My first visit to Xinjiang and my feelings
The first time I set foot on the land of Xinjiang, the shock and novelty are still vividly remembered today. Xinjiang, a mysterious and vast land, deeply attracts every visitor with its unique natural scenery, rich cultural atmosphere, and profound cultural landscape. The azure sky, vast grasslands, towering snow capped mountains, and clear bottomed lakes make these natural landscapes feel like they are in a fairyland, making people linger and forget to leave.
The natural scenery of Xinjiang is not only beautiful, but also gives people a sense of grandeur and infinite power. Whether it’s the tranquil waters of Kanas Lake, the towering snow peaks of the Tianshan Mountains, or the endless yellow sand of the Taklamakan Desert, every scenery seems to be telling touching stories.
In addition to natural scenery, the cultural atmosphere in Xinjiang is also fascinating. This is a place where multiple ethnic groups gather, where various cultures converge and merge, forming a unique atmosphere. Whether it’s Uyghur folk songs and dances, Kazakh traditional customs, or Han Chinese historical relics, each culture exudes unique charm.
In terms of cultural landscapes, Xinjiang is also rich in treasures. The ruins of the ancient Silk Road, the murals of Dunhuang, and the old city of Kashgar all carry a rich history and culture. When I stand in front of these historical relics, I feel as if I can feel the prosperity and glory of thousands of years ago.
In short, the natural scenery, cultural atmosphere, and cultural landscape of Xinjiang have all impressed me. My first visit to Xinjiang filled me with awe and longing for this land. I also hope that through my personal experience, I can arouse more people’s interest and longing for Xinjiang, and personally experience this magical land.
Tianshan and Tianchi: A Wonderland on Earth
Tianshan Tianchi, located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China, has been known as a “fairyland on earth” since ancient times. The water of Tianchi Lake is clear and bottomless, as blue as jade, like a pearl embedded in the mountains. The surrounding mountains towered into the clouds, and the mountaintops were covered in snow all year round, forming a stunning natural landscape. The lake shimmers under the sunlight, reflecting the surrounding mountains and giving a sense of tranquility and mystery.
Tianchi has four distinct seasons, each with unique scenery. In spring, the ice and snow melt, and the lake begins to regain vitality. The surrounding mountain flowers bloom, presenting a vibrant scene. In summer, Tianchi Lake is a summer resort with cool and pleasant lake water. Tourists can stroll by the lake and feel the cool breeze. In autumn, the surrounding forests of Tianshan Tianchi Lake are all dyed, and the red and yellow leaves reflect the blue lake water, forming a colorful autumn scenery. In winter, Tianchi Lake is completely covered in ice and snow, with the lake surface like a mirror and the surrounding mountains covered in silver, as if entering a fairy tale world.
In addition to its stunning natural scenery, Tianshan Tianchi also boasts a rich historical background and mythological legends. According to legend, Tianchi is the Yaochi of the Queen Mother of the West. Every Qixi, the Queen Mother will hold a banquet here to entertain the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. This beautiful legend adds more mystery to Tianchi Lake. Tianchi has been a battleground for military strategists since ancient times, and dynasties have left many historical relics here, making this scenic spot not only beautiful in nature but also rich in cultural heritage.
Tianshan Tianchi, a fairyland hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, attracts countless tourists to explore with its unique natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage. Whether you want to get close to nature or pursue the footsteps of history, Tianchi cannot be missed.
Kanas Lake: The Pearl of Northern Xinjiang
Kanas Lake is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, and in the deep of Altay Mountains, known as the “Pearl of Northern Xinjiang”. This lake, with its picturesque natural scenery and rich cultural background, has attracted many tourists to explore. The lake area has distinct four seasons, but the scenery in autumn is particularly charming. Whenever autumn comes, the birch and coniferous forests by the lake become colorful, complementing the clear and bottomless lake water, like a stunning painting.
Kanas Lake is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery, but also for its mysterious legend of lake monsters. Legend has it that there is a huge aquatic creature that inhabits the lake, sometimes causing huge waves on the surface, attracting the curiosity of countless explorers. Although there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to prove the existence of the lake monster, this sense of mystery undoubtedly adds a lot of charm to Kanas Lake.
In addition to natural landscapes and mysterious legends, the Tuva village around Kanas Lake is also a major highlight. The Tuwa people are the indigenous people of the Kanas Lake region, possessing a unique language, culture, and customs tradition. Tourists can experience the strong ethnic customs in the Tuva village, visit traditional wooden houses, taste authentic Tuva cuisine, and even have the opportunity to participate in their festival activities. The warm hospitality and diverse cultural experiences of the Tuva people have added unforgettable travel memories to tourists.
Kanas Lake is not only a beautiful tourist destination with natural scenery, but also a land full of mystery and cultural heritage. Whether it’s the tranquil lake water, stunning autumn scenery, mysterious lake monster legends, or unique Tuva culture, Kanas Lake attracts every tourist with its unique charm.
Nalati Grassland: Pastoral Song Melodious
The Nalati Grassland, located in the Ili River Valley of Xinjiang, is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China, known for its vast and boundless scenery and long-standing nomadic culture. At the turn of spring and summer, various wild flowers bloom on the grassland, as if covering the earth with a splendid tapestry of flowers. In summer, the grasslands are lush with greenery, and herds of cattle and sheep live a simple and charming life on this vast land.
The Nalati grassland has distinct four seasons, each displaying a different beautiful scene. In spring, the ice and snow melt, and the grasslands regain their vitality. Wild flowers begin to adorn the tender green grasslands. In summer, the grassland enters the busiest season of the year, and herdsmen will drive their cattle and sheep up the mountains to graze. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the sound of pastoral songs echoes, forming a vivid rural picture.
The Narati grassland in autumn is a golden world. The autumn wind blows, and the plants on the grassland are dyed with autumn colors. The herdsmen are also busy preparing supplies for winter. Although the grasslands in winter are cold, they are covered in silver and have a unique beauty of tranquility. Herders walk on the snow, while cows and sheep forage on the snow, creating a unique scenery.
The Nalati grassland is not only picturesque, but also an excellent place to learn about local nomadic culture. The local Kazakh herdsmen have lived on this land for generations, and their way of life and traditional customs remain intact to this day. Herders live in traditional felt houses, working at sunrise and resting at sunset, and their pace of life is closely related to the changes in nature.
Tourists visiting the Nalati grassland can experience activities such as horse riding and grazing firsthand, and gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle of herders. In addition, you can also taste authentic Kazakh cuisine, such as hand grabbed lamb and milk tea, to experience the unique ethnic customs. The natural and cultural charm of the Nalati grassland will surely make every tourist linger and forget to leave.
Kuqa Grand Canyon: Geological Wonders
The Kuqa Grand Canyon, located in Xinjiang, has become a must visit destination for tourists due to its unique geological structure and magnificent natural landscape. The red sandstone of the Kuqa Grand Canyon is undoubtedly its most prominent feature. These red sandstones have undergone millions of years of weathering and erosion, forming various unique forms and presenting the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature.
The cliffs and cliffs within the canyon rise into the clouds, giving people a stunning visual impact. Walking along the trail of the canyon, tourists can admire these steep cliffs up close and experience the power of nature. The layers of textures on the cliffs record the history of the Earth, as if telling the story of billions of years of change and evolution.
In addition to cliffs and cliffs, the Kuqa Grand Canyon is also dotted with various naturally formed rocks. These peculiar stones come in various shapes, some resembling animals, some resembling people, and even some resembling buildings, which are breathtaking. Every peculiar stone is a masterpiece of nature, showcasing its unparalleled creativity.
The Kuqa Grand Canyon is not only a paradise for geological enthusiasts, but also a dreamland for photographers. Under different lighting and weather conditions, the scenery inside the canyon will present different colors and atmospheres. The morning sunlight sprinkles on the red sandstone, and the entire canyon seems to be illuminated; The sunset in the evening reflected on the cliff, making the canyon appear particularly magnificent.
In summary, the Kuqa Grand Canyon, with its unique geological wonders and spectacular natural scenery, attracts countless tourists to explore and appreciate. If you have the opportunity to come to Xinjiang, don’t miss out on this masterpiece of nature.
Sailimu Lake: A High Mountain Pearl
Sailimu Lake, located in the embrace of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, is known as the “High Mountain Pearl”. This lake has attracted countless tourists with its clear bottomed water and beautiful natural scenery. The lake is like a huge mirror, reflecting the snow capped mountains and blue sky around it, like a fairyland on earth. Water birds can often be seen dancing on the lake, giving people a sense of tranquility and liveliness.
The meadow and flower sea by the lake are even more unforgettable. Every summer, colorful wildflowers bloom on the meadow, forming a magnificent sea of flowers, not only adding a touch of romance to Lake Sailimu, but also becoming a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The changes of the four seasons are particularly evident here, with the fragrance of flowers overflowing at the turn of spring and summer; In autumn, the leaves by the lake transform into golden yellow, reflecting the azure lake water, forming a beautiful picture.
In addition to enjoying the scenery, the Sailimu Lake area also offers a variety of leisure activities. Tourists can ride horses by the lake and enjoy the freedom of running on the grassland. Camping is also a very popular way, setting up a tent by the lake at night, gazing up at the stars, and intimately interacting with nature, experiencing a rare sense of tranquility and peace. When you wake up in the morning, looking at the thin mist rising on the lake and the rising sun, your mood will also become more open.
In addition, there are some small farms and pastures in the lake area. Tourists can experience local folk customs and taste authentic Xinjiang food, such as Roasted whole lamb and milk tea. Sailimu Lake is not only a tourist destination with rich natural landscapes, but also an ideal place for people to relax and return to nature.
Travel Tips
Xinjiang, this mysterious and beautiful land, has many hidden attractions waiting to be explored. To make your trip to Xinjiang smoother and more enjoyable, here are some practical travel suggestions.
Firstly, choosing the best travel time is crucial for experiencing the beautiful scenery of Xinjiang. The climate in Xinjiang is diverse, with different seasons having their own unique characteristics. Spring (April to June) is the best time to admire apricot and peach blossoms, and the entire land is covered in a sea of pink and white flowers. Summer (July to September) is the ideal time to visit Tianchi Lake and Kanas Lake in Tianshan, and the warm climate is suitable for outdoor activities. Autumn (October to November) is a good time to appreciate the colorful Populus euphratica forests and orchards, and Xinjiang is filled with golden and red colors at this time. Although winter (December to March of the following year) is cold, it is an excellent time to ski and enjoy the snow scenery.
In terms of transportation, Xinjiang has a vast territory, and self driving tours are the best way to explore this vast land. Self driving not only allows you to freely arrange your itinerary, but also allows you to explore some hidden attractions that cannot be reached by public transportation. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also choose public transportation. Xinjiang has a well-developed railway and long-distance bus network, which can easily reach major cities and scenic spots.
In terms of accommodation options, Xinjiang offers a variety of options from economy hotels to luxury resorts. If your budget is limited, you can choose economy hotels or youth hostels in the city center, which not only offer affordable prices but also have convenient transportation. If you want to enjoy a higher quality accommodation experience, you can choose star rated hotels or resorts, which not only have complete facilities but also provide high-quality services. For tourists who enjoy getting close to nature, they can also choose to camp or stay in local homestays to have close contact with nature.
In short, planning your travel time reasonably, choosing suitable transportation and accommodation can make your trip to Xinjiang more unforgettable and enjoyable.
Budget recommendations
When planning a trip to Xinjiang, budget is a key factor. Xinjiang has a vast territory and a wide distribution of scenic spots. Different modes of transportation and accommodation choices will have an impact on the overall budget. The following is a detailed description of various expenses to help you better plan your itinerary.
Transportation cost: If choosing a plane to Xinjiang, the one-way ticket price is usually between 1200 and 2500 yuan, and the specific price may vary depending on the departure city and ticket purchase time. Attention should also be paid to the internal transportation in Xinjiang. The long-distance bus fare between cities is generally between 100 and 300 yuan, while the train fare varies based on the train number and seat level. The second-class high-speed rail fare is approximately between 200 and 500 yuan.
Accommodation costs: There are a variety of accommodation options in Xinjiang, ranging from economy hotels to high-end hotels. Economy hotels charge between 100 and 300 yuan per night, mid-range hotels charge between 300 and 700 yuan per night, and high-end hotels charge over 700 yuan per night. It is recommended to choose suitable accommodation based on your own needs and budget.
Catering expenses: Xinjiang has a rich variety of delicious foods, ranging from street snacks to high-end restaurants. Generally speaking, the cost of a simple street snack is within 30 yuan, while the cost of a regular restaurant ranges from 50 to 150 yuan. If you choose to dine in a high-end restaurant, the cost per meal may be over 200 yuan.
Tourist Attraction Tickets: There are many tourist attractions in Xinjiang, and the ticket fees vary. The admission fees for well-known attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi and Kanas Lake are usually between 150 and 300 yuan, while the admission fees for some niche attractions are relatively low, around 50 yuan. Some scenic spots will also adjust ticket prices according to seasonal changes.
Overall, the budget for traveling to Xinjiang varies depending on individual choices and travel methods. Taking into account the above expenses, it is recommended that each person’s daily budget be between 500 and 1000 yuan, which can ensure a comfortable and fulfilling travel experience.