The best months to visit Northern Xinjiang are from May to October, especially from June to August. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Best Travel Time?
From May to June: At this time, the grasslands in Northern Xinjiang start to turn green, and wildflowers compete to bloom. It is an excellent opportunity to appreciate natural scenery. For example, the grasslands and Sayram Lake in Yili are very enchanting.?
From July to August: The temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits and melons ripen one after another. It is a good time to taste local delicacies. At the same time, it is also the peak season for visiting scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang such as Kanas and Hemu, with breathtaking scenery but relatively more tourists.?
From September to October: Autumn in Xinjiang seems like nature has overturned its palette, with a riot of colors. The trees in Kanas turn golden, making it a paradise for photographers.?
In addition, from mid-to-late September to early October, the autumn scenery along Altay is also extremely enchanting.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
Kanas Scenic Area: Known as the "God’s Back Garden", it has mountains, lakes, and forests. It is picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn, with superb scenery.?
Hemu Village: A village under the sunshine, with cows and sheep grazing leisurely, horses taking a stroll, and puppies playing. It is full of rural charm.?
Koktokay: It has snowy mountains, rivers, and dense forests. It is cool even in summer and is a popular summer resort.?
Nalati Grassland: It has air grasslands, river valley grasslands, and the ancient Wusun Road. The grassland scenery is enchanting.?
III. Travel Tips?
The weather in June is very changeable. Be sure to check the weather forecast before departure to avoid affecting the photo-taking effect.?
If you choose to stay within the scenic area, try to pack light as much as possible, because the road conditions in most scenic areas are not good, and it is difficult to drag luggage.?
The climate in Xinjiang is dry, which can easily cause nosebleeds. If possible, bring a small humidifier with you.?
It is recommended to take the shuttle bus down the mountain in Kanas. The shuttle bus is basically full when going up the mountain, and it will waste a lot of time if you try to get on it again.?
In summary, the best time to visit Northern Xinjiang is from May to October. Tourists can choose the appropriate month to visit according to their own schedules and interests. During the trip, pay attention to weather changes and scenic area regulations to ensure a pleasant journey.?