The travel guide for Xinjiang from northern to southern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel times, must-visit attractions, and recommended routes.
Best Travel Time:
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ in different regions. But overall, from May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers bloom in competition, while the ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen, marking the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu. From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a charming golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.
Must-Visit Attractions:
Northern Xinjiang:
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 Platform to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake, and also take a walk along the lakeside栈道 (boardwalk).
Hemu Village: A small village filled with primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. The morning mist, distant snow-capped mountains, and grasslands form a picturesque scene like a poem or painting.
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’. The lake water is azure, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, perfect for self-driving and camping.
Nalati Grassland: Located in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, it boasts vast grasslands, dense forests, and majestic snow-capped mountains, where you can experience the folk culture of the Kazakhs.
Southern Xinjiang:
Kashgar Old Town: China’s only maze-like urban neighborhood featuring Islamic culture. The buildings within the old town are full of rich Uyghur style, and walking through the ancient streets and alleys feels like a time travel back to the ancient Western Regions.
Recommended Route:
The circuit trip from northern Xinjiang to southern Xinjiang will take you to places like Urumqi, Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Burqin, Kanas, Hemu, Colorful Beach,乌尔禾魔鬼城 (Ghost Town of Wuerhe), Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Lavender Manor, Yining City, Nalati Grassland, and more, before entering southern Xinjiang via the Duku Highway to visit Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Hotan, and other places, finally returning to Urumqi.
If you have enough time, you can also consider the Great North-South Circuit Route starting from Urumqi, which spans 4,800 kilometers and allows you to deeply experience the natural scenery and cultural customs of Xinjiang.
During the trip, please pay attention to sunscreen and warmth, and prepare medicines for altitude sickness. Meanwhile, due to the large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang, it is recommended to bring more clothes. Additionally, before self-driving in Xinjiang, make sure to maintain your vehicle and prepare some common tools and spare parts.