When traveling to Xinjiang, June and September each have their unique charm, and which one is better depends mainly on personal travel preferences.
In June, Xinjiang is in the midst of summer with relatively hot weather, but this is also the season when Xinjiang’s fruits are the most abundant, with fresh哈密瓜 (Hami melons) and grapes hitting the market, allowing tourists to indulge in the delicious taste of ‘fragrant fruits and melons.’ In addition, the grasslands of Xinjiang in June are lush and covered with blooming flower fields, especially the lavender fields in the Yili region, which are so beautiful that they captivate people’s hearts, making it an excellent choice for photography and flower appreciation enthusiasts.
The Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway are also open for traffic at this time, making it feel like being in a Studio Ghibli fairy tale world.
In September, Xinjiang enters autumn with sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. This season in Xinjiang, with its colorful autumn hues, is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Especially in places like Kanas and Hemu Village in Northern Xinjiang, the golden birch forests, emerald lakes, and distant snow-capped mountains form a series of beautiful paintings. Additionally, the Populus euphratica forests in Southern Xinjiang are also a stunning autumn attraction, with the千年不腐 (thousand-year-old and decay-resistant) Populus euphratica forests swaying gracefully in the autumn winds, offering a unique charm.
In summary, both June and September are good times to visit Xinjiang, but each has its unique landscapes and experiences. If you prefer the feast of flower fields and grasslands, as well as tasting fresh fruits, then June may be more suitable; whereas if you are more partial to the splendid autumn colors and the joy of photography, then September is a choice not to be missed.