The self-guided travel guide to Northern Xinjiang mainly covers key points such as the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary planning.
I. Best Travel Time
Xinjiang is vast in territory, and the best travel time for Northern Xinjiang mainly falls between May and October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers bloom, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise and fruits ripen, making it the peak season for visiting Northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu, but there will be relatively more tourists. From September to October, autumn brings a colorful Xinjiang, with trees in Kanas and poplar forests displaying a charming golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Backyard’. It boasts mountains, lakes, and forests, with picturesque scenery throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn when the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) are exceptionally beautiful. Climbing up the Fish-Viewing Platform offers a breathtaking overview of Kanas Lake
Hemu Village: A natural and primitive mountain village where wooden cabins are faintly visible in the snowy world, with curling smoke rising from chimneys, as if time has stood still here. In the morning, sunlight shines on the snowfields and wooden cabins in Hemu Village, creating a dazzling golden glow that is almost surreal
Colorful Beach: God’s Palette, where the sunset scenery is enchanting. The river divides the shore into two sides, with different landscapes on the north and south. The south bank is lush with trees, while the north bank is dotted with colorful rocks, creating a breathtaking view
III. Example Itinerary Planning
Below is an example of a 7-day self-guided tour itinerary for Northern Xinjiang:
Day1: Depart from Urumqi and embark on the S21 Desert Highway, enjoying the unique landscape of the desert intertwined with the highway. Arrive at Colorful Beach in the evening to watch the sunset and stay in Burqin at night
Day2: Depart from Burqin to Kanas. In the afternoon, stroll by Kanas Lake and admire its emerald-green waters. Stay in a log cabin within the Kanas scenic area at night
Day3: Get up early to watch the morning fog at Shenxian Bay, then hike along the wooden栈道 to the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay). In the afternoon, head to Hemu Village and stay in a log cabin
Day4: One-day tour of Hemu Village, enjoying the primitive village and beautiful scenery of the Tuwa people
Day5: Depart from Hemu and return to Altay City, enjoying the snowy scenery along the way, and stay at a hotel in Altay City at night
Day6: Visit the surroundings of Altay City, such as the Lonely Tree, Baihaba Village, and other attractions
Day7: Return from Altay, ending the pleasant trip to Northern Xinjiang
The above guide is for reference only. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, please pay attention to safety, respect local customs and habits, and enjoy a wonderful trip to Northern Xinjiang.