The detailed travel guide for northern Xinjiang includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and recommended itineraries.?
Best travel time:?
The best travel time for northern Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush, and wildflowers are in full bloom. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to enjoy the natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise, and fruits and vegetables ripen. It is the peak season for visiting scenic spots such as Kanas and Hemu, but there are relatively more tourists. From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a mesmerizing golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, known as the ‘God’s Backyard’. It has mountains, lakes, and forests, and is picturesque throughout the four seasons. Especially in autumn, the scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. Climbing up the Fish Viewing Platform allows you to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake.?
Hemu Village: A small village full of primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. The morning mist and the distant snow-capped mountains and grasslands form a picturesque landscape. Here, you can experience traditional Tuwa culture.?
Sayram Lake: The largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’. The lake water is blue, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Driving along the lakeside allows you to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery.?
Wucai Beach: Unique Yadan landforms. 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 colorful with rocks, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.?
Recommended itinerary:?
Seven-day tour:?
D1: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Wucai Beach – Burqin?
D2: Burqin – Kanas?
D3: Kanas – Hike the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay) – Hemu?
D4: Hemu – Wuerhe?
D5: Wuerhe – Devil’s City – Shuanghe/Bole?
D6: Shuanghe/Bole – Tour around Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Xinyuan?
D7: Xinyuan – Nalati Aerial Grassland – Return to Urumqi?
Ten-day tour:?
D1-D2: Travel to Urumqi and cross the S21 Desert Highway to Burqin?
D3: Visit Hemu Village?
D4: Head to Kanas?
D5: Traverse the Grassland Stone City and visit the Bayimuzha Grassland?
D6: Visit the Xiaobaiyang Post and Accordion Museum?
D7: Tour the Sayram Lake and pass by the Guozigou Bridge?
D8: Visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland?
D9: Return to Urumqi via the northern section of the Duku Highway and S101 National Defense Highway?
D10: End of the trip?
The above itinerary covers the main attractions and features of northern Xinjiang, but the specific schedule needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, please pay attention to safety and respect local customs and habits.?