Northern Xinjiang Travel Itinerary, Plan a Trip to Kanas, Hemu, Ili Grasslands, etc.

Top tourist places in Northern Xinjiang

Northern Xinjiang is a region of China that offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural attractions for visitors. Some of the top tourist destinations in Northern Xinjiang include:

Kanas Lake: This is a stunning alpine lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests. It is located in the Altai Mountains and is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and photography.

Hemu Village: This is a traditional Kazakh village located in the Kanas Nature Reserve. The village is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including forests, rivers, and mountains, and offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture.

Sayram Lake: This is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang and is located in the Tian Shan Mountains. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking.

Bayinbuluke Grasslands: This is a vast expanse of grasslands that covers an area of over 23,000 square kilometers. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild horses, and is a popular spot for camping and horseback riding.

Burqin Ghost City: This is an ancient city that was abandoned in the 6th century. The ruins are located in the Gobi Desert and offer visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.

Tianshan Grand Canyon: This is a spectacular canyon located in the Tianshan Mountains. The canyon features towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and deep gorges, and is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.

Keketuohai National Geopark: This is a unique geopark located in the Altai Mountains. The park is home to a variety of geological formations, including canyons, cliffs, and rock formations, and offers visitors a chance to learn about the region's geological history.

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture: This is a region of Northern Xinjiang that is home to a large Kazakh population. The region offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture, including traditional Kazakh music, dance, and food.

The best time to visit northern Xinjiang

The best time to visit Northern Xinjiang depends on your travel preferences and the activities you plan to do. Generally, the best time to visit Northern Xinjiang is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is mild and the grasslands are lush and green. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May, September, or October.

If you're interested in skiing or winter sports, the best time to visit is during the winter months from December to February when the mountains are covered in snow. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and make sure to pack accordingly.

It's important to note that Northern Xinjiang is a large region with varying weather conditions. For example, Kanas Lake and Hemu Village can experience cold temperatures and snow even in the summer months, while the desert regions in the south can be very hot during the day.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Northern Xinjiang depends on your travel preferences and the specific areas and activities you plan to visit. Make sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Northern Xinjiang Itineraries

Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Turpan - Kashgar

Day 1: Explore the capital city of Urumqi, and visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum and the Grand Bazaar.

Day 2: Take a day trip to the Heavenly Lake, located in the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy hiking, boating, or horseback riding around the lake.

Day 3-4: Travel to Turpan, known for its unique grape culture and ancient Silk Road ruins. Visit Jiaohe Ancient City, the Emin Minaret, and the Karez Irrigation System.

Day 5-6: Take a train or fly to Kashgar, the cultural heart of Xinjiang. Explore the Old Town, the Sunday Bazaar, and the Id Kah Mosque.

Kanas Lake - Hemu Village - Burqin

Day 1: Fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and take a connecting flight to Altay City.

Day 2-3: Visit Kanas Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Take a boat ride on the lake and hike in the surrounding forests.

Day 4-5: Travel to Hemu Village, a traditional Kazakh village with wooden houses and grazing livestock. Stay in a yurt and experience the local culture.

Day 6: Return to Burqin and visit the Five-Colored Beach, a unique geological formation with colorful rocks and sand.

Tacheng - Bayanbulak Grassland - Karamay

Day 1: Fly to Tacheng, a small city in northern Xinjiang. Visit the Tacheng Museum and the Tacheng Grassland.

Day 2-3: Travel to Bayanbulak Grassland, one of the largest grasslands in China. Stay in a yurt and experience Kazakh culture. Enjoy horseback riding and hiking.

Day 4-5: Return to Tacheng and take a train or bus to Karamay, a city known for its oil fields and unique geological formations. Visit the Karamay Devil City, the Moon Lake, and the Tianshan Grand Canyon.

7-Day Northern Xinjiang itinerary

Day 1: Urumqi

Start your trip in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to learn about the region's history, culture, and diverse ethnic groups. Then, head to the International Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts and try delicious Uyghur food.

Day 2: Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Take a day trip to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), located about 110 km east of Urumqi. The lake is nestled in the Tianshan Mountains and is a popular spot for hiking, boating, and picnicking. On the way back to Urumqi, stop at the Kazakh Yurt Village and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people.

Day 3-4: Kanas Lake

Take a long-distance bus from Urumqi to Kanas Lake, which is located in the far north of Xinjiang. Spend two days exploring this stunning natural wonder, which boasts crystal clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests. Activities include hiking, boating, horse riding, and visiting local Kazakh villages.

Day 5: Hemu Village

From Kanas Lake, travel to Hemu Village, a picturesque and remote village that is home to the Tuva people. The village is known for its wooden houses, traditional dress, and stunning natural scenery. Spend the day exploring the village and surrounding areas on foot or by horseback.

Day 6: Burqin

On the way back to Urumqi, stop in the town of Burqin to visit Five-Color Beach, a natural wonder of brightly colored sandstone formations that rise out of the desert. You can also visit the nearby Ghost City, a unique landscape of eerie rock formations.

Day 7: Urumqi

Return to Urumqi for your final day and explore any sights or activities you may have missed on the first day. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Turpan, a city known for its grape vineyards, historic ruins, and unique desert landscape.