I spent 6 days in Xinjiang and my spending habits were shattered! Visiting a city because of a song
Hey guys 😎, is there a song that makes you yearn for a vast, mysterious, and beautiful land? For me, it was "The Shepherd of Koktokay." "The rain that night couldn't keep you, the wind in the valley cried with me, the sound of your camel bells still rings in my ears, telling me you were here." The deep and melodious song seemed to take me to the magnificent mountains and rivers of Xinjiang. So in February, I resolutely set foot on this magical land. Check out my guide!
Xinjiang is vast, covering one-sixth of China's land area. It has magnificent snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, verdant grasslands, and azure lakes. The diverse ethnic cultures collide and exude endless charm 🎉. In February, Xinjiang is still cold, but the snow-covered scenery is unique, and both the cities and pastoral areas have their own charm.
✈️[Transportation Guide]
If you fly, Urumqi Diwopu International Airport has a wide range of routes, connecting to major cities in Xinjiang and across the country. The airport shuttle bus, public buses, and taxis are convenient for transfers, making it easy to reach the city center. For travel within Xinjiang, the distances between cities are long, so you can choose to fly to save time. If you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, long-distance buses and trains are also good options, offering views of the Gobi Desert and snow-capped mountains. For travel within the city, buses cover major areas, and taxis are convenient and affordable for places like the Grand Bazaar.
🗺[Travel Itinerary]
Day 1: Urumqi - Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar - Hongshan Park
Arrive in Urumqi in the morning and head straight to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. Here, you'll find a dazzling array of Xinjiang specialty products, including handicrafts, dried fruits, and spices, all exuding a strong exotic flavor 😍. Enjoy delicious dishes like Dapanji (big plate chicken) and pilaf for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Hongshan Park, climb Hongshan, and overlook the entire city of Urumqi, with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Day 2: Urumqi - Tianchi Lake
Take a bus to Tianchi Lake early in the morning. In winter, Tianchi Lake is like a snow and ice fairyland, with the lake frozen and the surrounding mountains covered in snow. Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful scenery of snow-covered pines and ice waterfalls, as if you're in a fairy tale world.
Day 3: Urumqi - Altay - Kanas
Fly to Altay and then transfer to Kanas. In February, Kanas is filled with snow mushrooms, Hemu Village is shrouded in smoke, and the Tuva people's wooden houses are covered in snow, like a dreamland. You can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the village and experience the primitive way of travel. At night, gaze at the starry sky, which is dazzling.
Day 4: Kanas - Hemu Village - Jikepulin International Ski Resort (optional)
Spend the morning in Hemu Village, watching folk performances and experiencing the life of the Tuva people. If you're a skiing enthusiast, head to Jikepulin International Ski Resort in the afternoon. The snow quality here is excellent, and there are various ski runs to enjoy the fun of skiing.
Day 5: Altay - Koktokay
Head to Koktokay to explore the story behind "The Shepherd of Koktokay" and admire the magnificent scenery of the Irtysh Grand Canyon. The granite peaks in the canyon have unique shapes, and the river winds through, looking even more majestic in winter.
Day 6: Koktokay - Urumqi
Return to Urumqi and reminisce about the wonderful journey. You can buy some local specialties in the city before heading back.
🌟[Must-Visit Attractions]
1. Kanas: A paradise on earth, picturesque in all seasons, with stunning winter ice and snow scenery and mysterious Tuva villages 📷.
2. Tianchi Lake: A high-altitude lake, like a dreamland after snow, with beautiful natural scenery.
3. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar: Experience the charm of Xinjiang, shop for unique items, and enjoy the lively market atmosphere.
4. Koktokay: A magnificent canyon with a touching story, showcasing the wonders of nature.
5. Hemu Village: A primitive village where smoke, wooden houses, and snow scenery blend, offering a taste of folk customs.
📝[Practical Tips]
Book flights, attraction tickets, and accommodation in advance. February in Xinjiang is cold, so bring your thickest down jacket, warm gloves 🧤, scarf 🧣, and snow boots. In high-altitude areas, be aware of altitude sickness and prepare medication in advance.
🍲[Local Food Recommendations]
1. Dapanji (big plate chicken): Tender chicken, soft potatoes, chewy belt noodles, and rich broth.
2. Grilled lamb skewers: A Xinjiang specialty, with juicy lamb and a fragrant aroma.
3. Pilaf: A perfect blend of lamb, carrots, onions, and rice, rich in nutrients.
4. Baked buns: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and satisfying when eaten hot.
🏨[Hotel Accommodation]
1. Urumqi City Center: Hualing Hotel, with a good location, convenient transportation, and complete facilities.
2. Kanas Scenic Area: Kanas Mountain Villa, near the lake, with beautiful snow scenery and comfortable accommodation.
3. Altay City Center: Altay Huarui Hotel, with high cost performance and complete surrounding facilities.
❗[Tips]
1. Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities, such as taking off your shoes when entering a mosque.
2. In winter, the temperature in scenic areas is low, so keep electronic devices warm to prevent them from shutting down.
3. When taking horse-drawn sleigh rides and other activities, pay attention to safety and follow instructions.
Guys, Xinjiang is really fun, with lots of delicious food and beautiful scenery. Follow this guide, and you're sure to have a great time. Hurry up and set off 🚀!