The travel guide for self-guided tours in Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, budget planning, travel preparations, and other aspects.
I. Best Travel Time
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. Overall, May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush green, and wildflowers bloom in competition, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen successively, making it the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers.
II. Must-visit Attractions
Xinjiang boasts numerous magnificent natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural sites. Must-visit attractions include Kanas Scenic Area, which features mountains, lakes, forests, and picturesque scenery throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn, when the scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb; there is also Bayin布鲁克 Grassland, the second-largest grassland in China, with a breathtaking Swan Lake.
III. Budget Planning
Xinjiang is vast, with distant distances between attractions, and relatively high transportation costs. Whether choosing airplanes, trains, or renting cars for self-driving, it will require a considerable expense. In terms of accommodation, during the peak tourist season, hotel and homestay prices in Xinjiang generally increase. Regarding dining, Xinjiang offers abundant cuisine, but the prices are not low. Considering transportation, accommodation, dining, as well as possible costs for tickets and entertainment, it is recommended to set aside a budget of over 1000 yuan per day for a more comfortable travel experience in Xinjiang.
IV. Travel Preparations
Xinjiang has a typical temperate continental arid climate with large diurnal temperature variation, low annual precipitation, long sunshine duration, and strong UV radiation. Therefore, no matter what season you visit, be sure to prepare warm clothing and sunscreen products. In addition, the climate in Xinjiang is dry, and the skin and lips are prone to dehydration and cracking. Bring skincare products with good moisturizing effects and lip balm to replenish moisture at any time.
Above are some basic tips for self-guided tours in Xinjiang, hoping to provide assistance for your trip. During the journey, please pay attention to safety, respect local customs and traditions, and enjoy a wonderful trip.