Xinjiang’s winter vacation travel guide mainly covers the following aspects:
I. Travel Time and Weather
During the winter vacation, which is from January to February, it is the coldest season in Xinjiang, with average temperatures ranging from -10°C to -30°C. However, there is heating indoors, making the temperature pleasant. It is warmer when the sun is out at noon, but the temperature drops rapidly after sunset. Therefore, it is important to stay warm.
II. Clothing Suggestions
Top wear: Fleece-lined base layer + sweater + down jacket
Bottom wear: Fleece-lined leggings + fleece-lined outer pants
Feet: Cashmere socks + high-top cotton boots (antislip)
Accessories: Hat + Scarf + Gloves
III. Modes of Transportation
Due to slippery roads in Xinjiang during winter and unfamiliar road conditions on some sections, self-driving poses certain risks. Therefore, joining a tour group or renting a car is a more time-saving and effortless way, suitable for tourists who don’t want to worry.
IV. Recommendations for Main Attractions
Altay:
Skiing: Altay is a paradise for skiing, with snowy slopes providing an excellent venue for skiers.
Hemu Ancient Village: Experience bonfire parties and feel the ‘ice and fire’ experience of temperatures below minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Ili:
Liuxing Street: With blue, green, orange, and purple courtyards scattered in an orderly manner, you can watch multi-ethnic accordion band performances and purchase ethnic handicrafts.
Sailimu Lake: Known as the ‘last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, it presents a mysterious icy blue fairyland in winter.
Kashgar:
Ancient city streets and alleys: The labyrinthine streets and alleys of the ancient city are perfect for taking a set of ethnic-themed photos.
Camel caravan patrols and float performances: During the Spring Festival, there are also wonderful camel caravan patrols and float performances in the ancient city.
Urumqi:
Grand Bazaar Pedestrian Street: It has a complete range of specialty handicrafts, clothing and hats, and delicious food.
Various parks, such as People’s Park and Hongshan Park, offer ice skating, snow play, and winter-themed ice lantern and snow sculpture exhibitions.
Other Recommendations:
Kanas: Winter Kanas is dressed in white, resembling a black-and-white ink painting.
White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake Scenic Area: The pure white sand and azure lake water form a stunning landscape.
V. Experience of Special Activities
Ice and snow activities such as skiing and horse-drawn sledging.
Watch performances by multi-ethnic accordion bands, purchase ethnic handicrafts, and experience folk customs.
Participate in social fire league matches, exhibitions, parade performances, and watch traditional folk performances such as dragon and lion dances, stilt walking, and yangko dances.
VI. Food Recommendations
Places like the Grand Bazaar Food Street, Hetian Second Street, and Consulate Alley are perfect for tasting Xinjiang cuisine and are popular among online influencers.
You can try Xinjiang’s specialty dishes such as hand-grabbed rice, mutton skewers, and roast whole lamb.
VII. Shopping and Check-ins
Shopping centers such as Shanshan Outlets and Shazhichuan Outlets in Urumqi have not only prepared a rich variety of New Year goods but also organized various cultural activities.
The ‘Basking in the Sunshine’ themed flower exhibition at the Botanical Garden is also a popular destination for strolling and checking in.
In summary, Xinjiang’s tourism activities during the winter vacation are diverse and colorful, offering visitors a wealth of memories whether they come to admire snow, go skiing, or experience folk customs.