Traveling to Xinjiang on New Year’s Day is a highly recommended experience. At this time, Xinjiang has fewer people and beautiful scenery, picturesque snowy landscapes, discounted prices, and a strong Spring Festival atmosphere. Visitors can experience unique ethnic cultural activities. Here are some specific travel guides and suggestions:?
Itinerary Planning and Transportation?
Choice of Time: The New Year’s Day holiday usually runs from January 1st to January 3rd, a total of 3 days. Considering the New Year’s Eve celebrations, it is recommended to arrive in Xinjiang a day or two in advance to better adapt to the time difference and climate and enjoy more tourist experiences.?
Modes of Transportation: The airplane is the fastest mode of transportation. You can choose to fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and then select suitable ground transportation according to your destination. Xinjiang’s railway network is also relatively developed. If you have enough time, you can consider traveling by train. In addition, self-driving tours are also a popular way to travel in Xinjiang, but attention should be paid to road conditions and vehicle conditions, and preparations should be made in advance.?
Scenic Spot Recommendations?
Hemu Village: Here, visitors can taste Xinjiang’s distinctive folk New Year’s Eve dinner and experience the Spring Festival atmosphere with exotic customs. On New Year’s Eve, they can watch the starry sky and Milky Way in Hemu Village, participate in a large-scale cross-year bonfire party, and enjoy a romantic New Year’s Eve.?
Kanas Lake: Known as the ‘Fairyland on Earth,’ Kanas in winter has a unique charm. Silver-white snow covers the entire scenic area, and the lake surface freezes like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Besides enjoying the beautiful scenery, visitors can also participate in activities such as horse-drawn sled rides and skiing.?
Tianshan Tianchi: Located in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, it is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. It boasts spectacular alpine lakes, majestic snow-capped mountains, dense forests and grasslands, and other natural landscapes. Visitors can take a boat tour of Tianchi Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains.?
Kashi Ancient City: Located in Kashi City, Kashi Prefecture, it is one of the most representative historic and cultural cities in Xinjiang. Visitors can tour the ancient city walls, historic buildings, handicraft workshops, and more here, feeling the grandeur of history and the charm of culture.?
Tourism Advantages and Precautions?
Tourism Advantages: During New Year’s Day, Xinjiang has fewer people and beautiful scenery, allowing visitors to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful ice and snow world; the snowy landscapes are picturesque, with abundant snow activities to experience; airfare, accommodation, tickets, and other prices are cheaper than during peak seasons; the atmosphere of the Spring Festival is strong, and visitors can participate in ethnic activities such as snow bonfires, horse racing, and sheep catching.?
Precautions: Xinjiang has a vast territory, and the distance between scenic spots is relatively long. It is recommended to choose a local small tour group for safer travel. Meanwhile, due to the lower winter temperatures, tourists need to take warmth-preserving measures and bring items such as ear muffs, scarves, thermal underwear, and down jackets.?
Food Recommendations?
The cuisine of Xinjiang is also a major highlight, such as roasted whole sheep, hand-grabbed rice, baked buns, big plate chicken, spicy chicken with pepper, and chili chicken, all of which are delicious dishes that cannot be missed. During the trip, it’s worth trying these authentic Xinjiang dishes and letting your taste buds enjoy a feast too.?
In summary, traveling to Xinjiang on New Year’s Day is an unforgettable experience, whether it’s enjoying the magnificent natural scenery, experiencing unique ethnic cultures, or tasting delicious food, one can gain a great deal.?