: Self-drive travel is a great choice for exploring Northern Xinjiang, but attention should be paid to road conditions and driving safety. If you choose to join a tour group, you may feel exhausted, so self-drive travel is more recommended.?
Precautions: The climatic conditions in Xinjiang may be relatively special, with high temperatures, wind and dust that may affect your travel experience. Therefore, make sure to be fully prepared and have realistic expectations before departure.?
I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Northern Xinjiang in early July!?