The most suitable time period for traveling to Xinjiang is from May to October each year. Specifically:
May to June: Late spring and early summer, with moderate temperatures, is a good time to admire spring flowers and grasslands. Lavender in Yili and wildflowers at the foot of Mount Tianshan are in full bloom, creating pleasant scenery. In addition, the number of tourists to Xinjiang in spring is relatively small, allowing one to avoid the crowds during peak periods.
July to August: Although the temperatures are higher, it is also the season with the richest fruits of the year, such as哈密瓜 (Hami melons) and grapes. During this time, one can experience the ‘fragrant fruits and melons’ of Xinjiang. Meanwhile, Xinjiang’s nightlife in summer is rich, with various food festivals and ethnic festivals occurring frequently, allowing for an in-depth experience of the local culture.
September to October: Autumn is the golden season for traveling to Xinjiang. The weather is sunny, the temperature is pleasant, and the autumn colors are vibrant, making it a paradise for photographers. In northern Xinjiang, places like Kanas and Hemu Village, with golden birch forests, green lakes, and distant snow-capped mountains, form beautiful picturesque scenes. In addition, the number of tourists in autumn decreases relatively, providing a better travel experience.
In addition, for specific attractions such as the Duku Highway, the best travel time is from June to September each year, when the scenery along the highway is breathtakingly beautiful.
For southern Xinjiang, the main focus is experiencing the cultural customs, which are basically not affected by the seasons. However, if one wants to see the autumn scenery of the poplar forest, mid-to-late October is the most suitable time.
In summary, the time choices for traveling to Xinjiang are abundant, and one can choose the most suitable time period to visit according to personal preferences and itinerary arrangements.