Xinjiang Travel Guide: Pre-departure Information, Accommodation Recommendations, Tour Routes and Must-Visit Attractions

I. Pre-departure Information Climate Change: Xinjiang is vast and has diverse climates. You may experience all four seasons in one day. Therefore, check the weather forecast before you travel and take measures to protect against sun, cold, and rain. Transportation: The main modes of transportation in Xinjiang are by road and rail. Some areas have poor transportation, especially in remote areas of southern and eastern Xinjiang. It is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive or charter a car to better cope with complex road conditions. Language and Culture: Xinjiang is a place where many ethnic groups live together. Different regions and ethnic groups have different languages and cultural customs. During the trip, respect local customs and religious beliefs. Safety Issues: Xinjiang has a good public security situation, but you still need to stay alert. During the trip, pay attention to personal and property safety, and do not carry a large amount of cash and valuables. II. Accommodation Recommendations Urumqi: Choose hotels with convenient transportation, such as the "Xinjiang Grand Hotel" or "Hilton Hotel Urumqi" in the city center. Hemu Village: Choose characteristic homestays in the scenic area to better experience the local customs. Nalati Town: You can choose hotels or homestays in the scenic area, which are relatively expensive but have a beautiful environment. Yining and Qingshui River: There are many choices for urban accommodation, and the prices are relatively affordable. III. Recommended Tour Routes Northern Xinjiang Loop: Pass through famous attractions in northern Xinjiang such as Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas Lake, and Hemu Village. Southern Xinjiang Loop: Pass through famous attractions in southern Xinjiang such as Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Hotan, and Korla. Eastern Xinjiang Route: Pass through famous attractions in eastern Xinjiang such as Turpan, Hami, and Shanshan. Ili River Valley Route: Pass through famous attractions in the Ili River Valley area such as Yining and Horgos. IV. Must-Visit Attractions Wulong Lake: The lake is clear and the lakeside scenery is beautiful, making it a good place for photography. Five-Color Beach: Rocks of different geological structures are intertwined, forming a colorful spectacle, which is very spectacular. Hemu Village: The original Tuvan village, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, is a good place to experience the local customs of Xinjiang. Kanas Lake: The lake and mountains reflect each other, making people linger. Devil City: The peculiar landform is amazing. Sailimu Lake: The lake is as green as jade, and it is one of the largest alpine lakes in Xinjiang. Guozigou Bridge: The extra-large bridge spanning the canyon is spectacular. Qiongkushitai Village: The original Kazakh village, with beautiful scenery, is a good place to experience the natural scenery of Xinjiang. Nalati Sky Prairie: The vast prairie with a wide view is a good place to experience the grassland style of Xinjiang. Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery: The picturesque canyon area is a good place to experience the beauty of Xinjiang's mountains and rivers. V. Precautions The road conditions are complex and changeable. Self-driving tours need to be familiar with local road conditions and driving skills; if you charter or carpool, you need to communicate with the driver about the itinerary and precautions. The daylight hours in Xinjiang are long, and the ultraviolet rays are strong in summer. You need to take sun protection measures before you travel. At the same time, pay attention to food hygiene and safety.