The comprehensive self-guided travel guide for Xinjiang mainly includes key points such as the best travel times, must-visit attractions, preparations before traveling, and transportation options.?
I. Best Travel Times?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ in different regions. But overall, 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 competitively, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
There are numerous must-visit attractions in Xinjiang, such as Kanas Scenic Area, known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’, which is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn; Nalati Grassland, one of the four major grasslands in the world, with magnificent scenery; Jongkushitai, a picturesque village surrounded by mountains and water; Kashgar Old Town, full of humanistic charm and once the filming location for ‘The Kite Runner’, etc.?
III. Preparations Before Traveling?
Before traveling, tourists need to prepare identification documents such as ID cards, as well as skincare products, cosmetics, sunscreen, daily toiletries, and other living essentials. Additionally, they should bring chargers, power banks, headphones, selfie sticks, cameras, and other electronic devices. Due to potential large temperature differences in Xinjiang, it is necessary to prepare both thin and thick clothing, and choose comfortable shoes. Other items such as motion sickness medication, insect repellent, masks, umbrellas, and a small amount of cash should also be prepared.?
IV. Transportation Options?
Xinjiang is vast, with great distances between attractions, so transportation options are particularly important. Tourists can choose to travel to Xinjiang by train, airplane, chartered car, carpooling/group travel, or self-driving. Trains and airplanes are more convenient transportation options, but the costs are relatively high; chartered cars offer greater freedom, but the fees are also the highest; carpooling/group travel is economical and secure; and self-driving requires familiarity with road conditions and driving skills.?
In addition, Xinjiang boasts rich cuisine but the prices are not low, so tourists need to reserve sufficient catering expenses during the trip. Meanwhile, the prices of hotels and B&Bs in Xinjiang will generally increase during the peak tourist season, so tourists need to make budget plans in advance.?
In summary, the comprehensive self-guided travel guide for Xinjiang requires tourists to visit during the best travel times, explore the must-visit attractions, make preparations before traveling, and choose suitable transportation options. I hope this guide can help you have a pleasant travel experience in Xinjiang.?