1. Northern Xinjiang ( natural scenery is its feature)
Kanas Lake
Recommended reasons: known as "God's private land", the autumn forest is dyed, the lake is like jade, and the winter is like a fairy tale world.
Highlights: Fish viewing platform overlooking the panoramic view, walking three bays (Moon Bay, Shenxian(fairy) Bay, Wolong Bay), visiting Tuvan villages (Hemu Village, Bai Haba Village).
Hemu Village
Recommended reasons: One of the most beautiful villages in China,virgin wooden houses, morning fog and cooking smoke, starry sky and Milky Way, all seasons are beautiful.
Experiences: horseback riding, hiking, winter skiing.
Sayram Lake
Recommended reasons: "The last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", the lake is blue, the summer lakeside wildflowers bloom, the winter ice bubble wonders.
Play: Cycling around the lake, self-driving, swan watching.
Ili Valley
Narati Grassland: "Sky grassland", green carpet grassland in summer and snow-capped mountains.
Kalajun Grassland: World Natural Heritage, human grassland, flower terrace photography is excellent.
Huocheng Lavender (June-July) : China's version of Province
2. Southern Xinjiang (Culture and Desert Landscape)
Kashgar Old City
Recommended reasons: Xinjiang's most exotic places, labyrinth-like alleys, century-old teahouses, handicrafts bazaar.
Experience: Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the elevated residence (reopened after renovations), and taste grilled buns and pomegranate juice.
Pamir Plateau
Muztagh Peak: the "father of icebergs", the holy land for mountaineers.
Karakul Lake: Reflection of snowy mountains, Tajik style.
Pan Long Ancient Road: "Today through all detours, life is always smooth."
Taklimakan Desert Road
Recommended reason: Cross the world's second largest shifting sand desert, feel the "sea of death" boundless.
Note: The best season for spring and autumn, summer high temperature need to be cautious.
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves recommended reason: Earlier than Dunhuang Buddhist grottoes, mural integration of diverse cultures
Eastern Xinjiang and surrounding areas
Turpan
The flaming mountain: The land where Journey to the West was shot, the surface temperature can reach 70℃to 80℃ in summer.
Grape Valley: Grape Festival in August, experience the Karez and Uyghur farmhouse music.
Jiaohe ancient Ruins: World cultural Heritage, the ruins of the Western region Che Shi country of the Tang Dynasty.
Kumtag Desert (Shanshan County)
Why: The world's only desert connected to a city is beautiful at sunset.
Play: desert cross-country, sand skiing, camping.
Spring and summer (May-August) : Ili Grassland, Sayram Lake, lavender.
Autumn (September-October) : Kanas, Hemu, Luntai diverse leaved poplar forest (late October).
Winter (November-March) : Altay skiing (Keketuohai, Hemujikprin), Kanas snow scene.
Matters needing attention
Transportation: Xinjiang scenic spots scattered, it is recommended to charter or drive, some remote areas need to plan in advance.
Documents: Border areas (such as Baihaba, Tashkurgan) need to apply for a border permit.
Time difference: Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but the actual work and rest time is 2 hours later, and the restaurant is open later.
Sunscreen and dry: UV strong, dry climate, prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizing products.
The charm of Xinjiang lies in its diversity, whether it is natural wonders or cultural heritage, it is worth exploring in depth!
