The Northern Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and detailed itinerary planning.
I. Best Travel Time
Xinjiang has a vast territory, and the best travel time for the Northern route is mainly from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers bloom competitively, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise and fruits ripen, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers
II. Must-visit Attractions
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is captivating. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake, or walk along the栈道 by the lake to feel the tranquility of nature
Hemu Village: A small village full of primitive charm, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests. In autumn, the golden birch forest is particularly enchanting
Colorful Beach: Famous for its unique Yardang landform and rich colors, it is a great place to take sunset photos
World Devil City: A unique scenic area of wind-eroded landforms. The strangely shaped rocks appear particularly mysterious under the setting sun
III. Detailed Itinerary Planning
Below is an example of an 8-day itinerary for the Northern Xinjiang route:
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi, visit the International Bazaar, Hongshan Park, and other attractions
Day 2: From Urumqi to Karamay, visit Devil City
Day 3: Head to Colorful Beach, and then arrive at Kanas
Day 4: Kanas one-day tour, visit Kanas Lake, Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay), and other scenic spots
Day 5: From Kanas to Hemu, visit Hemu Bridge, Birch Forest, and other attractions
Day 6: Depart from Hemu, head to Wuerhe Devil City to watch the sunset, and then proceed to Karamay
Day 7: Depart from Karamay, visit Sayram Lake, and then head to Jinghe
Day 8: Depart from Jinghe, pass through the National Defense Highway, visit the Anjihai Grand Canyon, and finally return to Urumqi
This itinerary is for reference only. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, pay attention to weather changes and road conditions to ensure the safety and smoothness of the itinerary.