The Northern Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and recommended routes.?
Best Travel Time:?
The best travel time for Northern Xinjiang is mainly from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers bloom in competition, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise and fruits are ripe, which is the peak season for visiting scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu, but there will be relatively more tourists. From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a charming golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit Attractions:?
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is enchanting. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake, or stroll along the lakeside footpath to feel the tranquility of nature.?
Hemu Village: A small village filled with primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. The morning mist, distant snow-capped mountains, and grasslands form a picturesque scenery.?
Sayram Lake: The largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic’. The lake water is azure, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Driving around the lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery is an excellent experience.?
Recommended Routes:?
You can choose the Ili Loop or Kanas + Ili Loop for your tour. The Ili Loop offers beautiful scenery such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, and Nalati Grassland; while the Kanas + Ili Loop allows you to visit Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and the essence of Ili’s attractions. The specific route can be adjusted according to personal time and preferences.?
In addition, when preparing to travel to Northern Xinjiang, you also need to pay attention to handling matters such as obtaining a border scenic area passport in advance.?
. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Northern Xinjiang!?