Xinjiang Travel Guide: January to December

🎿January: Visit Altay in Northern Xinjiang and head to General Mountain Ski Resort to experience the joy of powder snow. It's thrilling and smooth, and at sunset, you can enjoy the stunning view of the city and snow-capped mountains together. After skiing, try the local delicacy "Fish and Lamb Soup," a warm and hearty dish combining the richness of lamb and the freshness of fish 🥘. ❄️February: Hemu Village transforms into a snowy fairy tale world. Stay in a Tuva-style wooden cabin and watch the morning mist blend with the snowy plains. Don't miss the grilled fish and lamb skewers in Burqin; the fish is crispy on the outside and tender inside, while the lamb skewers are aromatic and flavorful 🍖. 🌸March: Head to the Tashkurgan Valley, where century-old apricot trees bloom along the valley at the end of March. The pink sea of flowers contrasts beautifully with the snow-capped mountains and yellow earth, creating a paradise-like scene. Kashgar Old Town is also worth exploring—find a century-old teahouse, order a cup of tea, and enjoy the slow pace of spring 🍵. 🌼April: Continue to immerse yourself in the apricot blossom rain of Southern Xinjiang. The apricot flowers in Tal Township and Kukosiluk Township are breathtakingly beautiful. While there, try Kashgar's handmade ice cream, which is rich, creamy, and refreshingly sweet 🍦. 💜May: Visit the lavender fields in Huocheng for a romantic purple escape. The lavender sea stretches endlessly, filling the air with a romantic fragrance. The wild lilies on Nalati Grassland also bloom, covering the hills with vibrant colors and grazing cattle and sheep. Don't forget to taste the Kazakh "Baursak" paired with milk tea—crispy Baursak dipped in milk tea offers a unique flavor 🥛. 🚗June: The Duku Highway opens, offering a road trip through four seasons in one day. Experience snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and lakes all in one journey. The Xiata Ancient Trail is also perfect for hiking, allowing you to admire Muzart Glacier up close, accompanied by adorable marmots 🐿️. 🌊July: Explore the paradise of Kanas, take a boat ride on the lake, and uncover the legend of the "water monster." The morning mist at Fairy Bay feels like a dream. After a day of adventure, savor Altay's cold-water fish, which is tender and melts in your mouth 🐟. 🏞️August: Experience the primitive lifestyle in Qiongkushitai Village. Go horseback riding, explore the ancient Wusun Trail, and spend the night in a starry yurt, embracing the charm of nature 🌃. 🍁September: The three bays of Kanas—Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay—are adorned with vibrant autumn colors, each offering unique beauty. The morning mist in Hemu Village, combined with golden birch forests and wooden cabins, creates a fairy-tale-like scene, resembling a stunning oil painting 🖼️. 🌳October: Head to Southern Xinjiang to see the golden poplar forests in Tarim, Luntai. The golden hues intertwine with the desert and reflections, creating breathtaking views perfect for drone photography. The Lop Nur Village is also fascinating, where you can ride camels across the sand sea and discover the "desert fishermen" 🐫. ♨️November: Relax in the ancient sea hot springs, soaking in the millennia-old salt lake while snowflakes gently fall on your shoulders. Enjoy the unique sensation of "fire and ice" ❄️. 🎿December: Visit the Silk Road Ski Resort, known for its professional ski trails and stunning rime scenery, making it a paradise for ski enthusiasts. After skiing, indulge in a steaming plate of pilaf, with plump rice grains and flavorful lamb 🍚.