Summer in Xinjiang is Even More Beautiful
Xinjiang Travel Scenery Introduction
Xinjiang boasts abundant tourism resources, where natural and cultural landscapes complement each other. Here are some famous scenic spots:
Natural Landscapes
Lakes
Sayram Lake: Located in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it's known as "the last tear of the Atlantic." The lake's crystal-clear blue waters stretch wide, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains. From May to July, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, creating a picturesque scene with the lake and mountains.
Kanas Lake: Situated in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, it's China's only Arctic Ocean water system lake, famed as the "Color-Changing Lake." The lake's hues shift with seasons and weather, while the surrounding primeval forests, snow mountains, grasslands, and Tuvan villages form a dreamlike landscape.
Bosten Lake: Located in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it's China's largest inland freshwater lake. With clear waters, reed-lined shores, blooming lotuses, and vast wetlands and grasslands, it's a haven for migratory birds and a paradise for photographers.
Grasslands
Nalati Grassland: Part of the Gongnaisi Grassland in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it's one of the world's four great grasslands. Lush green grass and blooming flowers stretch endlessly, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and herds of cattle and sheep nearby, along with Kazakh yurts and horses, painting a beautiful pastoral scene.
Bayanbulak Grassland: Located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, it's China's second-largest grassland. Rich in water and grass, crisscrossed by rivers, it's home to the famous "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns." At dusk, the sunset bathes the grassland in golden light, creating a spectacular view.
Karakunlun Grassland: Part of the Ili Grassland in Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, it's another of the world's four great grasslands. With rolling terrain, forests, flower seas, and snow mountains, from June to August, wildflowers bloom, transforming the grassland into a colorful floral ocean.
Canyons
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, the canyon's reddish-brown cliffs resemble a giant oil painting under sunlight. Inside, peculiar peaks, waterfalls, ancient plank roads, and wooden bridges create a mystical fairy-tale world.
Keketuohai Grand Canyon: Located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, the canyon features steep cliffs and the roaring Irtysh River at its base. Towering peaks and unique geological formations like Shenzhong Mountain and Flying Stone add to its grandeur.
Duku Highway Canyons: Along the Duku Highway, spectacular canyons like Hashilegen Daban Tunnel and Tielimaiti Daban showcase deep valleys, towering cliffs, and rushing rivers, offering breathtaking views.
Deserts
Kumtag Desert: Located in Shanshan County, Turpan, it's the world's only desert connected to a city. With undulating dunes, fine sand, and unique features like Singing Sand Mountain and mirages, visitors can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and dune bashing.
Taklamakan Desert: Situated in the Tarim Basin, it's China's largest desert and the world's second-largest shifting desert. Endless yellow sands hide mysterious sights like the Taklamakan Desert Highway and Lop Nur, attracting adventurers.
Gurbantünggüt Desert: In the Junggar Basin, it's China's second-largest desert. Vast poplar forests turn golden in autumn, contrasting beautifully with the desert's yellow hues.
Cultural Landscapes
Kashgar Old City: A cultural and economic hub in southern Xinjiang and a key Silk Road stop, the old city features earthen buildings, narrow winding streets, and exotic charm. Landmarks like Id Kah Mosque and Gaotai Folk Houses offer a glimpse into Uyghur culture and history.
Jiaohe Ancient City: In Turpan, it's China's best-preserved earthen architecture and the world's largest and oldest intact earthen city. Ruins of temples, homes, and government buildings showcase the prosperity of ancient Gaochang.
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: In Baicheng County, Aksu Prefecture, they're China's earliest and westernmost large-scale grottoes. The caves house exquisite murals and sculptures, reflecting the brilliance of ancient Buddhist art.