The best time to visit Xinjiang mainly depends on the scenery and activities you want to experience. The following are recommended travel times based on the seasonal characteristics of Xinjiang:?
1. Spring (March to May)?
Advantage: The apricot blossoms and other flowers in southern Xinjiang begin to bloom, such as the wild apricot blossoms in Turpan and Shanshan. The grasslands are also starting to regain vitality, showing a tender green scenery.?
. At this time, the lavender in Yili and the wildflowers at the foot of Mount Tianshan are also in full bloom, creating a pleasant scenery.?
Disadvantage: In spring, Xinjiang is windy with frequent cold waves, and there are many days with gale force winds and blowing dust.?
2. Summer (June to August)?
Advantage: It is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang with pleasant weather, suitable for visiting most attractions. The grasslands in northern Xinjiang are lush and the flower fields are vast, such as the lavender in the Yili region entering its peak bloom in mid-June.?
. It is also a good time to taste the melons and fruits of Xinjiang, such as cantaloupes and grapes.?
Disadvantage: There are many tourists, so accommodations and tickets need to be booked in advance. In some areas, the ultraviolet rays are strong, so sunscreen measures should be taken.?
3. Autumn (September to October)?
Advantage: It is the harvest season in Xinjiang with sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. The melons and fruits are still sweet. Autumn in Kanas is recognized as having the most beautiful autumn scenery in China, and the Populus euphratica forests in southern Xinjiang also take on the colors of autumn, such as the Lop Nor Populus euphratica Forest and the Zepu Populus euphratica Forest.?
Disadvantage: These two months are also the busiest tourist season in Xinjiang, and correspondingly, prices and scenic area tickets increase.?
4. Winter (November to February of the following year)?
Advantage: Xinjiang turns into a snowy winter wonderland, especially Kanas and Hemu in northern Xinjiang, which have beautiful snowscapes and glaciers. It is a great time for skiing and experiencing ice and snow activities.?
. It is also the off-season for tourism at this time, with low prices. Some scenic area tickets are discounted, and some can even be viewed for free.?
Disadvantage: The temperature is extremely cold, and many places have closed mountains and roads. At the same time, many attractions are also closed.?
In summary, the golden period to visit Xinjiang is from May to October, especially during the autumn months of September to October when the weather and scenery in Xinjiang are at their best. However, if you are interested in winter snowscapes and ice and snow activities, you can also choose to visit in winter. No matter when you travel to Xinjiang, you will gain a unique travel experience.?