Don't Know Where to Go for May Day Holiday? Here's Your Northern Xinjiang Loop Guide!

The beauty of Northern Xinjiang is the collision of wilderness and oasis, the whispers between starry skies and lakes. Take this guide with you and chase the sunrises and sunsets of Xinjiang! 🌄 —— 🛬【Itinerary】 D1: Gather in Urumqi from all over the country - Stay in Urumqi D2: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Colorful Beach - Stay in Burqin 517KM D3: Burqin - Birch Forest - Beautiful Peak - Stargazing at night - Stay in Hemu 155KM D4: Hemu - Kanas Lake - Fish Viewing Deck - Stay in Kanas 95KM D5: Kanas - Three Bay Light Hike - Stay in Urho 383KM D6: Urho - Urho Ghost City - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Stay in Kuitun 239KM D7: Kuitun - Sayram Lake Circuit - Swan Encounters - Afternoon Tea - Stay at Sayram Lake 306KM D8: Sayram Lake - Disperse to Bole/Urumqi —— ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】 Colorful Beach: Waterfront Yardang landform, at sunset the colorful rock layers intertwine with the blue-green waters of the Irtysh River, perfect for photography. Tips: Secure your spot 1 hour in advance, drone aerial photography is more stunning. Hemu Village: China's most beautiful fairy tale village, with misty wooden cabins, golden birch forests, and starry skies. Tips: Climb Haden Platform in the early morning to capture the morning mist, stargaze by the wooden cabins at night. Kanas Three Bays: Moon Bay's S-shaped emerald waters, Fairy Bay's mystical morning mist, and Dragon Bay's "dragon ridge" forest. Tips: Light hike from Moon Bay to Dragon Bay boardwalk (3km), wear comfortable hiking shoes. Urho Ghost City: Wind-eroded Yardang landform like an alien world, filming location for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Tips: Shoot silhouettes at dusk, wear a red long dress for better photos. Sayram Lake: The Atlantic's last teardrop, lake surface changes color with light, swans floating. Tips: Drive around the lake and stop at the "S-curve road," have a lakeside picnic at sunset. —— 🍩【Must-Try Food】 Burqin Grilled Pike: Cold-water fish from the Irtysh River, firm flesh with no fishy smell, recommended salt and pepper grilled. Hemu Earth Hotpot: Traditional copper pot of herdsmen, lamb + wild mushrooms + cabbage stew, perfect with naan bread. Urho Big Plate Chicken: Local free-range chicken + belt noodles, spicy and aromatic, generous portions. Sayram Lake Whitefish: Sweet fresh cold-water fish sashimi, or pan-fried crispy outside and tender inside, must try at lakeside restaurants. Xinjiang Baked Buns: Crispy pastry wrapped around diced lamb + onions, bite while hot for juicy explosion, available at small shops along the way. —— 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Self-driving: SUV or off-road vehicle recommended, many mountain roads between Kanas and Urho, refuel when tank is half full on S21 Desert Highway. Speed limit tip: Many mobile speed traps on Xinjiang highways, G217 National Highway partially limited to 60km/h. Charter/Shared Car: For 4-6 people, recommend 7-seat business vehicle (like Buick GL8), worry-free and allows stops for photos anytime. Scenic Area Shuttles: Kanas and Hemu require transfer to scenic area shuttle buses (first bus at 9:00), keep luggage minimal. —— 🧡【Tips】 Clothing: Bring thin down jacket + windproof coat in June, fleece-lined pants in September; Ghost City is windy and sandy, wear face scarf + sunglasses. Equipment: Drone (can fly at Kanas and Sayram Lake), moisturizing spray, high SPF sunscreen, power bank (long drives). Documents: Carry ID card at all times, frequent security checks along the way; border permit required for Kanas. Avoid pitfalls: Kanas boat tour is low value for money, Fish Viewing Deck is a good alternative; long queues for photos at Dushanzi Cliff Cafe. Health: Xinjiang cuisine tends to be oily and spicy, bring digestive medicine; dry climate, drink 2L water daily + vitamin tablets.