Xinjiang self-guided tour travel guides mainly include aspects such as the best travel time, must-visit attractions, budget planning, and itinerary suggestions.?
I. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. But overall, from May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush green, with wildflowers blooming in competition, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen one after another, making it the peak season for visiting Northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with the trees in Kanas turning golden yellow, and the poplar forest also presenting a charming golden color, making it a paradise for photographers.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
Xinjiang has many must-visit attractions, among which Kanas Scenic Area is known as the ‘God’s Backyard’, picturesque throughout the seasons, especially in autumn, when the scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb; Tianshan Tianchi is praised as the ‘Fairyland on Earth’, with a magnificent atmosphere; in addition, Sayram Lake, Hemu Village, Kanerjing in Turpan, etc., are also attractions not to be missed.?
III. Budget Planning?
Xinjiang is vast, with distant distances between attractions, resulting in relatively high transportation costs. Whether choosing to travel by plane, train, or renting a car for self-driving, it will require a considerable expense. In terms of accommodation, during the peak tourist season, hotel and homestay prices in Xinjiang generally increase. Regarding dining, Xinjiang cuisine is abundant, but prices are not low. Considering transportation, accommodation, dining, as well as possible ticket and entertainment expenses, it is recommended to set aside a sufficient daily budget when traveling in Xinjiang to ensure a more comfortable travel experience.?
IV. Itinerary Suggestions?
Below is a six-day self-guided tour itinerary suggestion:?
DAY 1: Urumqi, taste Xinjiang cuisine;?
DAY 2: Urumqi – Shanshan – Turpan, visit the Desert Park and experience Uyghur culture;?
DAY 3: Turpan – Kanerjing – Urumqi, visit Kanerjing and experience a Uyghur home visit;?
DAY 4: Urumqi – Shihezi – Urumqi, visit the Junken Museum;?
DAY 5: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi, visit Tianshan Tianchi;?
DAY 6: Choose to visit other attractions in Northern Xinjiang or Southern Xinjiang according to personal interest.?
When preparing for a self-guided tour in Xinjiang, it is also necessary to pay attention to the preparation of personal documents (such as ID cards, driver’s licenses, etc.), as well as bringing commonly used items and clothing. Additionally, since some border scenic spots in Xinjiang require a pass to be obtained in advance, it is necessary to plan the itinerary ahead of time.?