The travel guide for northern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and recommended routes.?
Best Travel Time:?
The best travel time for northern Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers are in bloom, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise and fruits are ripe, which is the peak season to visit attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees in Kanas and poplar forests displaying a charming golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit Attractions:?
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is enchanting. You can climb up the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake as a whole, and also walk along the lakeside plank road to feel the tranquility of nature.?
Hemu Village: A small village filled with primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. The morning chimney smoke, distant snow-capped mountains, and grasslands form a picturesque view like a poem.?
Sayram Lake: The largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. The lake water is azure, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains. It is an excellent experience to drive around the lake and admire the picturesque scenery.?
Recommended Route:?
You can choose to tour the Ili Loop or Kanas + Ili Loop. The Ili Loop offers beautiful scenery such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, and Nalati Grassland; while the Kanas + Ili Loop allows you to visit Kanas, Hemu Village, and attractions in the Ili region simultaneously. The specific route can be adjusted according to time and interest, but it usually includes the aforementioned must-visit attractions.?
In addition, when preparing luggage and before departure, note that a pass needs to be obtained in advance for border scenic areas to avoid a wasted trip.?
. During the tour, you can also taste local delicacies such as roast whole sheep and mutton eaten with hands, experiencing the folk culture of the Kazak people.?