The free-and-easy travel guide for northern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, itinerary planning, and must-visit attractions.
Best travel time
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel time for northern Xinjiang is mainly from May to October. During this period, the natural scenery of northern Xinjiang is most enchanting, whether it’s enjoying grasslands, lakes, or exploring ancient cities and folklore, you can have an excellent experience.
Itinerary planning
6-day 5-night itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Altay, pick up at the station and check into the hotel, rest and adjust.
Day 2: Depart from Altay, visit the ‘Lonely Tree’ for a check-in, and then head to Baihaba Village to feel the tranquility and beauty of the border village.
Day 3: After an in-depth exploration of Baihaba Village, head to Kanas to enjoy winter wonders such as blue ice.
Day 4: Head from Kanas to Hemu Village, stroll around, and experience the Tuva way of life and the charm of snowy scenery.
Day 5: Depart from Hemu and return to Altay City, enjoying the snowy scenery along the way.
Day 6: Return from Altay
8-day itinerary:
D1: Depart from Urumqi, explore Tianshan Tianchi, and then head to the Gurbantünggüt Desert.
D2: Wake up in Koktokay, visit attractions such as Shenzhong Mountain, and arrive at Colorful Beach in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset.
D3: From Burqin to Kanas, feel the intimate contact with nature.
D4: From Jiadenyu to Hemu, experience the tranquility of a primitive village.
D5: From Hemu to the Ghost City, feel the wonders of nature.
D6: From Urho to Bayinbuluke, experience the changing seasons.
D7: From Bayinbuluke to Nalati, take photos and check in.
D8: From Yining to Sayram Lake and return to Urumqi
10-day itinerary:
D1: Set off for Urumqi.
D2: Depart from Urumqi and arrive in Burqin via the S21 Desert Highway.
D3: Visit Hemu Village.
D4: Head to Kanas.
D5: Cross the Grassland Stone City and arrive in Tacheng.
D6: Visit the Xiaobaiyang Guard Post and Accordion Museum.
D7: Visit Sayram Lake and arrive in Yining.
D8: Explore the Nalati Aerial Grassland.
D9: Return to Urumqi via the northern section of the Duku Highway and S101 National Defense Highway.
D10: End of the trip
Must-visit attractions
Kanas Scenic Area: Known as the ‘God’s Backyard’, it is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn, when the scenery at the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb.
Hemu Village: A primitive village where wooden houses are faintly visible in the snowy world, with curling smoke rising, as if time has come to a standstill here.
Colorful Beach: The Yadan landform in the sunset is breathtakingly beautiful.
Tianshan Tianchi: Centered around a high-altitude lake, with snow-capped peaks reflected in the water, surrounded by spruce trees, the clear water is like a mirror, and the scenery is picturesque.
The above itinerary and attractions are for reference only and can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. When planning a self-guided tour, be sure to understand the local weather, transportation, and accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth itinerary.