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Xinjiang is a good place
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, with its capital city of Urumqi, is located in northwestern China. It is one of China's five ethnic autonomous regions and the largest provincial-level administrative region in terms of land area, covering 1.66 million square kilometers, one-sixth of China's total land area. It boasts the world's second highest peak at 8,600 meters, as well as China's lowest depression at 154 meters below sea level. It boasts cascading rivers, vast expanses of emerald grasslands, and the bizarre Gobi Desert, with its enigmatic wonders. Only when you visit this region can you truly understand the meaning of vastness.
Xinjiang, a region of vibrant beauty and rich culture, promises a vibrant and bleak landscape for any traveler. Its vast and diverse landscape offers a juxtaposition of vitality and desolation, encompassing mountains of blooming apricot blossoms, vast grasslands, and golden birch forests, as well as boundless desert landscapes, the scorching heat of the Huoyan Mountains, and the desolate and majestic Yadan landforms. The once-thriving ancient Silk Road has endowed the region with a rich and profound cultural heritage. Turpan, Hami, Kashgar, Kuqa, and Hotan, among others, were once important cities along this bustling route. Even today, they retain traces and evidence of the intertwining of religion, commerce, and ethnic cultures, attracting countless cultural travelers. Furthermore, Xinjiang's unique cuisine adds a touch of charm to any trip. Dapanji, fragrant barbecue, and delicious fruits are all delicacies that remain lingering long after departure, making it a compelling reason to return to Xinjiang.
In Xinjiang, different seasons offer different scenery. You can choose the time of travel according to your own preferences.
March-April: Xinjiang is a land of flowers. The apricot blossoms in Turpan are the first to enter spring, followed by the apricot blossoms in Yili, which are scattered on the grasslands in early spring like oil paintings. It is so beautiful!
May: Spring has just arrived in southern and eastern Xinjiang, but southern Xinjiang is already blossoming with warmth and bloom. This makes it a great time to visit southern Xinjiang. The Eastern Tianshan Mountains are at their most beautiful in May, especially the Barkol Grassland, which turns green nearly a month earlier than the Ili Grassland. The grasslands at the foot of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains and the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains create a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
June: The Ili grasslands in northern Xinjiang are already ablaze with blooming flowers and lush green grass. Not to mention the mesmerizing greenery of the Nalati, Bayinbulak, and Tangbula grasslands, the fiery red tulips and dazzling yellow rapeseed flowers along the way alone make June Ili awash in color. Add to that the tranquility of the Xiate Ancient Road, the vastness of the Kalajun grasslands, and the romance of the lavender. June is Ili's June, a paradise for countless tourists yearning for its vibrant world!
July-August: Xinjiang is beautiful across the country. The weather is starting to cool, and fruits are ripening. The beautiful grasslands and tranquil Sayram Lake are truly stunning, but you'll understand once you visit.
September: The colorful autumn in Xinjiang is like God's overturned palette, colorful. At this time, the No. 5 boundary marker of Baihaba, the first village in the northwest, is beautiful. The mangrove ditch in Keketuohai is a season of alternating yellow and red around September 25. The Baisha Lake is like an oil painting in this season.
October: A glorious autumn. After a few rains, the leaves of the birch forests in northern Xinjiang gradually drop, their trunks swaying in the wind, creating a poignant, desolate, and beautiful oil painting effect. Visit the desert to see the thousand-year-old Populus euphratica forests. Clear blue skies, golden leaves, and a myriad of twisted trunks betray their endurance and grandeur in the desert. In early October, visit the Mulei Populus euphratica forests in northern Xinjiang, the Populus euphratica forests in Luntai and Yuli in late October, and the Populus euphratica forests in Zepujinhu, a 5A-level scenic spot in Kashgar, all awaiting your admiration and splendour.
November to March: Winter brings snow and ice to Xinjiang, where visitors can experience the Hemu Ice and Snow Fairytale, experience the Tianshan Tianchi Ice and Snow Tour, and experience the folk customs of Kashgar. During the long winter months, Xinjiang is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, including skiing, ice skating, and desert hiking.
Leisure tourism in Xinjiang can be roughly divided into two areas: Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang. Southern Xinjiang focuses on local customs and is not restricted by seasons; Northern Xinjiang focuses on natural landscapes, with different beauty in different seasons.
Xinjiang's tourist attractions each have their own unique charm. Visiting Xinjiang from April to June offers opportunities to explore the ethnic, cultural, and natural beauty of Tianchi Lake, Turpan, and Kashgar. You can also enjoy an outing on the Balikun Grassland in Ili and Hami, where flowers bloom and the air is fresh. June to August is the best time to visit Xinjiang, offering both stunning natural scenery and breathtaking ethnic customs. September and October are the peak fruit and vegetable harvest season, and also the golden season for autumn tourism in Xinjiang. The golden autumn scenery of Kanas, Sayram, and Ili will leave every visitor captivated and deeply moved. November to mid-March is the perfect time for winter tourism in Xinjiang, with soft snow, numerous ski resorts, and a dazzling array of ski equipment. The blue sky, white snow, and snow-covered spruce trees create a truly enchanting spectacle.
Recommended number of days to visit: Xinjiang is vast and attractions are far apart, so it is recommended to visit for at least 10 days
Xinjiang is an autonomous region in northwest China with a rich history as part of the ancient Silk Road. It has diverse ethnic groups, predominantly Uyghur, and is known for its cultural heritage, unique architecture, and natural landscapes.
Xinjiang spans a vast area in northwest China. Major entry points include Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and rail connections. Local travel options:
Most attractions open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best visiting periods are late spring to early autumn (May–October) for mild weather, especially for mountain and desert areas.
Booking is recommended for popular sites like Heavenly Lake or guided tours, ideally 3–7 days in advance during peak season.
Guided tours are widely available in Chinese and increasingly in English; some sites may offer limited Russian or Uyghur language options.
Night bazaars in Kashgar and cultural performances are available. Some hotels and scenic areas offer evening entertainment, but natural sites are generally daytime only.
Major tourist peaks are during summer holidays (July–August) and National Day (October). Late spring and early autumn weekdays are less crowded.
Urban attractions and bazaars are generally accessible. Mountain or desert areas may be physically challenging; elderly or disabled visitors should plan accordingly.
Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in cities; remote areas may require cash for purchases.
Halal food is widely available due to Muslim population; vegetarian options exist but may be limited in rural areas.
