Just Returned from Xinjiang - The Impact is Incredible...

I. Seasonal Weather and Clothing Guide (Focus on Spring and Summer)
1️⃣. Climate Characteristics
Northern Xinjiang: Extreme temperature differences between day and night (20-35°C during day, 5-15°C at night), Ili Valley is humid and rainy, Kanas area is cool in summer
Southern Xinjiang: Dry with little rain (extreme summer temperatures can reach 40°C), smaller day-night temperature difference than Northern Xinjiang

2️⃣. Spring/Summer (May-August) Clothing Guide
Scenarios and Recommended Gear
Daily Sightseeing: Short-sleeve + sun protection clothing/light jacket, quick-dry pants/long skirt (UV protection), breathable sports shoes
Mountain Areas/Morning & Evening: 3-in-1 jacket/light down jacket, fleece liner, windproof scarf (essential for Kanas and Xata)
Special Scenarios: Waterproof snow boots (Sayram Lake snow melting period), sun protection arm sleeves (Devil City Gobi), raincoat (Ili showers)
Essential Accessories: UV400 sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, moisturizing skincare products (Xinjiang is extremely dry)

II. Core Attractions Analysis of Northern Xinjiang + Ili
■ Northern Xinjiang Scenic Corridor
Kanas (5A Level)
Features: Three Bays (Moon/Fairy/Dragon) morning mist, Fish-Viewing Pavilion panorama, Baihaba border village
Seasonal recommendation: Wildflowers in June, autumn colors in September, summer Tuva family visits

Hemu Village
Highlights✨: Wooden house stargazing spots, Harden Platform sunrise, horseback riding through birch forest
Hidden experiences: Milky Way photography at 3am, autumn morning mist photography

Keketuohai
Geological wonders: Shenzhong Mountain granite peak, No.3 Mine pit (Merit Mine), Irtysh Grand Canyon hiking
Tips: Recommended to combine with hot spring hotel experience

World Ghost City
Photography timing: 🌄2 hours before sunset (golden yardang landforms)
Combined tour recommendation: Karamay Hundred-Mile Oil Field landscape

Ili Grassland Matrix
Sayram Lake (Lake Circuit Guide)
East bank: Genghis Khan's Command Post (panoramic position)
South bank: Swan Lake, S-curve road photo spot
West bank: Songshu Trail (overlooking Guozigou Bridge)

Nalati Grassland
Route options: Sky Grassland route (popular bridge photo spot)
River Valley Grassland route (Kazakh cultural experience)
Panlong Valley route (self-driving exclusive)

Xata Ancient Road
In-depth experience: Hike to Flower Platform (June), close view of Muzart Glacier
Note: Advance horse team booking required, hiking poles recommended

Kurdening/Qiaxi
Comparison: Kurdening: King Spruce + Heritage Exhibition Center (educational)
Qiaxi: Best value with 30 yuan entrance fee, self-driving friendly

III. Classic Itinerary Planning (8-12 days)
Plan A: Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Circuit (10 days)
Day 1: Home - Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - passing Ulungur Lake - Colorful Beach - Burqin
Day 3: Burqin - Kanas Lake - Kanas Three Bays - Hemu
Day 4: Hemu - Ahe Highway (subject to opening) - passing Tuole Great Grassland - Tongba Forest - Wuxilike - Altay
Day 5: Altay - Urho Ghost City - Kuitun
Day 6: Kuitun - Sayram Lake circuit drive - Dopamine Six-star Street - Yining
Day 7: Yining - Qiaxi - Xinyuan
Day 8: Xinyuan - Nalati Sky Grassland - Nalati
Day 9: Nalati - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Day 10: Urumqi - Departure point

Alternative route if Duku Highway is closed:
Day 8: Nalati - Nalati Sky Grassland - Jinghe
Day 9: Jinghe - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Urumqi

Plan B: Ili In-depth Tour (8 days)
Day 1: Departure point - Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi - Sayram Lake stroll - Sayram Lake sunset - Sayram Lake East Gate
Day 3: Second Sayram Lake drive - in-depth lake circuit - Guozigou Hanging Rock - Dopamine Six-star Street - Yining
Day 4: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xata - Zhaosu
Day 5: Zhaosu - Qiafuqihai - Kurdening - Nalati River Valley Grassland - Nalati
Day 6: Nalati - Nalati Sky Grassland drive - Tangbula
Day 7: Tangbula - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Day 8: Urumqi - Departure point

IV. Practical Tips
🪪Document Management:
Carry ID card at all times (numerous checkpoints)
Border permits required for Baihaba/Xata (obtain from hometown or Burqin)

🚘Transportation Recommendations:
Prefer 6-person small groups (comfortable vehicle + local driver)
Duku Highway/Yizhao Highway limited to vehicles under 7 seats

Cultural Taboos:
No shorts in mosques, don't point at Muslims
Don't trespass fences at nomad homes, ask permission before photographing people

Special Notes:
Scenic area price reference: Hemu horseback riding 80-150 yuan/hour, Sayram Lake sailing 120 yuan/person
Drone flights need advance registration (No-fly zones in Nalati/Baisha Lake)

V. Four-Season Travel Calendar
Month Northern Xinjiang Highlights Ili Highlights
Mar-Apr: Keketuohai ice melt observation, Turgen Apricot Valley bloom
May-Jun: Kanas Lake ice breaking period, Sayram Lake wildflowers + Huocheng lavender
Jul-Aug: Hemu summer retreat/river rafting, Zhaosu rapeseed fields + Xata hiking golden period
Sep-Oct: Kanas autumn scenery + Baihaba morning mist, Nalati golden autumn pasture + pre-closure Duku Highway