The Northern Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary arrangements.?
Best Travel Time:?
Northern Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ in different regions. However, generally speaking, the golden period for visiting Northern Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers bloom, making it an excellent time to enjoy natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise and fruits ripen, making it the peak season for visiting scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang 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 Altai Mountains, it is known as "God’s Back Garden", with picturesque scenery throughout the year, especially in autumn. The Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) offer breathtaking views.?
Hemu Village: The original settlement of the Tuwa people, with wooden houses scattered in an orderly manner, set against a backdrop of golden forests and snowy mountains, forming a breathtaking rural landscape.?
Sayram Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", its crystal-clear waters make it an excellent spot for enjoying lake scenery.?
Baihaba Village: Known as "the most beautiful village in China", its pristine and tranquil scenery is truly captivating.?
Itinerary Arrangement:?
You can refer to the following six-day and five-night itinerary arrangement:?
Day 1: Land in Altay, pick up at the airport, and proceed to the hotel in the urban area to check in. Free time to adjust and relax.?
Day 2: Head to the "Lonely Tree" for a photo op and then arrive at Baihaba Village to experience its pristine and tranquil scenery.?
Day 3: Depart from Baihaba Village for Kanas, admire the scenic beauty of Kanas Lake, and climb up the Fish Viewing Tower to overlook the entire lake area.?
Day 4: Bid farewell to Kanas and head to Hemu Village, where you can stroll along the Hemu River and wait for the sunset to bathe the village in golden hues.?
Day 5: Wake up in the morning at Hemu Village and then embark on the return journey back to Altay City.?
In addition, you can also choose a seven-day and six-night itinerary departing from Urumqi, including attractions such as S21 Desert Highway, Colorful Beach, Kanas Lake, and Hemu Village.?
. Alternatively, you can take an eight-day luxury tour, connecting multiple famous attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kanas Lake, and Duku Highway.?
When packing your luggage, please note that you need to apply for a pass in advance for border scenic spots.?
. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Northern Xinjiang!?