The self-guided tour strategy for Xinjiang mainly includes aspects such as the best travel times, must-visit attractions, recommended routes, and culinary experiences.?
I. Best Travel Times?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ by region. But overall, May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers bloom in competition, making it an excellent opportunity to appreciate natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen abundantly, marking the peak season for visiting Northern Xinjiang scenic spots 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, among which the Kanas scenic area is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. It boasts mountains, lakes, forests, and picturesque scenery throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn, where the scenery is superb. Additionally, there are also natural landscapes such as Sayram Lake and Tianshan Tianchi, as well as grassland scenery such as the Karajun Human-shaped Grassland in Ili and Bayinbrook Grassland, all worth visiting.?
III. Recommended Routes?
The free-and-easy travel routes in Xinjiang can be selected based on personal preferences and schedules. A classic Northern Xinjiang loop route is: Urumqi – Urho Devil’s City – Burqin – Kanas – Hemu – Karamay – Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Guozi Gorge – Nalati – returning to Urumqi via the Duku Highway. This route basically covers the main attractions of Northern Xinjiang.?
Alternatively, you can also choose some short-distance travel routes, such as the Urumqi-Shanshan-Turpan route to experience desert scenery and Uyghur customs; or the Urumqi-Shihezi-Tianshan Tianchi route to visit the Junken Museum and Tianshan Tianchi scenic spots.?
IV. Culinary Experiences?
The culinary delights of Xinjiang are also a major highlight and should not be missed. In Urumqi, you can taste authentic roast meat (mutton kebabs), whole roast sheep, pilaf, and other delicacies; in Turpan, you can enjoy desert-roasted eggs and local seasonal fruits. Additionally, there are also specialty dishes such as the yogurt zongzi and roast buns from Loulan Secret Roast, all worth trying.?
In summary, the self-guided tour strategy for Xinjiang covers various aspects such as the best travel times, must-visit attractions, recommended routes, and culinary experiences, and I hope it can provide assistance for your trip to Xinjiang.?