Traveling to Xinjiang in early July is an excellent choice. The weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful, especially the natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang and the unique culture of Southern Xinjiang, which are definitely worth exploring.?
I. Recommended Travel Routes?
Classic Route of Northern Xinjiang (7-8 days)?
Urumqi: Visit Tianshan Grand Canyon to experience the local customs, and also visit the Urumqi Museum, Hongshan, and more.?
Changji: Visit Tianshan Heavenly Lake to admire the beauty of the lake and snow-capped mountains.?
Altay: Head to Kanas Lake and Hemu Village to experience the beauty of primitive forests and grasslands. In July, Kanas Lake presents a verdant green landscape, with green birch forests and morning mist hovering, resembling a picturesque scene.?
Ili: Visit Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, and Nalati Grassland. In July, Nalati Grassland is lush with green grass and blooming flowers, making it a paradise for horse riding, grazing, and picnicking.?
A Circuit Around the Tianshan Mountains (10-12 days)?
Besides covering the classic attractions of Northern Xinjiang, you can also venture into Southern Xinjiang to experience Uyghur culture, such as the Old Town of Kashgar and Id Kah Mosque.?
Bosten Lake in Korla is also a must-visit attraction. In July, the lake surface glimmers, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding desert scenery.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
Tianshan Heavenly Lake?
Known as the ‘Fairyland on Earth’, the lake water is emerald green and clear, surrounded by mountains, making it an ideal place to escape the summer heat.?
Kanas Lake?
One of the most beautiful alpine lakes in China, the lake water exhibits different colors due to seasonal and weather changes, surrounded by dense primitive forests and magnificent snow-capped mountains.?
Nalati Grassland?
Located in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, it is known as the ‘Eastern Switzerland’. With vast and lush grasslands, it is a holy land for photographers.?
Sayram Lake?
With breathtaking lakes and mountains, Xinjiang is a famous summer resort.?
III. Travel Tips?
Clothing Preparation?
In early July, the weather in Xinjiang is relatively hot, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to bring more short-sleeved T-shirts and lightweight pants, and also prepare a windbreaker to cope with the low temperatures in mountainous areas.?
Transportation Options?
Xinjiang is a vast region with considerable distances between attractions. It is recommended to plan your itinerary and transportation in advance. If you choose to drive, pay attention to road conditions and driving safety; if you choose public transportation, you can inquire about schedules and ticket prices in advance.?
Accommodation Reservation?
Early July is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang, and accommodation resources are relatively tight. It is recommended to book hotels or homestays in advance to ensure a smooth itinerary.?
In summary, traveling to Xinjiang in early July allows you to appreciate the natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang and the unique culture of Southern Xinjiang. It is recommended to choose the classic route of Northern Xinjiang or a circuit around the Tianshan Mountains for your tour, and don’t miss out on the must-visit attractions such as Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Sayram Lake. During your trip, pay attention to issues such as clothing preparation, transportation options, and accommodation reservations to ensure a smooth itinerary.?