The most beautiful tourist destinations in Xinjiang include multiple scenic spots such as Kanas Scenic Area, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, Sayram Lake, Narati Scenic Area, and Bayanbulak Grassland. Here are detailed introductions to these scenic spots:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, it is known as a ‘Fairyland on Earth’. Kanas Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in China, with picturesque scenery and emerald-green water surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks, resembling a dreamlike painting. Additionally, Hemu Village is also a highlight of this scenic area. As a settlement of the Tuvans, it is quaint and peaceful, with wooden houses scattered in an orderly manner. In the early morning or evening, smoke rises from chimneys, resembling a haven of tranquility.?
Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area: Also known as ‘Queen Mother of the West’s Yaochi’, it is located in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and is an alpine lake in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake water is clear and green, with beautiful scenery. Visitors can walk along the lake to admire the beauty of Bogda Peak, or take a boat to enjoy the lake’s scenery and surrounding mountains. It is not only a landmark attraction in Xinjiang but also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.?
Sayram Lake: Located in Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic’. The vast lake surface, with its clear and blue water seamlessly connecting with the blue sky, forms a stunning landscape where the water and sky meet. It is also a paradise for photographers, as sunrise, sunset, and starry skies can all produce breathtaking photos here.?
Narati Scenic Area: Located in Xinyuan County at the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, it is one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China. Here, there are beautiful airy grasslands and vast grassland scenery, with grasslands, snow-capped mountains, forests, and streams intertwining in a breathtaking view. Visitors can ride horses, picnic, and take photos on the grassland, feeling the vastness and freedom of nature.?
Bayanbulak Grassland: Located in the northwest of Jing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, it is known as the ‘Hometown of Swans’. Here, the shimmering lakes and vast grasslands complement each other, making it an excellent spot for photography and relaxation. In particular, the nine-bend and eighteen-turn scenery of the Kaidu River is renowned. At sunset, the afterglow spills onto the grassland, creating a dreamlike oil painting with strong colors.?
Moreover, Xinjiang has numerous scenic spots worth visiting, such as the Duku Highway, Kashgar Old Town, International Grand Bazaar, Keketohai Scenic Area, and Panlong Ancient Road. The Duku Highway connects northern and southern Xinjiang, offering views of grasslands, snow-capped mountains, forests, and canyons along the way, earning it the title of ‘China’s Most Beautiful Highway’; Kashgar Old Town is filled with a strong exotic atmosphere; and the International Grand Bazaar is a great place to experience Xinjiang’s folk culture.?
In general, Xinjiang boasts rich and diverse tourism resources, with both natural scenery and cultural landscapes that are truly captivating and make visitors reluctant to leave.?