Xinjiang Travel Guide?
Xinjiang, this vast land located in the northwest border of China, attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery, rich historical culture, and unique folk customs. Below is a detailed Xinjiang travel guide to help you better plan your trip.?
1. Best Travel Time?
May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang.?
May to June: The grasslands in the Ili region are lush and green, with wildflowers blooming in competition. The ice and snow on Sayram Lake begin to melt, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy natural scenery.?
July to August: Temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen, making it a good time to taste local delicacies. At the same time, it is also the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu.?
September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with the trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a charming golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers.?
2. Budget Planning?
Xinjiang is vast, and the distances between attractions are far, so transportation costs are relatively high.?
In terms of accommodation, during the peak travel season, hotel and homestay prices in Xinjiang generally increase.?
In terms of dining, Xinjiang cuisine is abundant but not cheap.?
Considering transportation, accommodation, dining, and possible tickets, entertainment, and other expenses, it is recommended to set aside a budget of more than 1000 yuan per day for a more comfortable travel experience.?
3. Must-Visit Attractions?
Kanas Scenic Area?
Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the "Garden of God".?
With mountains, lakes, and forests, it is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn when the scenery at the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb.?
Sayram Lake?
Located in the Ili Autonomous Prefecture, it is azure and serene. The annual Nadamu grand gathering held on the grassland by the lake attracts countless tourists every summer.?
Keketohai?
It consists of four parts: the Irtysh Grand Canyon, Kekusu Lake, Yileimute Lake, and the Karaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone.?
Rich in natural scenery, it is suitable for hikers and photography enthusiasts.?
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon?
Located in the Kuqa area, it exudes a desolate atmosphere that is thrilling.?
You can experience the ancient history of the ancient Kingdom of Qiuci.?
Kashgar Old Town?
As a strategic hub on the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar Old Town is distinctive in architecture and culture.?
4. Food Recommendations?
Loulan Secret Grill: Delicacies such as yogurt zongzi, grilled buns, fake kidneys, small grilled meat, and pilaf are not to be missed.?
Hotan Rose Pilaf: High-quality pilaf with free mutton soup, offering excellent value for money.?
Bloody Battle Large Tray Chicken: A time-honored restaurant in Urumqi, known for its generous portions and delicious large tray chicken.?
5. Travel Tips?
Understand history and respect traditions: Xinjiang is an important passage on the ancient Silk Road, where Chinese and Western cultures blend and collide. Respecting local cultural traditions is the primary prerequisite for starting a trip to Xinjiang.?
Cultural diversity, follow local customs: Xinjiang’s cultural connotation is rich and diverse. When visiting mosques, follow the corresponding religious etiquette. Meanwhile, each ethnic group has its own unique festivals and customs.?
Geographical differences, be prepared: Xinjiang is vast in territory with great geographical differences. Bring a full range of clothing, including equipment that can prevent sunburn and keep warm, which is essential.?
Respect local customs and avoid taboos: Each ethnic group has its own taboos, which is an important manifestation of respecting the local people.?
I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Xinjiang and enjoy the unique charm of this mysterious and beautiful land.?