Travel Guide for a Self-guided Tour of Xinjiang in January
I. Preparations Before Travel
Documents and tickets: Carry valid documents such as ID cards and student IDs, as some attractions offer ticket discounts for specific groups. Purchase air or train tickets in advance. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is the main aviation hub, and Xinjiang’s railway network is also well-developed. Choose according to your actual situation.
Warm clothing: Temperatures in Xinjiang in January are low, especially with a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to bring equipment such as down jackets, thermal underwear, windproof hats, gloves, and non-slip boots. Additionally, thermos flasks, hot drink packets, skincare products, and commonly used medicines are also essential.
II. Recommended Travel Routes
Northern Xinjiang Loop Route
Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Fuyun – Koktokay: Admire the clear waters of Tianshan Tianchi and the surrounding mountains, then proceed to Fuyun and Koktokay to feel the charm of the ice and snow world.
Burqin – Hemu – Kanas: Follow the S21 Desert Highway and stop at Ulungur Lake to watch ice fishing. Then proceed to Hemu and Kanas to experience picturesque snow-covered cabins and rime scenery.
Baihaba – Burqin – Sayram Lake: Visit Baihaba, known as the ‘First Village in the Northwest’, and see the traditional wooden houses of the Tuvans. Then head to Burqin and Sayram Lake to admire wonders such as blue ice, ice bubbles, and ice cracks.
Southern Xinjiang Special Route
Urumqi – Lop Nur Village of罗布人 – Korla: Experience the primitive life in the desert and the magnificent scenery of poplar forests, then proceed to Korla for rest.
Kashgar Old Town – Taxkorgan County: Explore the historical culture of Kashgar Old Town and taste authentic local cuisine, then head to Taxkorgan County to admire the scenery of the Pamir Plateau, such as Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake.
III. Precautions
Safety and health: Pay attention to cold prevention and warmth retention to avoid getting a cold. For self-driving tours, check the vehicle’s performance and prepare emergency tools. Be aware that the signal may be poor within the scenic area, so download offline maps in advance and stay in contact with your companions.
Respect local culture: When visiting ethnic minority areas, please respect the local cultural customs to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.
Reasonable time arrangement: The days are short in northern Xinjiang in January. Reasonably arrange your playtime and make good use of the sunny hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take photos.
IV. Special Experiences
Skiing and ice and snow activities: Tianshan Tianchi International Ski Resort is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts, and you can also experience ice and snow activities such as horse-drawn sleighs.
Relaxing in hot springs: The ancient sea hot springs are steaming in winter, making it an excellent choice for relaxing your body and mind.
Folk customs experience: Participate in the large-scale New Year’s Eve bonfire party in Hemu to feel the exotic Spring Festival atmosphere. You can also make home visits to deeply experience the life of Uyghur families.
With the above travel tips, I believe you can fully experience the ice and snow scenery and unique culture of Xinjiang in January, and enjoy an unforgettable self-guided tour.