The practical travel strategy for Xinjiang is as follows:
Best Travel Time
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. However, generally speaking, May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang.
May to June: The grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers are in full bloom, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery.
July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen, making it a good time to enjoy local cuisine. At the same time, it is also the peak season for visiting Kanas, Hemu, and other northern Xinjiang scenic areas, where the scenery is breathtaking but there are relatively more tourists.
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with the trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a迷人的 golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.
Must-visit Attractions
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Backyard’. It features mountains, lakes, and forests, and is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn when the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) offer breathtaking scenery.
Travel Tips
Budget planning: Xinjiang is vast, and the distance between attractions is far, resulting in relatively high transportation costs. Coupled with accommodation, dining, and possible ticket and entertainment expenses, it is recommended to set aside a budget of more than 1000 yuan per day for a more comfortable travel experience.
Comprehensive protection: Xinjiang has a typical temperate continental arid climate with large diurnal temperature variation, low annual precipitation, long sunshine duration, and strong UV radiation. No matter what season you visit, be prepared with warm clothing and sunscreen products.
Essential items: ID card is a must, as it will be checked in many places. In addition, bring skincare products, cosmetics, daily toiletries, chargers, power banks, comfortable shoes, etc.
Recommended Route
5-day itinerary of Yili: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Qingshuihe – Qiongkushitai – Bagua City – Tekes – Nalati Grassland – Kuerdening – Kazanqi Folk Village – Yining – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Urumqi
8-day tour of Kanas + Yili: Urumqi – S201 Desert Highway – Wulungu Lake – Colorful Beach – Burqin – Hemu Village – Kanas Lake – Jiadenyu – Wuerhe Devil’s City – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Qingshuihe – Qiongkushitai – Nalati – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery – Urumqi
The above strategy is for reference only, and the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. Wish you a pleasant trip in Xinjiang!