Visiting Xinjiang in December allows you to experience the snow-covered scenery of Northern Xinjiang, but be sure to take precautions against the cold and plan your itinerary well.
1. Recommended Attractions
Hemu Village: Observation Deck, Sunset Observation Deck, enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Urho: World魔鬼城, a masterpiece of nature.
Kanas: Wolong Bay, Moon Bay Observation Deck, Fish Viewing Platform, Shenxian Bay, a paradise for photographers.
Habahe County: Baihaba Village, Sino-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon, experience exotic flavors.
Urumqi City: Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum, to understand Xinjiang’s history and culture.
Aksu Prefecture: The Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, the Duolang River Landscape Belt, etc., experience the masterpieces of nature and the tranquil beauty of the city.
2. Clothing Guide
In December, Xinjiang’s temperatures are low, with daily averages potentially dropping to -6°C or even lower. Therefore, warmth is key. It is recommended to wear down jackets weighing over 200 grams, as well as other warm clothing such as wool sweaters and fleece-lined jackets.
Choose non-slip and warm snow boots or outdoor boots for footwear.
Hats, scarves, gloves, etc., are also indispensable warmth accessories, especially hats that cover the ears and ski gloves.
3. Must-have Items
Knee warmer patches: Essential for skiing if you have injured knees.
Snacks: Such as chocolate, for energy replenishment.
Thermal flask: Having a sip of hot water after taking photos is very refreshing.
Sunscreen and sunglasses: Xinjiang’s sunshine is still very strong, so UV protection is necessary.
Moisturizing cream, lip balm, body lotion: Xinjiang’s climate is dry, so it’s necessary to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Itinerary Planning (Taking a 5-day tour as an example)
D1: Urumqi-Koktokay-Erqis Grand Canyon-God’s Bell Mountain
D2: Koktokay-Colorful Beach-Ahe Highway-Hemu
D3: Kanas Lake-Three Bays-Tuwa People’s Homestead-Qibaluoyi
D4: Qibaluoyi-World魔鬼城-Primitive Populus euphratica Forest-Urho
D5: Urho-Duku Highway-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi
Of course, you can also choose other routes based on your schedule and preferences, such as the Kanas-Hemu 7-day tour.
5. Precautions
There are many mountain roads in Xinjiang, and winter road conditions are complex. Be sure to prioritize safety when driving yourself.
If this is your first trip to Xinjiang, it is recommended to join a tour group with experienced guides for a more reassuring experience.
Xinjiang’s climate is dry and cold, so be sure to take precautions against the cold and maintain skin moisture and hydration.