If there's a place that needs no filter, it must be Xinjiang

Capture Xinjiang effortlessly with your phone and explore this "visual paradise": 1. Best Time to Visit - May-October: Pleasant climate, most beautiful scenery. - June-August: Lush grasslands (Nalati, Bayinbuluke), lavender blooms (Ili). - September-October: Kanas and Hemu painted in autumn hues, golden poplar forests (along the Tarim River). - Winter (November-March): Ski resorts in Altay, serene snowscapes. 2. Must-Visit Destinations 1. Northern Xinjiang – Natural Landscapes - Kanas Lake: Known as "God's Back Garden," its waters change color with the seasons. - Hemu Village: A Tuvan settlement with fairy-tale wooden houses in morning mist. - Sayram Lake: "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," with azure waters and summer wildflowers. - Nalati Grassland: A "sky grassland," perfect for horseback riding and Kazakh culture. 2. Southern Xinjiang – Culture & History - Kashgar Old Town: The heart of Uyghur culture, with maze-like alleys and century-old teahouses. - Pamir Plateau: Muztagh Ata Peak, White Sand Lake, and Tajik traditions. - Taklamakan Desert: Traverse the desert highway and witness the resilience of poplar forests. 3. Eastern Xinjiang – Oases & Flames - Turpan: Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley, and Karez wells, showcasing desert oasis civilization. - Kumtag Desert: The only desert connected to a city, offering stunning sunsets. 3. Transportation - Flights: Ürümqi Diwopu Airport is the hub, with airports in Kashgar, Yining, Altay, etc. - Private Car/Self-Drive: Recommended for the Northern Xinjiang loop (Ürümqi-Kanas-Ili). Southern Xinjiang roads are more challenging. - Train: The Southern Xinjiang Railway from Ürümqi to Kashgar offers breathtaking views. 4. Local Cuisine - Big Plate Chicken, Spicy Pepper Chicken, Baked Buns, Hand-Pulled Rice. - Lamb Skewers, Nang Pit Meat, paired with Xinjiang beer or kvass. - Fruits: Hami melon, grapes, Korla fragrant pears (a summer must-try). 5. Tips 1. ID: Strict security checks—always carry your ID. 2. Climate: Large temperature swings; pack windbreakers, sunscreen, and moisturizers. 3. Respect Customs: Avoid noise in mosques and sensitive topics. 4. Time Zone: Xinjiang uses Beijing time but operates 2 hours later (e.g., sunset at 10 PM). 6. Recommended Itineraries (7-10 Days) - Northern Xinjiang Loop: Ürümqi → Heavenly Lake → Koktokay → Kanas → Hemu → Devil City → Sayram Lake → Ili → Nalati → Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway. - Southern Xinjiang In-Depth: Kashgar → Pamir Plateau (Tashkurgan) → Shache → Hotan → Desert Highway → Kuqa. Xinjiang's vastness and diversity ensure every shot is postcard-worthy. Plan ahead, allow ample time, and soak in the soul of this land. 🌄🐫🍇 Xinjiang is the only place where I want to take more photos yet hesitate—every snapshot is stunning, but nothing compares to what your eyes behold. ✨