Xinjiang’s local travel guide mainly includes information on the best travel times, must-visit attractions, travel preparations, and transportation options.?
Best travel times?
May to October: This is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang.?
May to June: The grasslands in the Yili region are lush and green, with wildflowers blooming in competition. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery.?
July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen. It is the peak season for visiting scenic spots in northern Xinjiang such as Kanas and Hemu, with breathtaking scenery, but there are relatively more tourists.?
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is colorful. The trees in Kanas turn golden, and the Populus euphratica forests also display a charming golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit attractions?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. It is picturesque throughout the seasons, especially the autumn scenery at the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) which is superbly beautiful.?
Nalati Grassland: One of the four major grasslands in the world, with magnificent scenery that makes people feel refreshed.?
Kashgar Old Town: Once the filming location for ‘The Kite Runner’, it is full of humanistic charm and ancient beauty.?
Duku Highway: You can experience four seasons in a single day, with completely different scenery every ten miles.?
Travel preparations?
Documents: An ID card is a must as many places require inspections, and for border scenic spots, you need to apply for a pass in advance.?
Living essentials: Bring skincare products, cosmetics, sunscreen, and daily toiletries.?
Electronic devices: Don’t forget to bring chargers, power banks, headphones, selfie sticks, and cameras.?
Clothing: Due to potential large temperature differences, prepare both thin and thick clothing. Additionally, choose comfortable shoes since you will often need to walk long distances.?
Others: Remember to bring motion sickness medication, mosquito repellent, masks, umbrellas, and a small amount of cash.?
Transportation options?
Train: You can depart from Urumqi Railway Station.?
Airplane: You can fly to various places from Urumqi Airport.?
Chartered car: Offers higher freedom. If your economic conditions permit, it is strongly recommended to travel by chartered car.?
Carpooling/Group tours: Economical and secure, you can choose local pure-play tours.?
Self-driving: Remember to set your navigation route. If you are not familiar with the road conditions, there are many winding mountain roads, which will test your driving skills.?
Xinjiang attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery, rich historical culture, and unique folk customs. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Xinjiang.?