The travel guide for southern and northern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions in northern Xinjiang, and must-visit attractions in southern Xinjiang.
Best travel time:
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary by region. Overall, the golden period for visiting Xinjiang is from May to October. From 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 appreciate natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen one after another, marking the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu. From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with the trees in Kanas and Populus euphratica forests displaying a mesmerizing golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.
Must-visit attractions in northern Xinjiang:
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘Garden of God’s Backyard’. It has mountains, lakes, and forests, and is picturesque throughout the seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery of the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. By climbing up the Fish-watching Tower, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake.
Hemu Village: A small village filled with primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. In the morning, curls of cooking smoke rise, forming a picturesque scene with the distant snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’. The lake water is azure, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent choice for self-drive travel.
Must-visit attractions in southern Xinjiang:
Kashgar Old Town: China’s only labyrinthine urban neighborhood featuring Islamic culture. The buildings within the old town are full of rich Uyghur style. Walking through the ancient streets and alleys, it feels like traveling back to ancient Western Regions.
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Located in Kuqa, it is a national historical and cultural city. You can appreciate the ancient history of the ancient Qiuci Kingdom in the remaining Kizil Grottoes, and witness the former glory of the Lord’s family by visiting the Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to the mansion of a noble family in ancient China). The Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, a masterpiece of nature, is filled with an awe-inspiring desolate atmosphere.
In addition, there are many other scenic spots worth visiting in both northern and southern Xinjiang, such as Koktokay, Duku Highway, and Taklamakan Desert Highway. Tourists can choose according to their time and interests. During the trip, they can also taste local cuisine such as roasted whole sheep and mutton eaten with hands to experience the unique charm of Xinjiang.