The breathtaking beauty of the scenery has truly taken my breath away. The bustling March has gracefully drawn to a close, bringing us closer to the longed-for mini-vacation. My thoughts wander to the serene wilderness, where I can unwind and rejuvenate, eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer.
Imagine a picnic in the rainbow-hued meadows of Xinjiang, surrounded by the freedom and splendor of nature. It’s a moment to forget all worries and embrace the romance of the moment. A leisurely snippet from the springtime, captured and cherished.
Recommended Itinerary:
Day 1: Gather in Urumqi – Airport pick-up and hotel accommodation
Day 2: Urumqi – S101 Danxia Defense Highway – Jinghe
Day 3: Jinghe – Sailimu Lake (self-driving around the lake) – Guozigou Bridge – Yining
Day 4: Yining – Huocheng Lavender (June) – Qiongkushitai – Tekes
Day 5: Tekes – Kuerding Self-driving – Xinyuan/Nalati Town
Day 6: Xinyuan/Nalati – Nalati Aerial Grassland – Overnight in Nalati Town
Day 7: Nalati Town – Gongnaisi Daban (321+218 Forest and Grassland National Road) – Tuoke (570km, 8.5-hour drive)
Day 8: Tuokexun – Turpan’s “Flaming Mountain” – Kumtag Desert – Urumqi
Day 9: Departure from Urumqi
Please note that if there are any places you do not wish to visit, you can always discuss it with the team leader, who will gladly suggest alternative routes. Their dedication and consideration truly make the trip all the more enjoyable.
Travel Preparation:
- Weather in Xinjiang: In May and June, the weather in Xinjiang is generally sunny with little rain. There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so it’s advisable to bring a coat for warmth.
- Recommended Clothing: Lightweight sweatshirts, thin outerwear, jeans, and sneakers are suitable. Short-sleeved T-shirts are also recommended.
- Daily Essentials: Sunscreen, moisturizing cream, face masks, cash, identification documents, and sunglasses are all essential.
- Medical Supplies: It’s advisable to bring stomach medication, anti-heat medication, face masks, insect repellent, and cold medication.
About the Journey: Our team leader asked if anyone had ridden a horse before, and to our excitement, none of us had. In the afternoon, he arranged for us to ride horses on the grassland, and the feeling of the wind blowing across our faces was truly liberating. He even helped us hold small sheep for photos. In the evening, we had a camping barbecue, sang karaoke with our peers, and immersed ourselves in a fairytale-like world. Our playtime doubled, and the fact that we only spent 5,000+ yuan for the entire nine-day trip made it all the more remarkable. The team leader was exceptional, providing us with fruits and capturing stunning photos with his exceptional photography skills. Our accommodation was top-notch, in a five-star hotel, and the vehicle we used was a luxurious and spacious limousine, providing a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
My Travel Companions: The team leader arranged for us to be accompanied by a group of peers in their twenties, creating a relaxed and unconstrained atmosphere. We enjoyed spending time together, capturing photos and playing games. Everyone had great personalities, and we had meaningful conversations. When I caught a cold, a kind-hearted companion offered me cold medication, and another companion entertained us with her guitar playing during our camping trip. It was an unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, this journey to Xinjiang was a blissful blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and unforgettable moments with wonderful companions. From the serene meadows to the lively interactions, it was a trip that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
