The summer travel guide to Xinjiang mainly includes key points such as the best travel time, must-visit attractions, budget planning, accommodation, and transportation suggestions.?
Best Travel Time:?
Xinjiang is vast, and summer (July to August) is a popular time to visit. During this period, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and vegetables ripen, making it a great time to savor local cuisine. It is also the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu, where the scenery is breathtaking but relatively crowded with tourists.?
Must-Visit Attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, it is known as the "God’s Backyard". With mountains, lakes, and forests, it is picturesque throughout the year, especially in autumn when the scenery is superb. By climbing up the Fish Viewing Terrace, you can overlook the beauty of the entire scenic area.?
Sayram Lake: One of the rare beautiful lakes in Xinjiang, with azure and transparent water surrounded by mountains, it is a paradise for photographers.?
Xiata National Forest Park: Glaciers, grasslands, and forests make it a paradise for hikers.?
Budget Planning:?
Xinjiang is vast, with distant distances between attractions, resulting in relatively high transportation costs. At the same time, expenses such as accommodation, dining, and tickets should not be overlooked. Therefore, it is recommended to set aside enough budget each day for a more comfortable travel experience.?
Accommodation and Transportation Suggestions:?
Accommodation: During peak seasons, accommodation in many popular scenic areas in Xinjiang is very tight, especially for high-quality lodging. It is essential to book in advance, such as the wooden cabins around scenic areas like Kanas and Hemu, as well as hotels in cities like Urumqi.?
Transportation: Xinjiang is vast, and it often takes a long time to travel from one attraction to another. Therefore, self-driving is a good choice, but attention should be paid to road conditions and driving safety. Meanwhile, some popular scenic roads such as Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway are only accessible to vehicles with 7 seats or fewer.?
Furthermore, Xinjiang’s weather is changeable, and there is a large temperature difference between day and night. No matter which season you visit, bring enough warm clothing and pay attention to sun protection and hydration.?
When visiting scenic areas, it is advisable to check the opening hours and ticket reservation situation in advance to avoid delaying your itinerary.?
In summary, planning a summer trip to Xinjiang requires comprehensive consideration of various aspects such as the best travel time, must-visit attractions, budget planning, accommodation, transportation suggestions, and more, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.?