The best Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes selecting the best travel time, recommending must-visit attractions, and planning tourism routes.
I. Best Travel Time
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ across regions. However, generally speaking, May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang.
May to June: The grasslands in the Ili region are lush and green, with wildflowers blooming in competition. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery.
July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen, making it a great time to enjoy gourmet foods. Meanwhile, it is also the peak season for visiting Northern Xinjiang scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu, but there will be relatively more tourists.
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is colorful. The trees in Kanas and the Populus euphratica forests present a charming golden color, making it a paradise for photographers.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Xinjiang boasts numerous scenic spots. Here are some must-visit attractions that you cannot miss:
Northern Xinjiang:
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is charming, earning it the nickname "God’s Back Garden".
Hemu Village: A small village filled with primitive charm, inhabited by the Tuvas. Here, you can experience traditional Tuvan culture.
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine gem, with azure lake water surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains. From May to June, wildflowers bloom along the lakeside, creating a breathtaking scene.
Nalati Grassland: Located in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, it boasts vast grasslands, dense forests, and majestic snow-capped mountains. It is inhabited by the Kazakhs, where you can experience Kazakh folk culture.
Southern Xinjiang:
Kashgar Old Town: China’s only labyrinthine city block featuring Islamic culture. The architecture within the old town is filled with rich Uyghur style.
Tarim Populus euphratica Forest National Park: A great place to admire poplar forests, which present a charming golden color in autumn.
III. Tourism Route Planning
Xinjiang’s tourist routes can be customized according to personal time and preferences. Here is a classic eight-day tour route planning example:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi from hometown, stay at a hotel in downtown Urumqi, free activities.
Day 2: Travel from Urumqi to Korla, visit Tiemen Pass on the way, and stay overnight in Korla.
Day 3: Travel from Korla to Kuqa, visit the Tarim Populus euphratica Forest National Park, and stay overnight in Kuqa.
Day 4: Visit Kuqa’s Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan and Kuqa王府 (王府 is a place name and doesn’t need translation here), stay overnight in Korla.
Day 5: Travel from Korla to Lop Nur Village, visit the Taklamakan Desert, and then proceed to Turpan.
Day 6: Visit Turpan’s Flaming Mountain, Kaner Well, Grape Vineyard, and participate in a Turpan Uyghur family visit.
Day 7: Visit Urumqi Grand Bazaar, watch the Xinjiang-themed song and dance show "Mystic Western Regions", then proceed to Tianshan Tianchi and stay overnight in Urumqi.
Day 8: Arrange airport transfer according to the flight schedule and conclude your delightful Xinjiang tour.
In addition, if you enjoy self-drive travel, you can also consider the six-day Duku Highway + Southern Xinjiang route, with breathtaking scenery along the way.
. This route covers multiple scenic spots such as the Duku Monument, the Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluke Swan Lake, etc., providing a truly heavenly visual experience while physically challenging.