Comprehensive Xinjiang Travel Guide?
Xinjiang, this vast land, attracts countless tourists with its unique natural scenery, rich ethnic culture, delicious cuisine, and profound historical heritage. Below is a comprehensive Xinjiang travel guide, hoping to provide useful reference for your trip to Xinjiang.?
I. Itinerary Planning?
Northern Xinjiang Route?
Urumqi: As the capital of Xinjiang, it is the starting point of the trip. You can visit Tianshan Tianchi Lake, Xinjiang Museum, Grand Bazaar, and other places to feel the multiculturalism of the city.?
Altay: Explore the mystery and depth of Kanas Lake, and admire the stunning scenery of Kanas’s Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay). Hemu Village resembles the fairy tale world of the Tuvans and is worth visiting.?
Ili: Known as the "Jiangnan (south of the Great Wall) beyond the Great Wall", Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, and Nalati Grassland are scenic spots that cannot be missed.?
Southern Xinjiang Route?
Aksu: Kizil Grottoes are one of the Four Great Grottoes in China, known for their exquisite murals and long history.?
Kashgar: Feel the rich Western Regions atmosphere, visit the Old Town of Kashgar, and it feels like being in Morocco in China.?
Taklamakan Desert: Experience the desolation and grandeur of the desert, and feel the magnificent workmanship of nature.?
Special Routes?
Duku Highway: A scenic highway connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, with picturesque scenery along the way, making it a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts.?
Pamir Plateau: Grasslands, canyons, lakes, and glaciers complement each other, creating scenery that is wallpaper-worthy in every frame.?
II. Highlights of the Tour?
Natural Scenery: Xinjiang’s natural landscapes are rich and diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to grasslands, lakes to deserts. Examples include the clear waters of Tianshan Tianchi Lake, the mysterious transformations of Kanas Lake, and the contrast between the blue waters of Sayram Lake and the snowy mountains and grasslands.?
Ethnic Culture: Xinjiang is an area where multiple ethnic groups live together, and their cultures blend together to form a unique cultural landscape. Experiences such as Uyghur dance, music, and handicrafts are cultural experiences that cannot be missed.?
Tempting Cuisine: Xinjiang’s cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors and rich variety. Dishes such as whole roasted sheep, hand-grabbed rice, mutton kebabs, and naan are must-tries for tourists.?
III. Travel Suggestions?
Best Travel Time: The tourist season in Xinjiang mainly focuses on summer and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is delightful. However, the best travel time may vary in different regions, so it needs to be arranged flexibly according to specific attractions and weather conditions.?
Transportation Methods: Xinjiang is vast, with distant distances between attractions. It is recommended to choose self-driving or chartered car tours for more flexible exploration of various attractions. At the same time, you can also consider taking tourist trains or airplanes as transportation options.?
Accommodation Choices: Xinjiang has well-equipped accommodation facilities, ranging from luxury hotels to budget inns. It is recommended to choose a suitable accommodation based on your budget and needs. Staying within or near scenic areas can better allow you to experience the local customs and natural landscapes.?
Safety Precautions: Xinjiang has a complex terrain and a changeable climate. During your trip, please pay attention to safety and abide by local regulations and customs. Especially in mountainous and desert areas, be aware of natural disasters and the risk of getting lost.?
I hope this pure travel guide to Xinjiang can add some excitement to your trip to Xinjiang!?