When traveling to Xinjiang, you can plan according to the following suggestions:?
1. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ in different regions. But overall, May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang.?
May to June: The grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers bloom in competition. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to enjoy natural scenery.?
July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen. It is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu, with breathtaking scenery, but relatively more tourists.?
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with the trees and Populus euphratica forests in Kanas presenting a mesmerizing golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
2. Regional Selection?
Xinjiang is divided into southern Xinjiang and northern Xinjiang.?
Southern Xinjiang focuses on human landscapes.?
Northern Xinjiang is famous for its natural scenery.?
Choose southern Xinjiang or northern Xinjiang based on your interests. It is suitable to spend 5-12 days for a visit, while an in-depth tour would require 15-28 days.?
3. Must-Visit Attractions?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. It boasts mountains, lakes, and forests, picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn, with stunning scenery at the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay).?
Kunlun Mountains Scenic Area: Located in the middle section of the Kunlun Mountains, with a total area of over 596 square kilometers, it is an eco-cultural tourism destination integrating Kunlun Mountain eco-tourism, Kunlun culture experience, grassland leisure and vacation, and red culture experience.?
4. Travel Suggestions?
Transportation: Urumqi is a good choice as the first destination, with very convenient transportation. Afterward, you can choose chartered cars, carpooling groups, and other travel methods to customize your itinerary according to your needs, which is very flexible.?
Accommodation: You can choose budget-friendly hotels or try local homestays to experience the local customs and traditions.?
Food: Xinjiang boasts a wide variety of delicious foods, such as roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed rice, mutton kebabs, etc. Be sure to try them. At the same time, don’t forget to taste some local specialty snacks.?
5. Precautions?
When traveling to border areas such as Baihaba and Kashi Tashkurgan, remember to apply for a border pass in advance.?
The climate in Xinjiang is dry, so make sure to moisturize well. Bring lip balm, lotion, cream, and face masks to keep your skin hydrated.?
There are many unlicensed taxis at the airport entrance. It is recommended to choose a regular taxi or public transportation.?
Following the above suggestions for planning, I believe you will have an unforgettable trip in Xinjiang.?