Visiting Xinjiang in July and August is an excellent choice. The weather in Xinjiang is sunny and the scenery is pleasant at this time, with abundant tourism resources and activities. Here are some recommended scenic spots and travel tips:
Recommended Scenic Spots
Duku Highway: This highway is famous for its amazing landscape where "you can experience four seasons in a day and different weather in every ten li", making it a highlight of tourism in Xinjiang.
Kanas: Known as "China’s Most Beautiful Lake", "Fairyland on Earth", and "God’s Garden", its scenery is captivating and unforgettable.
Naвати Grassland: As one of the four major grasslands in the world, its scenery even surpasses that of Switzerland, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists.
Sayram Lake: Known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", its lakeside scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.
Yizhao Highway: This highway is known as the "Little Duku", crossing mountains and grasslands, making it both steep and beautiful.
In addition, there are many scenic spots worth visiting, such as Karakjun Grassland, Xiata Ancient Road, Kuerdining Scenic Area, Guozigou Bridge, and Qiongkushitai.
Travel Tips
Clothing Preparation: Due to the large diurnal temperature variation in Xinjiang, it is recommended to bring clothing for all four seasons, including light-colored long dresses, halter dresses, denim skirts, hats, sunglasses, thermal underwear, thick outerwear (such as a rain jacket), sun protective face masks, and sun protective gloves.
Itinerary Planning: July and August are the peak tourist seasons in Xinjiang with heavy visitor flow. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and consider traveling off-peak or entering scenic areas at 9 or 10 AM to avoid peak hours.
Food Experience: Xinjiang offers a diverse range of delicious food, but please note that the spiciness in Xinjiang may be quite strong, so try it cautiously.
Shopping and Specialties: In Urumqi, you can go to Jinquan Market to buy local specialties, and for food, Hetian Erjie Street and Lingguan Alley are recommended.
Recommended Routes
Ili Grand Loop: This route travels along the Tianshan Mountains, passing through the grasslands, snow-capped mountains, gorges, rivers, and glacial zones of the Ili River Valley, allowing you to experience the most beautiful landscapes in Xinjiang.
Kayi Loop: This is a combination of the Ili Loop and the Kanas Loop, allowing you to tour both Ili and Kanas scenic areas simultaneously.
Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop: In addition to Ili and Kanas, it also passes through Turpan, the "Hometown of Fruits and Melons", making the scenery even more abundant.
In general, Xinjiang is rich in tourism resources in July and August, whether it is natural scenery or cultural landscapes, both of which are fascinating and unforgettable. I hope the above recommendations and tips can help you plan a memorable trip to Xinjiang.