The Xinjiang travel guide for July-August mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary recommendations.?
Xinjiang is vast in territory, and July to August is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. At this time, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen, making it a great season to taste local delicacies. At the same time, it is also the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu, where the scenery is breathtaking but there are relatively more tourists.?
As for must-visit attractions, Kanas Scenic Area is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. It has mountains, lakes, and forests, picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn. However, in July-August, the scenery here is equally charming, making it a great place to escape the summer heat. Additionally, attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grasslands, Yizhao Highway, and Guozigou Bridge are also not to be missed. Sayram Lake is known as the ‘Blue Tears Forgotten by the Atlantic Ocean’, captivating with its beauty; Nalati Grasslands rival Switzerland with their lush greenery; Yizhao Highway attracts many self-driving enthusiasts with its combination of excitement and scenery.?
In terms of itinerary recommendations, you can choose the Ili Grand Ring Road or the Kayi Ring Road. The Ili Grand Ring Road travels along the Tianshan Mountains, passing through the grasslands, snow-capped mountains, gorges, rivers, and glacier zones of the Ili River Valley. The attractions are densely distributed, offering a concentrated display of scenic highlights. The Kayi Ring Road is a combination of the Ili Ring Road and the Kanas Ring Road, allowing you to tour both Ili and Kanas scenic areas. Both routes will let you fully experience Xinjiang’s natural scenery and folk customs in July-August.?
Specifically, you can arrange the following itinerary: Start by flying to Urumqi on the first day; spend the next few days exploring the Northern Xinjiang Grand Ring Road, from the golden hues of Koktokay to the verdant greens of Kanas, enjoying a visual feast; afterward, head to Flaming Mountain and Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains to experience the magic of ice and fire; finally, end your journey with full memories.?
During your trip, remember to taste Xinjiang’s cuisine, such as mutton skewers, hand-grabbed rice, naan, and more. These are all not-to-be-missed specialty dishes of Xinjiang. At the same time, also pay attention to sunscreen and hydration, as Xinjiang has strong UV rays and a dry climate.?
Hope this Xinjiang travel guide for July-August can help you plan an unforgettable trip!?