Visiting Xinjiang after December allows you to experience unique winter scenery and rich cultural activities. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Must-Visit Attractions Recommendations?
Sayram Lake: In winter, Sayram Lake showcases stunning scenes of blue ice, making you feel like you’re in Iceland or Lake Baikal. It’s an excellent place for photography and scenery appreciation.?
Hemu Village: The primitive forest here contrasts beautifully with the wooden cabins. Activities such as boiling tea around a snow house, playing snowball fights, and creating ice by pouring water are very entertaining. You can also encounter stunning sunrises and morning mist.?
Kanas Lake: Its mysterious natural landscape is breathtaking, especially in winter. Scenic spots such as Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay are all worth visiting.?
Baihaba: As the ‘First Village in the Northwest’, the scenery here is picturesque and a paradise for photographers. You can also visit the ‘Lonely Tree’ to take unique life photos.?
II. Essential Travel Checklist?
Documents and cash: An ID card is a must for travel, and it is also recommended to carry some cash for unexpected needs.?
Warm clothing: Xinjiang’s winter temperatures are low, so you need to prepare warm clothing such as 3-in-1 jackets, down jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves.?
Moisturizing products: Xinjiang’s climate is dry, so remember to bring moisturizing masks, serums, body lotions, and other hydrating products.?
Other items: Power banks, cameras, headphones, U-shaped pillows, and other essentials are also indispensable for travel.?
III. Food Recommendations?
Mutton Soup: Xinjiang’s mutton soup has a rich flavor, making it a great choice for warming your stomach in winter.?
Spicy Chicken with Pepper and Numbing Sauce: It’s spicy and fragrant, perfect for winter.?
Big Plate Chicken: It’s hearty and delicious, one of Xinjiang’s specialty dishes.?
IV. Itinerary Suggestions?
You can choose between a package tour or a self-guided tour. A package tour can save you the trouble of planning your route while enjoying the convenience and fun of a group.?
Self-guided tours are more flexible and free, allowing you to arrange your itinerary based on your interests and time.?
Below is a simple itinerary example:?
D1: After arriving in Urumqi, stroll around the urban area first to feel the unique charm of this city.?
D2: Urumqi – Cross the S21 Desert Highway – Ulungur Lake – Stay in Burqin, enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way.?
D3: Burqin – Kanas – Stay in Hemu Village, starting your dreamy journey in Hemu.?
D4: Spend a day in Hemu Village, enjoying the natural scenery and folk customs to your heart’s content.?
D5: Hemu – Baihaba – Explore the Devil City – Arrive in Karamay to feel the magical power of nature.?
D6: Karamay – Sayram Lake, enjoy the stunning scenery of blue ice.?
D7: Activities around Sayram Lake or return to Urumqi to end your pleasant journey.?
V. Precautions?
Keep warm: Xinjiang has low temperatures in winter, so make sure to bring enough warm clothing and pay attention to keeping your hands and feet warm.?
Safety: Pay attention to safety during the trip, abide by scenic area regulations, and do not enter dangerous areas without permission.?
Respect local culture: Xinjiang is a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, so respect the local culture and customs.?
I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!?