Xinjiang has a vast territory and is divided into Northern and Southern Xinjiang. So, when traveling to Xinjiang, should you go to Southern or Northern Xinjiang? Many people are puzzled. It should be noted that Xinjiang covers an extremely large area. If you only have a few dozen days of vacation, it is obviously unrealistic to visit both Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Therefore, as a native of Xinjiang, let me tell you how to explore this great land of Xinjiang!
The Foothills of Mount Tianshan in Xinjiang
The area north of Mount Tianshan is called Northern Xinjiang, and the area south of it is called Southern Xinjiang. Although Northern and Southern Xinjiang are in the same geographical area of Xinjiang, there are quite significant differences in both geography and climate. However, if you want to pursue historical and cultural value, Southern Xinjiang is the appropriate place. If you want to experience Xinjiang’s customs and enjoy the beauty of the grasslands, then Northern Xinjiang will be the preferred region.
Ancient Relics in Southern Xinjiang
The four prefectures in the southern foothills of Mount Tianshan in southern Xinjiang include major scenic spots such as the daunting Taklamakan Desert, the mysterious ancient city of Loulan, the Flaming Mountains in Turpan, Grape Valley, Tarim Pendi, the magnificent Kunlun Mountains, and the hinterland of the Eurasian continent—a series of national-level precious scenic spots. Over thousands of years of historical evolution, they have been distributed one by one on this mysterious land in southern Xinjiang.
Beautiful Sceneries in Xinjiang
After introducing southern Xinjiang’s culture, let’s take a look at the enchanting scenery of northern Xinjiang. If southern Xinjiang is famous for its deserts, then the grasslands of northern Xinjiang are intoxicating. Northern Xinjiang’s climatic conditions are relatively much better than those of southern Xinjiang. However, there are too many beautiful sceneries in northern Xinjiang to mention here one by one!
Today, the main focus is on the little Jiangnan (a region in southern China known for its picturesque scenery) beyond the Great Wall in the Yili region of Northern Xinjiang. Due to its suitable climatic conditions, Yili often attracts a large number of tourists. In particular, its two 5A-level scenic spots, the Nalati Grassland and the Karajun Grassland, are especially famous.
A corner of the Nalati Grassland
The Nalati Grassland is located in Xinyuan County, covering an area of 1,800 square kilometers. The Nalati Grassland is not as flat as traditional grasslands. From afar, one can see undulating hillsides intertwined with valleys and forests. Looking out into the distance, there are no obstructions, and the entire grassland landscape stretches out beneath one’s feet.
Karajun Grassland
The Karajun Grassland is located in Tekes County, Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Ili. The grassland covers an area of 2,848 square kilometers. The soil here is fertile, and the forage is lush. There are up to a hundred types of high-quality forage across the region, and thousands of nomadic people live on the grassland.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456