"Xinjiang is Far, But You Must Go Once in Your Lifetime"

## **Xinjiang Travel Guide: Encounter West Region Charm, Explore Magnificent Landscapes**

### **🌍 Before You Go**
✅ **Best Time to Travel**
- **May-October** (Northern Xinjiang's summer grasslands, Ili flower sea, Southern Xinjiang's autumn poplars)
- **Winter** (Altay skiing, Kanas snow scenery)

✅ **Transportation**
- **Airplane**: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (main hub), Kashgar Airport, Yining Airport, etc.
- **Train**: Xinjiang's railway network is well-developed, suitable for long-distance travel (e.g., Urumqi → Kanas)
- **Self-drive/Chartered Car**: Recommended! Xinjiang is vast, self-driving offers more freedom (but be aware of speed limits on some roads)

✅ **Essential Items**
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (strong UV rays)
- Warm clothes (large temperature difference between day and night)
- ID card (Xinjiang security checks are strict, carry it with you)

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### **🏞️ Must-See Attractions**
**📍 Northern Xinjiang (Natural Scenery)**
1. **Kanas Lake**: "God's Back Garden," most beautiful in autumn
2. **Hemu Village**: Fairytale-like Tuvan village, morning mist like a wonderland
3. **Sayram Lake**: "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," azure blue lake water
4. **Nalati Grassland**: Aerial grassland, roam on horseback
5. **Duku Highway**: One of China's most beautiful highways (open from June to October)

**📍 Southern Xinjiang (Culture + Desert)**
6. **Kashgar Old City**: Thousands of years of West Region charm, full of exotic atmosphere
7. **Pamir Plateau**: Muztagh Ata Peak, Panlong Ancient Road
8. **Taklamakan Desert**: Cross the "Sea of Death"
9. **Luntai Poplar Forest**: Golden ocean in October
10. **Kuqa Grand Canyon**: Red cliffs, a photographer's paradise

**📍 Eastern Xinjiang (Turpan + Hami)**
11. **Flaming Mountains**: Filming location for "Journey to the West," high-temperature spectacle
12. **Grape Valley**: Taste sweet grapes, experience Uyghur customs
13. **Kumtag Desert**: The closest desert to a city

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### **🍢 Xinjiang Food Recommendations**
- **Dapanji** (Big Plate Chicken), Pepper Chicken
- **Roasted Lamb Skewers**, Nang Pit Meat
- **Pilaf**, Banmian (Noodles with various toppings)
- **Baked Buns**, Thin-Skinned Buns
- **Yogurt Rice Dumplings**, Handmade Ice Cream
- **Fruits**: Hami melon, grapes, watermelon (super sweet!)

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### **📅 Sample Itineraries**
**Northern Xinjiang 7-Day Loop (Natural Scenery)**
- **D1** Urumqi → Tianchi Lake → Fuyun
- **D2** Koktokay → Burqin
- **D3** Burqin → Kanas Lake
- **D4** Kanas → Hemu Village
- **D5** Hemu → Devil's City → Karamay
- **D6** Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining
- **D7** Nalati Grassland → Duku Highway → Urumqi

**Southern Xinjiang 6-Day Highlights Tour (Culture + Desert)**
- **D1** Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan
- **D2** Panlong Ancient Road → Bandi'er Lake → Kashgar
- **D3** Kashgar Old City → Id Kah Mosque → Apak Hoja Tomb
- **D4** Kashgar → Hotan (visit the night market)
- **D5** Hotan → Cross the Taklamakan Desert → Kuqa
- **D6** Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Return

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### **⚠️ Important Notes**
1. **Strict Security Checks**: Entering and exiting shopping malls, gas stations, etc., requires ID card swiping.
2. **Time Difference**: Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but the actual schedule is 2 hours later (e.g., sunset at 22:00).
3. **Language**: Mandarin is common in Northern Xinjiang, while Uyghur is the main language in some parts of Southern Xinjiang.
4. **Respect Customs**: Do not bring outside food to halal restaurants, avoid discussing sensitive topics.
5. **Self-driving Notes**: Strict speed limits on some roads, gas stations require ID card swiping to enter.

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### **📌 Summary**
Xinjiang, a treasure land integrating snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, lakes, and culture. Whether it's the stunning scenery of Northern Xinjiang or the exotic charm of Southern Xinjiang, it's worth exploring in depth!

**✨ Travel Tips:**
- If time is limited, prioritize Northern Xinjiang (natural scenery) or Southern Xinjiang (cultural experience).
- In-depth travel is recommended for 10 days or more, self-driving/chartered cars are more flexible.
- Check epidemic prevention policies in advance (reservations are required for some scenic spots).

Ready to go? Xinjiang awaits your discovery! 🚗💨