Traveling in Xinjiang in December is a unique winter experience. Here are some recommendations:?
Recommended Attractions?
Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area: It’s like being in a dreamy snow country with a silver coat of snow. You can experience fun activities like skating on the natural ice rink.?
Koktokay Scenic Area: Snow exhibits endless charm in the Koktokay Scenic Area. Winter Koktokay is like a exquisite ice and snow painting scroll.?
Kanas Scenic Area: The snowy scenery of Kanas is breathtaking, mysterious, and magnificent. Winter Kanas resembles an ink wash landscape painting, with beauty rivaling that of Switzerland.?
Hemu Scenic Area: You can ski, watch sunrises, and experience horse-drawn sledges. The night sky in Hemu is starry, and the morning sunrises are dreamlike.?
Sayram Lake Scenic Area: Winter’s Sayram Lake offers landscapes like blue ice and morning glow, which are pure and beautiful.?
Baihaba Village: Known as the ‘First Village in the Northwest’, the Tuvan village covered in ice and snow resembles a fairy tale world.?
Yining Swan Lake: Winter is a good time to observe swans. Elegant swans play in icy waters.?
Muztagh Glacier: You need to prepare a border defense certificate in advance. It is recommended to bring an oxygen tank and take proper warmth measures.?
Baisha Lake: The white sand intertwines with snow, and blue ice is a special winter landscape of Baisha Lake in Xinjiang.?
Kashgar Old Town: Full of exotic charm, it feels like stepping into the stories of One Thousand and One Nights.?
Travel Routes?
Southern Xinjiang Route:?
D1: Kashgar – Colorful Yadan Landform – Intersection of Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains – Conch Shell Mountain – Smuhana Village – Westernmost Point of China?
You can also visit places like Aytake Red Valley and Baisha Lake later on.?
Northern Xinjiang Route:?
Day 1: Visit Tianshan Tianchi, then head to Burqin County.?
Day 2: Depart from Burqin to Hemu.?
Day 3: Ski at Hemu Jikepulin International Ski Resort, and visit Kanas Three Bays in the afternoon.?
You can also visit places like Sayram Lake and Dushanzi Grand Canyon later on.?
Precautions?
The weather in Xinjiang is cold in December, especially in Northern Xinjiang and mountainous areas, so be sure to take proper warmth measures.?
Some attractions may require advance reservations or ticket purchases, so it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance.?
Pay attention to safety during the trip, especially in mountainous areas and near glaciers.?
Although the weather in Xinjiang is cold in December, the snowy scenery is breathtaking and makes it a great destination for winter tourism. Whether it’s the ice-mirrored Tianshan Tianchi or the ink wash painting-like snowscape of Kanas, they are both captivating and unforgettable. I hope this travel recommendation can add a touch of color to your Xinjiang trip?