The Northern Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and recommended routes:
I. Best Travel Time
Overall, from May to October is the prime time to visit Northern Xinjiang.
From May to June: The grasslands in the Yili area are lush and wildflowers are blooming. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to enjoy natural scenery.
From July to August: As temperatures rise and fruits ripen, it is the peak season to visit Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic areas, but there will be relatively more tourists.
From September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a charming golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.
II. Must-visit Attractions
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is charming. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the beauty of the entire Kanas Lake, or walk along the栈道 along the lakeside to feel the tranquility of nature.
Colorful Beach: With unique Yardang landforms, under the afterglow of the sunset, the north and south banks of the river are different. The south bank is lush with green trees, while the north bank is colorful with rocks, creating a breathtaking scene.
Sayram Lake: The azure lake and surrounding snow-capped mountains complement each other, making it an excellent place to enjoy natural scenery.
III. Recommended Routes
7 days and 6 nights tour: Starting from Urumqi, via S21 Desert Highway, Colorful Beach to Burqin, then heading to Kanas, hiking through the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay), and finally arriving at Hemu Village. This route allows you to fully experience the natural scenery and original villages of Northern Xinjiang.
Yili Loop 7 days: Starting from Urumqi, passing through Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Sayram Lake, Fruit Valley Bridge, and other places, finally returning to Urumqi. This route covers multiple famous scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang, suitable for tourists who like in-depth tours.
Kanas + Yili Loop 9 days: Starting from Urumqi, passing through Colorful Beach, Kanas, Hemu, and other places, then through Devil City, Sayram Lake, Nalati Aerial Grassland, and other places, finally returning to Urumqi. This route is relatively comprehensive, allowing you to experience the natural scenery and cultural customs of Northern Xinjiang.
During your trip, please pay attention to safety, respect local customs and habits, and protect the natural environment. Wish you a pleasant journey!