July and August are the best times to travel to Xinjiang. The weather is pleasant, and the scenery is charming. There are many must-visit attractions and routes worth recommending.
Must-visit Attractions
Duku Highway: Experience the four seasons in a single day and the amazing landscape of different weather in every ten li, making it a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts.
Kanas: Known as "the Most Beautiful Lake in China", it is a fairyland on earth, a garden of gods, and its beauty is captivating.
Nalati Grassland: One of the four major grasslands in the world, it is more beautiful than Switzerland, with grassland scenery that is intoxicating.
Sayram Lake: Called the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", it boasts clear lake water and picturesque scenery.
Yizhao Highway: Known as the "Little Duku", it crosses mountains and grasslands, being both steep and beautiful.
Karajun Grassland: The most beautiful 3D grassland, as if you are in a fairyland.
Guozigou Bridge: A must-visit place to enter Yili, serving as the first station to unfold a beautiful landscape painting.
Qiongkushitai: A historically and culturally famous village in China, featuring log cabins hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, full of primitive charm.
Recommended Routes
Yili Grand Ring Road: Circling along the Tianshan Mountains, it traverses the grasslands, snow-capped mountains, valleys, rivers, and glacial zones of the Yili River Valley, with密集 scenic spots and concentrated beauty.
Kayi Ring Road: Combining the two major scenic areas of Yili and Kanas, it allows you to experience the beauty of different styles at the same time.
Northern Xinjiang Grand Ring Road: Besides Yili and Kanas, it also passes through fruit-growing areas like Turpan, offering rich landscapes with distinctive Yadan features of the Western Regions.
Travel Tips
Plan your itinerary in advance and book accommodations, preferably those that allow free cancellation before check-in on the same day.
When renting a car, you don’t need to insist on an SUV; an ordinary SUV can meet most needs, but choose a large platform and purchase full insurance.
Prepare clothing according to weather changes, such as thick leggings, convertible jackets with liners, sun protection clothing, etc.
Prepare necessary items such as ID cards, sunglasses, hats, disposable underwear/bedsheets/socks/raincoats, power banks, sunscreen, etc.
In July and August, Xinjiang is a place where both natural and cultural landscapes captivate visitors, making them reluctant to leave. I hope this travel guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip.