The travel guide for Northern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and recommended routes.?
Best Travel Time:?
From May to October is the golden period to visit Northern Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili area are lush and wildflowers bloom in competition. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent time to enjoy the natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen successively. It is the peak season to visit Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang. The scenery is breathtaking, but there are relatively more tourists. From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang seems like nature has overturned a palette, colorful and a paradise for photographers?
Must-visit Attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is called the "God’s Backyard". There are mountains, lakes, and forests here, picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. Climbing up the Fish Viewing Platform, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake?
Sayram Lake: Located in the Ili Autonomous Prefecture, the lake water is blue and silent. The annual Nadamu grand gathering held on the grassland by the lake in summer attracts countless tourists from outside Xinjiang?
Koktokay: The scenic area consists of four parts: the Irtysh Grand Canyon, Koksu River, Yilemute Lake, and Karaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone. Here you can enjoy the natural scenery of the canyon headwaters, marsh wetlands, extremely cold lakes, and peculiar earthquake fault zones?
Recommended Route:?
Ili-style Circuit 7 Days: Starting from Urumqi, visiting Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Nalati Grassland, and other attractions, finally returning to Urumqi?
Kanas + Ili Circuit 9 Days: This route covers Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and many other famous attractions in Northern Xinjiang. It is an excellent choice for an in-depth exploration of Northern Xinjiang?
10-day Northern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route: Starting from Urumqi, crossing the S21 Desert Highway, visiting Kanas, Hemu, the Devil’s City, Sayram Lake, Nalati Aerial Grassland, and other attractions, finally returning to Urumqi to end the journey?
The above strategy is for reference only, and the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time arrangements. During the trip, pay attention to protecting the environment, respect local customs and habits, and ensure a pleasant and safe journey.?