There are many great destinations for weekend trips in Xinjiang. Here are some recommended attractions:
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, it is known as a ‘Fairyland on Earth’ and is one of the most beautiful lakes in China. There are mysterious legends of lake monsters, as well as quaint Tuvan villages such as Hemu Village and Baihaba Village. You can enjoy the emerald-green lake water and surrounding mountains, which are like a dreamlike painting.
Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area: Known as the ‘Jade Pool of the Western Queen Mother’, it is located in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture. Tianchi is a crescent-shaped alpine lake at an altitude of 1910 meters, surrounded by Bogda Peaks. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the lake or take a boat tour to appreciate the beautiful lake and mountain scenery, feeling the tranquility and grandeur of nature.
Sayram Lake: Anciently known as the ‘Pure Sea’, it is located in the Northern Tianshan Mountains within Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. Sayram Lake is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, with the reputation of being the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. The lake surface is vast and the lake water is azure and clear, seamlessly connecting with the blue sky, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape of water and sky merging into one, which is a paradise for photographers.
Naвати Scenic Area: Located in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains and at the eastern end of the Ili River Valley. As one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China, the Naвати Scenic Area is famous for its magnificent aerial grasslands. Visitors can enjoy the vast grasslands, forests, rivers, and other natural landscapes, and also experience the folk customs of the Kazakhs, feeling the vastness and freedom of nature.
Bayanbulak Grassland: Located in the northwest of Jing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, it is known as the ‘Hometown of Swans’. Here, the shimmering lakes and vast grasslands complement each other, making it an excellent place for photography and relaxation. Especially the Nine-Bend and Eighteen-Turn landscape of the Kaitun River is famous far and wide. At sunset, the afterglow shines on the grassland, forming a dreamlike oil painting with rich colors.
In addition, there are also the Duku Highway, Taklamakan Desert, Flaming Mountain, Urumqi’s International Bazaar, Hongshan Park, Xinjiang Folk Street, etc., which are also great destinations for weekend trips in Xinjiang.
. These attractions each have their own unique characteristics, whether natural scenery or cultural landscapes, all can make tourists reluctant to leave.