The following is a guide for free and easy travel in Xinjiang:
I. Best Travel Time
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. Overall, May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang.
May to June: The grasslands in the Ili region are lush, wildflowers bloom in competition, and the ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery.
July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen abundantly. It is the peak season to visit 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 poplar forests in Kanas presenting a迷人的 golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the "God’s Backyard". It is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn, when the scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is breathtakingly beautiful.
Hemu Village: Adjacent to Kanas scenic area, it is the inhabited area of the Tuwa people. Its primitive natural scenery makes people feel like they are in a hidden paradise.
Urumqi Grand Bazaar: It is one of Xinjiang’s landmark attractions where you can taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine and purchase special handicrafts.
III. Six-Day Self-Guided Travel Guide
Below is a six-day self-guided travel guide for Xinjiang for reference:
DAY 1: Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, taste local cuisine, and experience the urban charm of Xinjiang.
DAY 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi
Head to Tianshan Tianchi to admire the magnificent scenery of snowy mountains and lakes.
DAY 3: Urumqi – Turpan
Visit Turpan’s Flaming Mountain, Grape Valley, and other attractions, and taste fresh grapes and other fruits.
DAY 4: Turpan – Kanas
Take a plane or train to Kanas, enjoying the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang along the way.
DAY 5: Kanas
Visit Kanas scenic area to admire natural landscapes such as mountains, lakes, and forests.
DAY 6: Kanas – Urumqi
Return to Urumqi to end a pleasant trip.
IV. Precautions
Luggage Preparation: Prepare appropriate clothing and equipment according to the season and itinerary, such as sunscreen, sun hats, hiking shoes, etc.
Pre-trip Information: Understand Xinjiang’s geography, climate, and cultural characteristics in advance, and make itinerary planning and reservations. For border scenic areas, obtain a pass in advance to avoid a wasted trip.
Safety Tips: Keep personal belongings safe, abide by local laws and regulations as well as scenic area rules, and ensure travel safety.
The above guide is for reference only. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal preferences and time arrangements. Wish you a pleasant trip in Xinjiang!