[2025 Hami Attraction] Travel Guide for East Tianshan Scenic Area (Updated May)

🌟[Explore Hami and Unlock the Charm of the Desert]🌟 Hami, the name itself evokes a sense of mystery and romance. Nestled in the heart of Xinjiang, it boasts both the grandeur of the desert and the gentleness of the oasis. This time, armed with my camera and curiosity, I embarked on a spontaneous trip to Hami. Now, I'm sharing this comprehensive guide with you, so we can experience the magic of this land together! [First Stop: Hami Devil's City] As soon as I stepped into this place, I was awestruck by the sight before me! Wind-eroded landforms have created bizarre "castles," making you feel like you're on another planet. Sunlight casts shadows on these rocks, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, with the scenery changing every second. Standing on a high vantage point and overlooking the entire Devil's City, it's like a giant natural painting, compelling you to capture the moment. The wind whispers tales of ancient legends, and every inch of this land is steeped in stories, every scene worth savoring. [Second Stop: Hami Melon Garden] Speaking of Hami, how can we miss the Hami melons? Stepping into the melon garden, you'll be greeted by lush green vines, with round Hami melons hiding beneath the leaves, exuding an enticing aroma. There's a wide variety of Hami melons here, each one crispy, sweet, and juicy, offering a burst of happiness with every bite. You can pick one yourself and savor it on the spot, experiencing nature's gift. The surrounding scenery is equally beautiful, with rolling mountains in the distance and vibrant fields nearby, creating a picturesque landscape. [Third Stop: East Tianshan Mountains] The East Tianshan Mountains are Hami's "back garden," a place of picturesque beauty. As you ascend the mountain path, the air becomes increasingly fresh, as if every breath cleanses your soul. Lush forests line both sides of the path, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. A gurgling stream accompanies you along the way. Reaching the summit, your view expands dramatically, revealing the entire city of Hami. The feeling of "reaching the summit and overlooking the mountains" is truly exhilarating! Here, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of nature, allowing your body and mind to relax. [Food Recommendations] - [Roasted Whole Lamb]: When in Hami, roasted whole lamb is a must-try. The skin is roasted to a golden crisp, while the meat remains tender and juicy. Every bite is a burst of flavor, and it pairs perfectly with local naan bread. - [Naan Pit Meat]: Naan pit meat is another local specialty. The meat is firm, rich in flavor, and becomes more flavorful with each chew. Every bite is infused with the aroma of cumin, leaving a lingering taste. - [Hami Melons]: Of course, a trip to Hami wouldn't be complete without trying the Hami melons. With numerous varieties, each boasting a crispy, sweet taste and abundant juice, they are a true gift from nature. [Accommodation Recommendations] - If you want to experience the local culture, consider staying in a Hami homestay. These homestays feature unique decor with ethnic characteristics, and the hosts are warm and welcoming, making you feel at home. - If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient environment, Hami also offers a variety of hotels with comprehensive facilities and attentive service to meet your needs. [Transportation Guide] - Transportation in Hami is relatively convenient, with buses reaching most attractions. However, if you have ample time, renting a car for a self-drive tour is recommended. This allows for more flexibility in your itinerary, enabling you to stop and admire the scenery at your leisure, truly experiencing Hami's charm. - If you prefer not to drive, you can also opt for local tourist shuttle buses, which are very convenient. [Photography Tips] - In Devil's City, be sure to capture the changing light and shadows for more layered and mysterious photos. - In the East Tianshan Mountains, take photos of the forests and streams, or capture a panoramic shot from the summit to preserve the beautiful scenery. - And don't forget to take a group photo in the Hami Melon Garden to commemorate this wonderful experience. Hami, this captivating land, holds countless landscapes and stories waiting to be explored.

👍Why you should visit: Seriously, Hami completely captivated me! It boasts breathtaking landscapes, vibrant West Asian culture, and a rich history just waiting to be explored. You'll regret missing out! 🌹Location: Situated in eastern Xinjiang, Hami spans the northern and southern slopes of the eastern Tianshan Mountains. It's a crucial passage between Xinjiang and inland China, bordering Jiuquan in Gansu, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, and other regions. 🚴Getting there: - By air: Hami Airport is well-connected, with direct flights from many cities. From the airport, take the airport bus or a taxi to easily reach the city center. - By train: Rail travel is super convenient, with numerous trains from within Xinjiang and other parts of China. Hami Railway Station offers easy access to public transport and taxis. - By road: Self-driving or taking a long-distance bus is also a great option. The national highways and expressways are in excellent condition, offering stunning scenery along the way. It's like driving through a painting. 🏞️Must-see attractions: - Hami Museum: A treasure trove of history, showcasing artifacts from primitive society to the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit here is like traveling through time, giving you a deep understanding of Hami's history and culture. - Tianshan Scenic Area: The natural scenery here is simply stunning, featuring mountains, forests, grasslands, and a variety of rare plants and animals. Every photo you take will be Instagram-worthy. - Aletun Ancient Street: This street preserves numerous Qing Dynasty residences and commercial buildings, exuding historical charm. When you're tired of exploring, stop by one of the characteristic restaurants along the street for authentic local cuisine. - Dahaidao Scenic Area: The unique Yadan landforms are truly spectacular. Every angle offers a perfect photo opportunity, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. 🏷️Ticket prices: Prices vary depending on the attraction. The Hami Museum is generally free; the Tianshan Scenic Area has tickets for a few dozen yuan; Aletun Ancient Street is free to explore; and Dahaidao Scenic Area ticket prices vary based on the package, check the official website or ticket office for details. 🍜Food recommendations: - Hami melon: Hami's signature fruit, known for its sweet and juicy flavor. One bite will satisfy your sweet cravings. - Hand pilaf: A flavorful and nutritious dish made with mutton, carrots, and rice. - Grilled mutton skewers: Freshly cut and grilled mutton skewers seasoned with cumin and chili peppers. Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, it's a true delight. - Nang bread: Available in various flavors, nang bread can be enjoyed as a main course or a snack. It's portable and has a long shelf life. 🛍️Shopping: The city center offers plenty of shopping opportunities, with local handicrafts, dried fruits, clothing, and more. Uyghur handicrafts are exquisite and make perfect souvenirs. Stock up on high-quality dried fruits like raisins and almonds as gifts. 🏠Accommodation: - High-end hotels: Offering comprehensive facilities, attentive service, and comfortable environments for a premium check-in experience. - Budget hotels and homestays: Affordable options that allow you to experience local culture. Some homestays feature unique ethnic decor. ❤️Other tips: - Hami has a dry climate, so remember to moisturize, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. - Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially in ethnic minority areas. - When visiting scenic areas like Dahaidao, check the weather and road conditions in advance, bring enough food and water, and drive carefully if self-driving.

Guide | Suggestions for traveling to Xinjiang before and after the Spring Festival |||Note: The following itinerary is suitable for those who have a holiday within 7 days, low budget, 👩‍❤️‍👨expect a slow-release vacation (not a special forces hot walk), 🚗the mode of transportation in Xinjiang is car rental or chartered travel; Itinerary suggestion: ☑️D1: 🚄✈️Hami Station (Hami Airport)→Hami Hotel (rest and supply)→Hami Museum (Mukam Heritage Center)→Huiwang Mansion→Huiwang Tomb→Aletun Old Street (coffee, barbecue and other petty bourgeoisie experiences)→Hotel 🎇Highlights: First impression of Xinjiang, understanding the development history of Hami and Xinjiang ☑️D2: Hotel breakfast→Songshutang (the snow-covered grassland has animals such as cattle and horses, the pine tree layer of the northern foot of Dongtianshan is stacked, you may encounter the sunrise over the golden mountain; there is also a ski resort, if interested, you can participate in skiing activities)→Balikun County Hotel (lunch)→Fairy Temple (Dizang Temple)→Qing Dynasty Granary→Songfeng Academy→Balikun Museum→Balikun Ancient City→Food Street Dinner→Hotel 🎇Highlights: Gobi, canyon, strange mountains and rocks, pine forests, Gobi animals and plants, snow mountains, various attractions in Balikun Ancient City Scenic Area ☑️D3: Hotel breakfast→Balikun Lake (lunch)→Guai Shi Mountain Scenic Area (don't climb high if there is snow)→Jingxin Expressway→Qitai County Hotel (about 300 kilometers from the service area of Guai Shi Mountain Scenic Area, about 2.5 hours)→Qitai Hotel Dinner 🎇Highlights: Snow mountains, lakes, strange mountains and rocks and other desolate, magnificent, lofty geological features ☑️D4: Hotel breakfast→Jiangbulak Scenic Area (lunch in Banjie Gou Town about 3 kilometers from the tourist center of the scenic area, only here in winter, there are many farmhouses at the entrance of the scenic area in summer and autumn)→Hotel dinner 🎇Highlights: Gobi, snow mountains, forests, canyons and other natural landscapes ☑️D5: Hotel breakfast→Urumqi Hotel (about 200 kilometers from Qitai County, about 2.5 hours)→Hotel lunch→Hongshan Park or Shagou→International Grand Bazaar (compare prices for shopping needs)→Hotel dinner 🎇Highlights: Silk Road culture, products, special catering, etc. ☑️D6: Hotel breakfast→Tianshan Tianchi→Hotel dinner 🎇Highlights: Canyons, lakes, Gobi and other magnificent landscapes ☑️D7: Hotel natural wake up meal→Urumqi Station or Urumqi South Station (both have bullet trains)→Return to the warm home 👉Planning reasons: The first stop in Hami is relatively close, the time is short, and the cost is low, including time cost; The temperature is close to the Hexi Corridor in Gansu, while Urumqi and Altay are colder, and it is easier to adapt gradually; The living habits of Hami are close to the mainland, and it is easy to adapt quickly when entering Xinjiang for the first time; The itinerary route has relatively less snowfall to avoid safety accidents such as snow accumulation in popular tourist spots such as Sailimu Lake and Altay; The whole journey from Hami to Urumqi is about 800 kilometers, with an average of 150 kilometers per day for six days, which is easy to release; The beautiful scenery of the whole Xinjiang has similar lines;