Semi-self-guided tours in Xinjiang are a tourism method that combines the advantages of free-and-easy and group tours, retaining the flexibility of free-and-easy tours while enjoying some of the services and conveniences of group tours. Here are detailed answers about semi-self-guided tours in Xinjiang:?
Choice of Travel Methods:?
If you have four or more people traveling together and at least three of them can drive, self-driving is a good choice, as it won’t be too tiring and the costs can be reasonably shared.?
For solo or duo travelers, it is recommended to choose a small, pure-play tour group, generally with a maximum of 6 people. This semi-free-and-easy way of traveling offers high comfort.?
Another semi-self-guided option is a chartered car tour, where a driver and local guide will take you to visit scenic spots, provide accommodation, scenic spot tickets, and chartered car services, allowing you to relax comfortably in the car.?
Modes of Transportation:?
Airplanes are the recommended mode of transportation, especially direct flights to Urumqi, from where it is convenient to depart for other scenic spots. Moreover, you can keep an eye out for discounted tickets, which are quite cost-effective.?
Although trains are relatively inexpensive, they take a long time, requiring several dozen hours to reach the destination. Therefore, they are generally not recommended.?
Preparations Before Departure:?
Essential items include ID cards, cash (some places have weak signals, making electronic payments inconvenient), power banks (it is recommended to bring two), sunscreen products (such as sunglasses, hats, high-SPF sunscreen, etc.), and clothing suitable for Xinjiang’s large diurnal temperature variation (such as a 3-in-1 jacket, etc.).?
Other recommended items to bring include toiletries, raincoats, vacuum flasks, and commonly used medications.?
Recommended Scenic Spots:?
Tianshan Tianchi: Take the cable car directly to the top of the mountain to enjoy spectacular views. It is recommended to allocate at least 3 hours to fully appreciate it.?
Kanas: Enter the scenic area early to enjoy a full day of in-depth exploration. First visit Kanas Lake, then proceed to the Fish Viewing Platform.?
Colorful Beach: The soft light in the evening is a good opportunity for taking photos. Heading straight to the lighthouse can result in beautiful photos.?
Sayram Lake: With its expansive lake surface and blooming flower fields, the hydrophilic beach and Pine Tree Hill are worth spending more time at.?
Travel Time and Seasons:?
Spring (April-June) is the flower season in Xinjiang, with pleasant temperatures, making it a good time to visit most scenic spots.?
Summer (July-August) in Xinjiang is warm and dry, making it suitable for escaping the heat in places like plateaus and grasslands.?
Autumn (September-November) in Xinjiang features colorful scenery and is the peak season for tourism.?
Winter (December-February) is suitable for tourists who love snowy landscapes and skiing, especially in the Altay region.?
Precautions:?
Xinjiang is not suitable for budget travelers, and you should avoid being deceived by low-priced tour groups.?
The unit of measurement in Xinjiang is kilograms, so please pay attention when shopping.?
Do not easily trust so-called travel partners or hitchhikers to avoid encountering uncertain factors.?
For valuable items such as Hetian jade, tourists who are not familiar with the industry should be cautious when purchasing to avoid being cheated.?
Through the above content, you can have a comprehensive understanding of semi-self-guided tours in Xinjiang. I hope this information can help you plan a pleasant trip to Xinjiang.?