Back from Xinjiang, I really don't recommend going in May-June because...

My boyfriend and I spent 9 days traveling in Xinjiang, and it completely changed my spending perspective! Last year's trip to Xinjiang was full of "landmines" despite thorough pre-trip research, seriously affecting our experience😫. Sisters planning to visit Xinjiang from June to August, save this hard-earned guide to avoid pitfalls—it's more practical than any other travel guide! —— ✅ Life-saving Sun Protection Checklist ☀️ Sun-protective clothing: Pack both long and short styles! Long sleeves offer maximum protection while short styles allow freedom of movement—perfect for different scenarios~ ☀️ Sun hats: Soft hats for photogenic daily wear, stiff-brimmed hats for wind and sand protection—essential for cable cars and windy days! ☀️ Sun masks: Shawl-style for breathability, fashion-style for sun protection and face slimming—rotate both for peace of mind! ☀️ Sunscreen: Stock up on body and facial sunscreen! I emptied two tubes in a week—the UV rays are insanely strong! ☀️ Sunglasses: Essential for eye protection in bright light and for cool photo ops! —— ✅ Blood-and-Tears Pitfall Avoidance Guide ✖️ Xinjiang's day-night temperature swings are like a "rollercoaster," and strong winds appear out of nowhere! Even in summer, pack a thick jacket or risk catching a cold instantly! ✖️ Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference from inland China! Evening is the golden hour for photos🌆—the sunset is breathtaking, so set an alarm to avoid missing it! ✖️ Weather drastically affects your experience—for example, visiting Sayram Lake on a cloudy day will leave you slapping your thigh in regret! ✖️ The Duku Highway is expected to open in early June and is only accessible for 5 months a year! Heavy traffic makes it risky for novice drivers. ✖️ Backpacks are a godsend! Free your hands and carry essentials effortlessly—perfect for all-day exploration! ✖️ Xinjiang's attractions are "separated by mountains and rivers"—self-driving tours can be exhausting! ✖️ Keep a power bank glued to you! Xinjiang's scenery is so photogenic your phone won't stop snapping—say goodbye to battery anxiety! —— ✅ Detailed Itinerary 𝑫1: Departure city✈️Urumqi—start your Xinjiang adventure! 𝑫2: Urumqi→S21 Desert Highway→Ulungur Lake→Rainbow Beach→Burqin—unlock desert and Danxia wonders 𝑫3: Burqin→Kanas→Wolong Bay→Moon Bay→Fairy Bay→Hemu log cabin—stay in a fairytale world 𝑫4: Hemu Village in-depth tour→World Devil City→Wuerhe Desert-themed hotel—explore surreal landscapes 𝑫5: Wuerhe→Sayram Lake loop→stunning sunset→lakeside concert→Sayram campsite—romance overload 𝑫6: Sayram sunrise→Guozigou Bridge→Six-Star Street→viral ice cream→Yining—immerse in exotic vibes 𝑫7: Yining→Nalati Grassland→flower field stroll→canopy afternoon tea→light travel shoot→famous horse appreciation→Aken singing→Black Horse dance—live the grassland life 𝑫8: Nalati→Duku Highway→Tangbala Hundred-Mile Gallery→Xiaohua Mountain section→Urumqi—cross the "four seasons in one day" miracle road 𝑫9: Urumqi✈️Return—perfect end to the journey! ——