The comprehensive travel guide for Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary planning suggestions.?
I. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang has a vast territory, and the best travel times vary in different regions. But overall, the golden period for visiting Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers bloom in competition, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise throughout Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees in Kanas and poplar forests presenting a charming golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Backyard’. Here, there are mountains, lakes, and forests, picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery of the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. By climbing up the Fish Viewing Platform, you can overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake as a whole.?
Hemu Village: A breathtakingly beautiful village surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests, known as the ‘Photographer’s Paradise’. In winter, the cooking smoke rises from Hemu, and the snowy landscape is picturesque, with every photo taken being a masterpiece.?
Baihaba Village: This border village is known as the ‘Most Beautiful Village in China’ for its primitive and serene scenery. Here, you can experience the perfect combination of snowscapes and wooden houses.?
III. Itinerary Planning Suggestions?
Taking Altay as an example, a six-day, five-night itinerary can be arranged like this:?
Day 1: Land in Altay, and after being picked up, be directly taken to the hotel in the downtown area to check in. You can stroll around the small streets of Altay City to experience the authentic local customs.?
Day 2: Leave Altay City and head to the Lonely Tree for a check-in, then arrive at Baihaba Village.?
Day 3: Depart from Baihaba and head to Kanas, enjoying the snowfields and forests along the way.?
Day 4: Head to Hemu Village to experience the breathtaking beauty of the village surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests.?
Day 5: Return from Hemu to Altay City. After arriving in the evening, you can stroll around the local night market or taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine.?
Day 6: Return trip from Altay?
In addition, when traveling to Xinjiang, please note that a pass needs to be obtained in advance for border scenic areas to avoid making a vain trip.?
The above guide is for reference only, and the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. Wish you a pleasant trip in Xinjiang!?