The following is the travel guide for Xinjiang:?
I. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ in different regions. Overall, May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang:?
May to June: The grasslands in the Yili region are lush and green, and wildflowers are blooming in competition. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to enjoy natural scenery.?
July to August: As temperatures rise across Xinjiang, fruits and melons ripen, and it is the peak season for visiting Northern Xinjiang scenic spots such as Kanas and Hemu. The scenery is breathtaking, but there are relatively more tourists.?
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is colorful. The trees and poplar forests in Kanas display a charming golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.?
II. Budget Planning?
Transportation: Xinjiang is vast, and the distances between scenic spots are far. The transportation costs are relatively high. Whether choosing to fly, take the train, or rent a car for self-driving, it will require a considerable expenditure.?
Accommodation: During the peak tourist season, the prices of hotels and homestays in Xinjiang generally increase, and accommodation costs near popular scenic areas are even higher.?
Dining: Xinjiang cuisine is abundant but not cheap. Coupled with tasting various special snacks and fruits, dining expenses should not be underestimated.?
Taking into account transportation, accommodation, dining, as well as potential expenses for tickets and entertainment, it is recommended to allocate a budget of over 1000 yuan per day for a more comfortable travel experience in Xinjiang.?
III. Must-Visit Attractions?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. With mountains, lakes, and forests, it is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is absolutely stunning.?
Sayram Lake: Located in the Yili Autonomous Prefecture, the lake water is azure and silent. The annual Nadam Fair held on the grassland by the lake in summer attracts countless tourists from outside Xinjiang.?
Keketohai Scenic Area: Composed of the Irtysh Grand Canyon, Kekesuli, Ileimute Lake, and Kalaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone, it offers a breathtaking view of canyons, river sources, marsh wetlands, extremely cold lakes, peculiar earthquake fault zones, and other natural landscapes.?
IV. Practical Tips?
Luggage preparation and pre-departure notes: For border scenic areas, a permit needs to be obtained in advance to avoid a wasted trip.?
Route recommendation: For summer travel, the 10-day Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop Route is recommended, covering over 90% of the popular attractions in Northern Xinjiang. With a different scenery every day, you can enjoy Yili Grassland, Hemu Kanas, and more in one trip.?
When planning a trip to Xinjiang, remember to arrange the itinerary reasonably according to personal interests and budget to ensure a pleasant and fulfilling journey.?