One cannot help but marvel at Xinjiang as a place where human culture and scenic beauty converge, with majestic canyons and steep mountains, not only rich in natural tourism resources
The following article will introduce in detail whether one should go to Southern Xinjiang or Northern Xinjiang for the first time when traveling to Xinjiang.
Differences between Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang
The differences between Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang are mainly experienced in scenery, human geography, and history and culture.
Tourism in Northern Xinjiang focuses on natural scenery, emphasizing visual enjoyment through the eyes; tourism in Southern Xinjiang focuses on history and human geography, emphasizing spiritual insight and shocking experiences.
Generally speaking, young people prefer to see scenery, while middle-aged and elderly people are more interested in culture. Therefore, when traveling to Xinjiang, most young people will choose Northern Xinjiang, while elderly people who love human geography, history, and culture mostly choose Southern Xinjiang.
Two tourist routes in Northern Xinjiang
1. Ili Route: A route rich in scenic and tourist resources in Xinjiang; including Sayram Lake, Tulgen apricot blossoms (April), Ili Huocheng Lavender Base (June), Kazanqi in Yining, Khorgos, Kuldning in Gongliu, one million mu of rapeseed flowers in Zhaosu, Tekes Eight Trigrams City, Karakun Grassland, Nileke Tangbula, and Nalati in Xinyuan, etc. Then, follow the Duku Highway to the Devil’s City in Karamay, and return to Urumqi.
2. Altay Route: This is the second richest area for tourism resources in Xinjiang; from Burqin Kanas, Hemu, to Baihaba, Colorful Beach, and then to Koktokay in Wensu, Altay.
Northern Xinjiang: Must-visit Attractions
1. Sayram Lake: Best Travel Time: From June to early August. Wildflowers scattered around the lake, freely grazing cattle and sheep on the hillsides, and the elegant, mirror-like lake surface constitute a picturesque view of Sayram Lake.
2. Kanas + Hemu: During the golden autumn season in Kanas, the colorful forests and the dazzling lake surface are breathtaking. Stay in Hemu at night. The sunset scenery, morning sunrise, mist in the light, and the red sun on the horizon in Hemu are breathtakingly beautiful.
3. Duku Highway: There are two self-driving highways in China, one is the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway in Tibet, and the other is the Duku Highway in Xinjiang. Due to weather conditions, the Duku Highway is usually open from early June to around October each year, with only four months of traffic.
Cliffs, snowy mountains, grassland lakes, cattle and sheep, blue skies and white clouds, winding roads stretching endlessly. Among travelers’ recommendations, the Duku Highway is a scenic route in Xinjiang that surpasses the Yizhao Highway (Yining to Zhaosu).
4. Tekes Eight Trigrams City: Ride the Ferris wheel to see the panoramic view of Tekes Eight Trigrams City, which is visually stunning and soul-stirring.
5. Karajun Grassland is the second most popular attraction in Yili. There are many activities to enjoy, such as sightseeing buses, boats, cable cars, and horse riding.
Scenic Spots in Southern Xinjiang
One of the scenic spots worth visiting in southern Xinjiang is Bayinbuluke Grassland. The grasslands I have visited include: Tagong Grassland, Maoya Grassland, and Ruoergai Grassland.
It is even better than the Karajun Grassland mentioned earlier, especially Swan Lake and Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn River. After seeing the beautiful scenery here, other places may seem less impressive.
Bayinbuluke Grassland is at an altitude of 2500 meters, and the best time to visit is from June to September. The grass starts to turn yellow in October, losing the vibrant charm of a jade-green grassland. During the summer vacation period, rooms here are almost fully booked, so try to book in advance.
Southern Xinjiang is rich in human landscapes with geographical and historical significance, and can be said to be full of culture everywhere. Especially the Kashgar Old Town, which is full of historical and cultural sense.
If you want to understand Xinjiang’s past culture, the Xinjiang Museum in Urumqi is a good choice. The geographical history of ancient Western Regions can help you understand Xinjiang’s past and feel the profoundness of Xinjiang culture through the museum.
Xinjiang Cuisine
The cuisine in both northern and southern Xinjiang is delicious and abundant. Be sure to visit local people’s homes or restaurants run by locals. Large Tray Chicken, hand-grabbed rice, mixed noodles, grilled mutton skewers, baked buns, yogurt, ice cream, baked naan, and more, as well as grapes, Hami melons, Korla fragrant pears, Aksu walnuts, Ruoqiang dates, etc., make your mouth water just thinking about them.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456