Travel Guide for Kanas and Yili Regions?
The Kanas and Yili regions, as two major tourist attractions in Xinjiang, attract countless tourists with their magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Now, let’s step into this mysterious and beautiful land together to explore the best travel times, must-visit attractions, and travel tips.?
I. Best Travel Time?
Kanas and Yili are vast regions, and the best travel times for different areas vary. But overall, from May to October is the golden period for visiting this route.?
May to June: At this time, the grasslands in the Yili area are lush and green, with wildflowers blooming in competition. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, and the lake water reflects the snow-capped mountains, creating a perfect opportunity to appreciate natural scenery.?
July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen in succession, making it a great time to taste local delicacies. At the same time, it is also the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic spots such as Kanas and Hemu, with breathtaking scenery but relatively more tourists.?
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is like a painter’s palette turned over by nature, colorful and vibrant. The trees in Kanas turn golden, and the Populus euphratica forests also display a charming golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
1. Kanas Scenic Area?
Scenic Spot Introduction: Kanas Scenic Area is located in the Altay Mountains and is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. It has mountains, lakes, and forests, and is picturesque throughout the four seasons. Especially in autumn, the scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. You can climb up the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake and feel the tranquility and grandeur of nature.?
Travel Suggestions: It is recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the peak tourist flow and enjoy a quieter lakeside scenery with mountains.?
2. Yili Apricot Flower Valley?
Scenic Spot Introduction: Tulgen Apricot Flower Valley is a globally renowned gathering place for primitive wild apricot forests. From early March to mid-April each year, tens of thousands of acres of wild apricot forests bloom in competition, creating a breathtaking beauty. The best viewing point is at the top of the hill, where you can take in the magnificent panoramic view of the entire Apricot Flower Valley.?
Travel Suggestions: Plan your itinerary according to the flowering forecast and bring warm and sunscreen items to cope with the large temperature difference between morning and night.?
3. Hemu Village?
Scenic Spot Introduction: Hemu Village is a small village full of primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. In the morning, wisps of smoke rise, forming a picturesque scene with the distant snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Here, you can experience traditional Tuwa culture, such as enjoying Tuwa people’s song and dance performances and tasting specialty foods.?
Travel Suggestions: It is recommended to stay for a night to experience the local folk customs and the starry sky at night.?
III. Travel Suggestions?
Transportation: Xinjiang is vast and has many roads. It is recommended to rent a car or carpool for travel to save effort and worry. For groups of more than 3 people, it is recommended to rent a car, which basically includes hotels, cars, drivers, and scenic spot tickets, making it very convenient.?
Itinerary planning: You can refer to the classic self-driving route of Kanas + Yili, such as departing from Urumqi, passing by Tianchi, Koktokay, Wulungu Lake, and other places, and finally arriving at Kanas and Yili to experience the beautiful scenery and culture along the way.?
Notes: Some sections of the Duku Highway have speed limits and may be closed at certain times. It is necessary to check and plan your itinerary in advance. Meanwhile, pay attention to sunscreen and warmth, as Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays and a large temperature difference between morning and night.?
I hope this travel guide for the Kanas-Yili route can provide useful references for your trip and make your journey to Xinjiang even more splendid!?