Must-visit attractions in Xinjiang, a comprehensive list of attractions in Xinjiang, must-visit attractions in Xinjiang

　　Must-visit attractions in Xinjiang, a comprehensive list of attractions in Xinjiang, must-visit attractions in Xinjiang​

　　As summer approaches, tourism in Xinjiang begins to pick up, gradually entering the peak season. People from all over the country and the world flock here because of its mystery and charming scenery. Below, I will provide a detailed analysis of the attractions in various regions of Xinjiang to help you reference and plan your trip.​

　　First, let’s talk about Northern Xinjiang, with Urumqi as the center (distances are approximate from various attractions to Urumqi)​

　　Tianshan Tianchi Lake (about 100 km away)​

　　Tianshan Tianchi Lake​

　　Tianchi Lake is a famous AAAAA-level national scenic area, nature reserve, and eco-tourism area in Xinjiang, among other titles. Due to its fame, many people visit it. Basically, everyone who comes to Xinjiang will go there. The scenery is average. Visitors can take a boat to the Queen Mother Temple in the lake area or take a cable car to the top of Maya Mountain to see the full view of Tianchi Lake. However, if you have Kanas Lake in your plan, you can skip Tianchi Lake because Kanas is much more beautiful than Tianchi Lake. It’s like comparing a great sorcerer to a lesser one, haha.​

　　Turpan (220 km away)​

　　Huoyan Mountain​

　　There are now many similar attractions at Huoyan Mountain, and their locations are all different. So it doesn’t matter which one you visit; they are all at the foot of Huoyan Mountain. The old one has an underground palace and a thermometer. There is a Monkey King statue at the entrance. Besides, a newer one has been built a little closer to Huoyan Mountain. Another one is behind Huoyan Mountain, commonly known as Huoyan Mountain Grand Canyon, which is where the TV series Journey to the West was filmed. This attraction is very hot in summer, with the ground temperature over 80 degrees Celsius. The air feels like soup, so it is not recommended to visit. There is nothing fun about it. It’s just a barren, hot mountain without any green.​

　　Grape Valley​

　　The Grape Valley scenic area is famous worldwide for its fragrant and sweet grapes. It is said to produce over a thousand types of grapes, but I have only seen no more than ten. To visit this attraction, one must go to the Old Valley, which is about ten kilometers inside after entering the ticket gate. There are signs there.​

　　Karez Wells​

　　I don’t recommend coming here. Karez Wells are meaningless and are just a museum.​

　　Jiaohe Ancient City​

　　Jiaohe Ancient City is worth visiting. There are now shuttle buses inside, and it’s developed quite well. You can take a ride around and experience the ancient ruins. However, it’s extremely hot in summer.​

　　Urho Ghost Town (about 450 km away)​

　　Urho Ghost Town​

　　There are many Yardang and wind erosion landscapes in Xinjiang. Urho Ghost Town is just one that has been developed more completely. I don’t recommend it. It’s just a few mounds of earth and not very interesting. Compared to other Yardangs in Xinjiang, it’s far inferior.​

　　Wucai Beach (about 700 km away)​

　　Wucai Beach​

　　Wucai Beach is located near Burqin County. It’s a primitive riverbed. You can go there to watch the sunset. The scenery is beautiful, but there are also many mosquitoes, so many that it makes you question life. Be sure to take measures to repel mosquitoes.​

　　Kanas Lake (about 1100 km away)​

　　Kanas Lake​

　　This is a must-visit. Although it’s far, it’s beautiful. It’s packed with people, and you have to queue for hours to buy tickets. I’m not exaggerating.​

　　Hemu Village​

　　Hemu Village​

　　I strongly recommend going. If you’re going to Kanas, Hemu is a must-visit place, only 60 km away from Kanas. And be sure to stay overnight. It’s better not to rush in and out; you won’t feel much.​

　　Baihaba​

　　Baihaba Village​

　　I don’t recommend going to Baihaba. The round trip takes too long, and the scenery is basically the same as Hemu. There’s no need to waste time here.​

　　Shuanghu Lake​

　　Shuanghu Lake​

　　Let me emphasize this one. Shuanghu Lake is also inside Kanas Mountain, but there are basic conditions to reach it. First, you need stamina. It takes about 3 hours to ride a horse in and another 3 hours to come out. Second, you need financial support. There are two border security checks, and renting a horse and hiring a groom both require fees. The scenery is pristine, very few people have been there, and there are many wild animals, such as grizzly bears, wolves, leopards, and more. Those who have the means can consider it.​

　　Guai Shi Valley (800 km away)​

　　Guai Shi Valley​

　　This is a lesser-known attraction. The entire mountain is piled up with various kinds of stones, offering a unique experience. If you’re not going to the Ghost City, you can consider coming here instead. It’s not bad and is near Bole City. Recommended.​

　　Sayram Lake (500 km away)​

　　Sayram Lake​

　　Highly recommended. I’ve been there countless times but it still feels beautiful. Every angle is enchanting. Be sure to drive around the lake and enjoy the scenery as you go. Each spot is unique.​

　　Nalati Grassland (1100 km away)​

　　Nalati Grassland​

　　Not recommended. It’s a heavily commercialized place with little to offer besides its fame. The scenery along the way is better than inside the scenic area. All places in the Yili River Valley are grasslands, so there’s no need to go to Nalati Scenic Area. You can stay in Nalati Town.​

　　Bayinbuluke Grassland (1000 km away)​

　　Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River​

　　The main attraction in Bayinbuluke Scenic Area is watching the sunset at the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River, where you can see nine suns. As for Swan Lake, it’s a scam and not worth visiting. You can leave after seeing the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn River. There’s nothing else interesting.​

　　Karakul Grassland (960 km away)​

　　Karakul Human Body Grassland​

　　Karakul is highly recommended. This scenic area has been open for only a few years and the scenery is still relatively primitive. It is very large inside, so you need to set aside a whole day to visit the various small attractions within the scenic area, including Human Body Grassland, East and West Karakul, Crocodile Bay, and Koksu Grand Canyon.​

　　Qiongkushitai (1,030 km away)​

　　Qiongkushitai​

　　This is also a niche attraction with stunning scenery, like a hidden paradise. If you plan to visit Karakul, you can go here. It is very close to Karakul. The night sky is beautiful, as are the sunrises and sunsets. So, it is highly recommended.​

　　Zhaosu Xiata Scenic Area​

　　Xiata Scenic Area​

　　Xiata Scenic Area is a relatively niche destination. It features primitive scenery. The famous Xiate Ancient Road is located here. You can visit if you happen to pass by, without needing to make a special trip.​

　　Yizhao Highway​

　　Zhaosu​

　　Yizhao Highway is named after Duku Highway. It only allows vehicles with 5 seats or less to pass. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and steep roads. The scenery along the way is picturesque. It is also a must-visit road. Some people may regret the traffic restrictions, but it’s actually very convenient now. You can switch to a smaller car in Yining City.​

　　Duku Highway​

　　Duku Highway​

　　This is an internet-famous road and a must-visit. It is only accessible to vehicles with 7 seats or less. The road is steep and you can experience four seasons in a day. Wear short sleeves at the foot of the mountain and a cotton-padded jacket on the mountain. If you plan to take the Duku Highway, make sure the number of people does not exceed 6, or split into several cars if there are more people.​

　　Southern Xinjiang Attractions​

　　Bosten Lake (500 km away)​

　　Bosten Lake Golden Sand Beach​

　　A lake in the Gobi Desert with average scenery. You can visit if you happen to pass by.​

　　Lop Nur Village (600 km away)​

　　Lop Nur Village​

　　Lop Nur Village is where the Lop people moved after their water source dried up. However, there aren’t many Lop people left now. The desert and Populus euphratica scenery is quite nice. Those who like desert and Populus euphratica can visit. It was a must-visit last year.​

　　Tarim River Populus euphratica Forest (700 km away)​

　　Tarim River Populus euphratica Forest Park​

　　The world’s largest Populus euphratica forest. The autumn scenery in mid-to-late October is beautiful. The Populus euphratica forest stretches more than ten kilometers deep. The scenery of Populus euphratica is captivating and comes in various forms. It is a must-visit attraction in Southern Xinjiang. Populus euphratica grows in the Taklamakan Desert, accessible by driving along the Desert Highway. You can also experience the scenery of the world’s second-largest desert.​

　　Kuqa Mysterious Grand Canyon (860 km away)​

　　Mysterious Grand Canyon​

　　This canyon is entirely red and worth visiting. It rivals the XX Canyon in the United States. On the route, you can go directly from Bayinbuluke in Northern Xinjiang via the latter half of the Duku Highway. This will save a lot of travel distance.​

　　Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (1,000 km away)​

　　Dawakun Desert​

　　On the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, not much fun, not recommended.​

　　Karakul Lake (1,800 km away)​

　　Karakul Lake​

　　A must-visit attraction when going to Kashgar or the upper part of Taxkorgan County. The lake below Mount Muztagh, from which you can overlook the mountain.​

　　Hongqilapu Port​

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