The in-depth travel guide to Northern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary arrangements.
Best Travel Time:
Northern Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. However, overall, May to October is the golden period for visiting Northern Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers bloom, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen, making it the peak season for visiting scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers.
Must-Visit Attractions:
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as "God’s Backyard". With mountains, lakes, and forests, it is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn when the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) offer superb scenery. Climbing up to the Fish Viewing Terrace offers a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Sayram Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", the lake water is clear and the sky is dyed blue by Sayram Lake, making it an excellent spot for photo opportunities.
Nalati Grassland: Meaning "a place with sunshine", the sea of flowers in June is intoxicating. You can ride a horse or drive into the scenic area.
Colorful Beach: With its unique Yadan landform, under the afterglow of the sunset, the two banks of the river are different – the south bank is lush with trees, while the north bank is adorned with colorful rocks, creating a breathtaking scene.
Duku Highway: This highway connects snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and other landscapes, and is known as "China’s Most Beautiful Highway", making it a top choice for self-driving enthusiasts.
Itinerary Arrangement:
Below is a 7-day itinerary example for an in-depth tour of Northern Xinjiang:
Day1: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Colorful Beach – Burqin. Depart from Urumqi in the morning and embark on the fantastical S21 Desert Highway, enjoying the unique landscape of the desert intertwined with the highway. Arrive at Colorful Beach in the evening to admire the unique Yadan landform. Stay in Burqin at night and taste the local grilled fish.
Day2: Burqin – Kanas. After breakfast, head to Kanas, stroll by Kanas Lake, and admire its emerald-green waters. Stay in a log cabin within the Kanas scenic area at night.
Day3: Kanas – Hike the Three Bays – Hemu. Get up early to enjoy the morning fog at Shenxian Bay, then hike along the plank road through the Three Bays. In the afternoon, head to Hemu Village, stay in a log cabin, and admire the primitive Tujia village.
Day4: Hemu – Jiadenyu – Burqin. After continuing to play in Hemu Village, head to Jiadenyu and then return to Burqin to rest.
Day5: Burqin -乌尔禾Devil’s City – Kuitun. Visit the unique landform of乌尔禾Devil’s City and then head to Kuitun.
Day6: Kuitun – Duku Highway – Nalati Grassland. Drive along the Duku Highway, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and soak in the Nalati Grassland upon arrival.
Day7: Nalati – Yining. Depart from Nalati and return to Yining to end the pleasant trip to Northern Xinjiang.
The above guide is for reference only. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, please pay attention to safety and respect local customs and habits.