Best Travel Time: Early May – Early June or Late September – Early October
Karajun Grasslands – ‘Human-shaped Grasslands’
My impression of the grasslands has always lingered on the vast Hulunbeir Grasslands, where the scenery is as magnificent and fertile as described in the poem, ‘The sky is gray, the wilderness vast, when the wind blows over the grassland, cattle and sheep appear.’ After seeing the Karajun Grasslands, I believe you will be awestruck by it.
Karakul Grassland is located in Tekes County, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang, and is the transitional zone from the Western Tianshan Mountains to the Yili Valley.
Chinese National Geography describes it as: It overturns the monotonous color and single landscape of general grasslands that can cause aesthetic ‘fatigue’. It is defined as a three-dimensional grassland landscape that integrates different times and colors and is easy to view.
The difference in elevation creates a distinctive landscape with distinct layers and a well-organized layout on Karakul Grassland. In addition, various types of forage grasses enrich the colors of the grassland, as if displaying a breathtaking landscape painting in front of you. A large expanse of undulating plains with beautiful curves is also known as the ‘human body grassland’. The undulating and crisscross landform, with curved shadows, is a favorite subject for photographers.
Come to Karakul Grassland to see the wonders of nature and experience the ‘human body grassland’ in different times and spaces.
Transportation: Rent a car from Urumqi to Yili
Bayinbrook Grassland – Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns
Bayinbrook Grassland, located in Bayingol Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is the second-largest grassland in China and a high-mountain grassland. It is a high-mountain basin surrounded by snowy mountains, with a flat terrain. It has a hidden paradise surrounded by snowy mountains; the Kodu River with ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’; and the elegant and charming Swan Lake.
The most beautiful scene at ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’ is the reflection of the evening glow in the river bend. As the sunset gradually descends, half of the sky is illuminated, with colorful red clouds reflecting on the river surface, sparkling and full of charm.
Visit Bayinbrook Grassland to see the breathtaking scenery of ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’ and the enchanting Swan Lake filled with red flowers.
Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon – Valley scenery with crisscross valleys
In ‘Journey to the West’, Sun Wukong passes through the Flaming Mountain and borrows the Bamboo Fan three times. The Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon is located in Turpan Basin, Xinjiang, and is a mysterious place. The mountain range runs east-west and is barren. In summer, the surface of the earth boils under the sun, resembling a soaring fire dragon, which is very spectacular.
The Flaming Mountain scenic area is located at a spectacular position of the Flaming Mountain, featuring many statues of characters from ‘Journey to the West’ and displays of the history and culture of the Flaming Mountain area. The rugged rocks and crisscross valleys; the Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves excavated during the Sixteen Kingdoms period… This place is a treasure trove of culture and art.
Karez – Ancient horizontal water-collecting structure
Karez means ‘well cave’. It is commonly found in Turpan, Xinjiang, and is an ancient horizontal water-collecting structure for exploiting and utilizing groundwater. It is suitable for the foothills and the alluvial fan edge, mainly used for intercepting groundwater for farmland irrigation and domestic water supply.
Karez consists of vertical shafts, subterranean channels, open channels, and reservoirs. It diverts underground water by gravity for irrigation of farmland or domestic use. The sweet grapes are irrigated through the water diverted by Karez.
Recommended route:
Recommended 5-day itinerary:
D1: Urumqi – Koktokay – Fuyun
D2: Fuyun – Hemu
D3: Hemu – Guanyutai – Kanas Lake – Kanas
D4: Kanas – Three Bays – Colorful Beach – Burqin
D5: Burqin – World Magic City – Urumqi
Recommended 6-day itinerary:
D1 Urumqi – [Colorful Beach] – Burqin
D2 Burqin – [Kanas] – Kanas Scenic Area
D3 Kanas Scenic Area – [Hemu] – Hemu
D4 Hemu – [Urho Magic City] – Karamay
D5 Karamay – [Dushanzi Grand Canyon] – Bole
D6 Bole – [Sayram Lake] – Urumqi
TIPS:
①July in Xinjiang is already summer with strong ultraviolet rays, so be sure to protect against sunburn. Sunset is around 10 pm.
②The diurnal temperature difference in the Altay region is large, but it doesn’t require winter clothing; spring and autumn outerwear will suffice.
③Most areas of Xinjiang are not at high altitudes, so you don’t have to worry about altitude sickness.
④Self-driving, chartering a car, or carpooling are the best ways to travel in Xinjiang. Flying + taking the train will be time-consuming and too troublesome.
⑤The scenic spots are far apart, so a U-shaped pillow is a must.
Best Travel Time
The tourist season in Xinjiang is generally from May to October.
March – April
Windy, with cold waves, prone to gale winds and dust storms, and increased precipitation.
At this time, it is suitable to visit southern Xinjiang, where peach blossoms, apricot blossoms are blooming, and the grasslands are just recovering.
You can appreciate wild apricot blossoms in places like Turpan.
June
In the Ili region, you can enjoy seas of flowers and lavender (most beautiful in mid-June), although fruits and melons have not yet ripened.
July – August
You can also see flowers covering the mountains and lush grasslands with abundant water plants. This is a good time to escape the summer heat. Lavender has already been harvested, and fruits and melons start to ripen by mid-August.
September – October
The harvest season in Xinjiang, with comfortable weather, is a true golden autumn season with fragrant fruits and melons.
Xinjiang’s autumn can be considered the most beautiful autumn in the country. The poplar forests in southern Xinjiang are dyed with the colors of autumn, but these two months are the peak tourist season.
Winter
Winter: Temperatures have dropped to below minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, many places have closed roads and mountains, and many scenic spots are also closed. Tickets at this time will be discounted, and some are even free.
Equipment
1. Bring a suitcase, and you can also prepare a small waist bag for light travel throughout the trip.
2. The temperature difference between morning and night is large, please prepare a thick coat; pay attention to cold prevention and warmth retention according to weather changes.
3. Sunglasses, brimmed hat, insulated water bottle, magic scarf.
4. Travel shoes, hiking shoes, or mountaineering shoes are all fine.
5. Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, vitamins, band-aids, essential balm, you can prepare some glucose oral solution to replenish energy.
6. Sunscreen + moisturizing lotion + hand cream + lip balm.
7. Flashlight or headlamp, various digital products (and their chargers, power banks).
8. ID card, student ID, instructor ID, and various other documents.
9. Prepare some water, dry food, fruits, and snacks.
10. Toiletries, change of clothes.
You may also want to learn more about Xinjiang tourism information,
Xinjiang Customized Travel is Guo Jing: 181-3962-2229 0991-8585456