The best strategy for visiting Xinjiang includes choosing the appropriate travel time, planning must-visit attractions, and trying local specialty foods.
I. Best Travel Time
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. But overall, from May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush, and wildflowers bloom in competition, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, Xinjiang’s autumn is colorful, with the trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a charming golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the "God’s Backyard". Here, there are mountains, lakes, and forests, picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn when the scenery of the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is absolutely stunning.
Kunlun Mountain Scenic Area: Kunlun Mountain stretches across the earth, standing proudly with its magnificent and snow-covered圣洁 appearance, making it a popular destination for check-ins.
Sayram Lake: Located in Yili Autonomous Prefecture, it is azure and silent. The Nadamu Festival held on the grassland by the lake every summer attracts countless tourists from outside Xinjiang.
Tianshan Heavenly Lake: Known as the "Fairy Lake on Earth", it is magnificent and one of the famous attractions in Xinjiang.
In addition, there are many scenic spots worth visiting, such as the Hemu Valley, Naren Grassland, Koktokay, the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, and Kashgar Old Town.
III. Special Cuisine
In Xinjiang, you can taste authentic grilled meat (mutton skewers), whole roasted sheep, pilaf, lagmen, and other delicacies. Urumqi is the hub of Xinjiang cuisine, where you can start a true gourmet feast.
IV. Itinerary Planning
You can choose classic routes such as the 10-day Grand Loop in Northern Xinjiang, which covers over 90% of the popular attractions in Northern Xinjiang, such as Sayram Lake, Jongkushitai, Duku Highway, etc., allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of Yili Grassland, Hemu Kanas, and other scenic spots.
The above guide is for reference only, and the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. When traveling in Xinjiang, you also need to pay attention to the local climate and folk customs to better immerse yourself in this mysterious and beautiful land.