Xinjiang travel guides mainly include information on the best travel time, must-visit attractions, transportation, accommodation, and dining.?
Best travel time:?
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times vary in different regions. Overall, May to October is the golden period for visiting Xinjiang. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili area are lush green, and wildflowers bloom competitively, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen, which is the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Backyard’, picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery of 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 Nadamu grand gathering held on the grassland by the lake every summer attracts countless tourists from outside Xinjiang.?
Tulgen Xinghua Valley: A globally renowned gathering place for primitive wild apricot forests. From early March to mid-April each year is the peak blooming season, making it a great place to admire flowers.?
Transportation:?
Xinjiang is vast, with distant distances between attractions. It is recommended to plan your transportation in advance. You can choose to travel by plane, train, or self-driving. In the Ili area, you can first fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, then transfer to Yining Airport, or take a direct train from Urumqi to Yining. If you choose to self-drive, remember to learn about road conditions in advance and prioritize safety.?
Accommodation:?
There are diverse accommodation options in Xinjiang, ranging from high-end hotels to budget homestays. During the peak tourist season, hotel and homestay prices generally increase, so it is recommended to book in advance. Hotels or homestays in the urban area of Yining are convenient for transportation, shopping, and dining, while accommodations near Xinghua Valley or around Sayram Lake offer closer access to natural scenery.?
Dining:?
Xinjiang boasts rich cuisine, but the prices are not low. A regular portion of mixed noodles costs around 20-30 yuan, and a portion of big plate chicken is about 80-150 yuan. If you taste local specialties like roast whole sheep or hand-grabbed meat, the cost will be higher. Coupled with tasting various specialty snacks and fruits, dining expenses cannot be overlooked. It is recommended to set aside a certain dining budget each day.?
In addition, when traveling to Xinjiang, please note that a pass and other pre-travel information need to be handled in advance for border scenic areas.?
. When planning your itinerary, you can choose suitable attractions and routes according to your interests and time to enjoy an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang.?