I heartily recommend embarking on a journey to Xinjiang during its off-season. It truly is a captivating destination! With fewer crowds, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, enhancing your travel experience. Snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and azure lakes – it fulfills every imagination of beauty.
Upon arrival in Xinjiang, Urumqi Airport is a suggested starting point. As a transportation hub in Xinjiang, most travel groups and self-drive adventures commence their journeys here. Kanas Airport is ideal for those with shorter holidays, wanting to explore only the Kanas scenic area, often requiring a transfer from Urumqi. Yining Airport suits those with brief holidays, focusing on the Yili region. And for those interested in the southern Xinjiang, Kashgar Airport is the main airport, ideal for exploring the surrounding areas, located over 1,800 kilometers from Urumqi.
For rail travel, key stations include Urumqi Railway Station, Beitun Railway Station, Yining Railway Station, and Kashgar Railway Station.
- Must-visit attractions include Sailimu Lake – the last teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Duku Highway – experiencing four seasons in a day, Jongkushitai – a picturesque world reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s artwork, Nalati Grassland – a verdant meadow filled with blooming flowers, Bayinbuluk – home to swans and a sunset with nine suns, Karajun Grassland – a vast green landscape under blue skies, and Duzi Mountain Grand Canyon – the filming location for the movie ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’.
Travel Tips:
- The southern Xinjiang is dominated by desert and Gobi landscapes, while the northern region boasts natural scenery, including grasslands, flower meadows, and lakes.
- Xinjiang is not suitable for budget travel, as it encompasses one-sixth of China’s land area.
- Avoid visiting Altay in May; instead, opt for Yili for its warmer temperatures, beautiful weather, and blooming flowers.
- Always pack warm clothing in Xinjiang, as the temperature difference between day and night can be significant. Wear summer clothes during the day, but remember to bring a jacket for the evenings.
- Summer is the ideal time to explore the northern Xinjiang, especially Yili, which is absolutely breathtaking. However, ensure to apply ample sunscreen.
- Sample Itinerary:
- D1: Urumqi – Sailimu Lake – Guozigou – Yining
- D2: Yining – Karajun – Tekes
- D3: Tekes – Zhaosu Wetland Park – Xiata – Tekes
- D4: Tekes – Qiaxi – Nalati – Nalati
- D5: Nalati – Tangbula – Kazanqi – Yining City
- D6: Yining – Duzi Mountain Grand Canyon – Urumqi
Tags: #Xinjiang #XinjiangTravel #XinjiangTourism #XinjiangTravelGuide #XinjiangTravelItinerary #ScenicRoutes #HolidayDestinations #Inspiration #XinjiangYili #Yili #YiliTourism
