Classic 10-Day Pure Travel Guide to Northern Xinjiang

Northern Xinjiang in summer boasts magnificent landscapes where natural scenery and cultural charm blend seamlessly. Grasslands, snow-capped mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, and grazing cattle and sheep create a picturesque view. Below is a detailed guide: 🛬【Itinerary】: DAY 1: Departure - Urumqi DAY 2: Urumqi - Ulungur Lake - Colorful Beach - Burqin DAY 3: Burqin - Kanas Three Bays - Fish Watching Pavilion - Kanas Lake - Kanas DAY 4: Kanas - Hemu Yunxiao Peak - Hemu DAY 5: Hemu - Ghost City - Urho DAY 6: Urho - Sayram Lake Loop - Guozigou - Yining DAY 7: Yining - Lavender Fields - Nalati Grassland - Nalati DAY 8: Nalati - Bayanbulak - Bayan DAY 9: Bayan - Duku Highway - Urumqi DAY 10: Urumqi - Home - Sayram Lake: Located in the western Tianshan Mountains, it is the highest-altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. The lake's blue waters change color with the light, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and blooming wildflowers. - Kanas Lake: Known as "China's most beautiful lake," its mysterious lake monster legend adds to its allure. Scenic spots like Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay each have unique charm, with the lake's waters reflecting lush trees and green mountains like a fairyland. - Nalati Grassland: Situated in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, it is part of the subalpine meadow plant zone of the world's four major grasslands. The aerial grassland offers unique views, with snow-capped mountains in the distance, lush grasslands underfoot, herds of cattle and sheep, and Kazakh yurts dotting the landscape. - Hemu Village: Surrounded by dense larch forests, the village features wooden houses scattered across the area. Morning sunlight bathes the village, while evening sunsets create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. - Duku Highway: Connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, this famous scenic road offers diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and forests. Travelers can experience all four seasons in one day. - Ghost City: Located in Urho District, Karamay City, this typical yardang landform features towering rock formations. Strong winds often whistle through the area, resembling ghostly cries. At sunset, the interplay of light and shadow on the unique rock formations creates stunning artistic effects. 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Baked buns + roasted whole lamb + lamb skewers + hand-grabbed rice + big plate chicken 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Choose Ctrip four-star hotels, classic homestays, or century-old wooden cabins. 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Opt for a seven-seater business car or a luxury seven-seater business vehicle. 🧡【Tips】: 1. Climate: Xinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night. From March to May, bring warm clothing; from June to August, wear short sleeves and pants with a jacket; from September to October, pack a windbreaker or padded jacket. Hiking or travel shoes are recommended. 2. Personal Items: Bring a power bank, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, rain gear, personal toiletries, and a thermos (Xinjiang's water is hard, so boiled water is better). 3. Essentials: Carry cold medicine, digestive medicine, band-aids, mosquito repellent, essential balm, throat lozenges, etc. 4. Food: Xinjiang cuisine is generally heavy and spicy, with beef and lamb as staples. Avoid drinking cold water immediately after eating meat to prevent digestive discomfort. Carry snacks for emergencies. 5. Time Difference: Xinjiang is two hours behind mainland China; adjust your biological clock accordingly. 6. Customs: Xinjiang is home to many ethnic minorities; respect local customs. Key Attractions: Ulungur Lake (Golden Coast Scenic Area), Colorful Beach, Kanas Scenic Area, Hemu Scenic Area, Ghost City, Sayram Lake, Yining City, Guozigou, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Scenic Area, Duku Highway.