The best time to travel to Xinjiang is from May to October, and the best routes include the Kanas Loop, Yili Loop, Kaiyi Loop, Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop, and Grand Southern Xinjiang Loop.
Xinjiang has a vast territory, rich in natural landscapes and cultural customs. The best travel times vary in different regions, but overall, May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. During this time, Xinjiang’s grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, and other natural landscapes all present their most beautiful states. At the same time, the climate is also relatively suitable for tourists to engage in outdoor activities.
In terms of specific routes, the Kanas Loop is one of the most classic travel routes in Xinjiang, mainly visiting the Altay region, including attractions such as Kanas, Hemu Village, Koktokay, and魔鬼城 (Ghost Town). The best travel time is from September to October.
The Yili Loop mainly explores the Yili River Valley surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, including scenic areas such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Xiata. It is suitable for travel from May to August.
The Kaiyi Loop is a combination of the Kanas Loop and Yili Loop, allowing tourists to visit the attractions of both routes. It is the most essential natural scenery travel route in northern Xinjiang, suitable for travel from May to October.
In addition, the Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop and the Grand Southern Xinjiang Loop are also popular travel routes in Xinjiang. The Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop takes a self-driving tour of the entire northern Xinjiang, focusing on scenic views, and is suitable for travel from May to November.
The Grand Southern Xinjiang Loop mainly passes through the Taklamakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, and other places, focusing on experiencing cultural customs. The best travel seasons are September to November and March to May.
Tourists can choose their own suitable travel routes according to their time and interests, to experience the magnificent scenery and unique charm of Xinjiang.