Xinjiang Travel Guide?
Xinjiang, this vast land located in the northwest border of China, attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery, rich historical culture, and unique folk customs. Here is a detailed Xinjiang travel guide to help you better plan your itinerary.?
I. Best Travel Time?
Xinjiang has a vast territory, and the best travel times vary in different regions. Generally speaking, from May to October is the golden period to visit Xinjiang.?
From May to June: At this time, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and green, wildflowers are blooming in competition, and the ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, creating a delightful contrast between the lake water and the snow-capped mountains. It is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the natural scenery.?
From July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen one after another, making it a great time to savor local delicacies. At the same time, it is also the peak season to visit scenic spots in northern Xinjiang such as Kanas and Hemu, where the scenery is breathtaking but relatively crowded with tourists.?
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is like a painter’s palette turned upside down by nature, colorful and vibrant. The trees in Kanas turn golden, and the poplar forest also displays a mesmerizing golden color, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Sayram Lake: The largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as the?
Hemu Village: Located near Kanas Scenic Area, it is a village inhabited by Tuwa people. The houses here are built with logs and blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment, making it feel like a fairy tale world.?
Nalati Grassland: One of the four major valley grasslands in the world, with flat terrain and abundant water and grass, it is a great place to experience Kazak folk customs and engage in grassland activities such as horse riding and archery.?
III. Food Recommendations?
Xinjiang has a wide variety of delicious foods with strong regional characteristics, which are definitely worth trying.?
Grilled Mutton Kebabs: A signature dish of Xinjiang, with tender meat, slightly spicy flavor, and not greasy or smelly.?
Big Plate Chicken: Shawan County is the most famous for it, with delicious flavor and ample portions, and the broth can also be used to mix with noodles.?
Hand-Grabbed Rice: Nutritious, with plain and meat-topped versions available, you can choose according to your taste preferences.?
Nang: One of the staple foods of Xinjiang people, it is crispy outside and tender inside, easy to carry, and an ideal food for travel.?
IV. Travel Tips?
Document Preparation: An ID card is a must, as it is checked in many places. If you are self-driving, you will also need a driver’s license, as well as a Home Return Permit or passport (depending on nationality and destination requirements).?
Clothing Preparation: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, so you should bring outerwear and other warm clothing. At the same time, you should also prepare comfortable shoes because walking is often required.?
Sunscreen Products: Many areas in Xinjiang have strong ultraviolet rays, so you should prepare sufficient and effective sunscreen products, such as sun hats, sunglasses, scarves, lip balm, sunscreen lotion, etc.?
Commonly Used Medications: The climate in Xinjiang varies greatly, and it may be difficult to adapt to it at first. It is recommended to carry some commonly used medications, such as band-aids, cold medicine, or medication for stomach discomfort.?
V. Recommended Travel Routes?
Here is a classic Xinjiang travel route for your reference:?
Urumqi: As the capital of Xinjiang, it is the starting and ending point of the trip. You can visit the International Bazaar to experience the folk customs of Xinjiang.?
Yili Loop Route: Starting from Urumqi, passing through Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and other places, finally returning to Urumqi. This route allows you to fully experience the natural scenery and folk customs of Xinjiang.?
I hope this Xinjiang travel guide can help you better plan your itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!?