The Northern Xinjiang travel guide for July and August mainly includes best attractions, travel routes, and travel tips.
Best Attractions
Kanas Lake: Located in the Altay Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is charming. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake, or walk along the lakeside plank road to feel the tranquility of nature.
Hemu: A village bathed in sunshine, with cows and sheep leisurely grazing, horses taking a stroll, and puppies playing, it is a portrayal of the idyllic rural life that people aspire to.
Sayram Lake: The lake scenery and surrounding mountains, snow-capped peaks, and grasslands form a stunning picture. During sunset, it is even more breathtakingly beautiful.
Nalati: It has an aerial grassland, a river valley grassland, and the Wusun Ancient Road, making it a "全明星" lineup of grasslands.
Bayinbrook Grassland: Watch the sunset at the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn Scenic Spot, but remember to check the weather forecast in advance to avoid missing the beautiful scenery.
Travel Routes
You can choose the classic Kaiyi Loop Route, which is a combination of the "Yili Grand Loop + Kanas Loop". It allows you to tour both Yili and Kanas scenic areas. Along the way, attractions include Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Keketuohai, Burqin, Hemu, Kanas, Baihaba, Wuerhe Devil’s City, etc. The total distance is about 3000 kilometers, taking 9-13 days for self-driving, with good road conditions.
Travel Tips
Time difference: Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference, so meal times will be later. It is recommended to bring some snacks.
Equipment: Make sure to bring a pair of comfortable shoes, as you may need to hike; the temperature on the mountain is lower, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket or shawl, which will keep you warm and make for good photos.
Transportation: You can choose to rent a car for self-driving, but be aware of road conditions and vehicle restrictions, such as the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway only allowing vehicles with 7 seats or less to pass.
In summary, visiting Northern Xinjiang in July and August allows you to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Remember to plan your trip in advance and enjoy an unforgettable journey in Xinjiang.