Xinjiang, located in the northwest of China, is a place full of mystery and charm, renowned worldwide for its magnificent natural scenery, rich historical culture, and unique ethnic customs. Here, there are vast grasslands, majestic Tianshan Mountains, mysterious deserts and lakes, as well as the profound Silk Road culture and the multicultural landscape of multiple ethnic groups living together.
Xinjiang, anciently known as "China`s Western Regions," has been an area of multi-ethnic settlement and coexistence of multiple religions since ancient times. As early as before the Common Era, this place was an important passage of the Silk Road, connecting China, Central Asia, Western Asia, and Europe. This special geographical location made Xinjiang an important hub for cultural and economic exchanges between the East and the West, forming a unique multicultural pattern. Different ethnic groups and cultures have fused and developed together here, adding rich colors to the history of Xinjiang.
In 138 BC, Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty sent Zhang Qian on a mission to Xinjiang, it was a great move that not only opened a new era of East-West communication but also strengthened ties between the Han Dynasty and the countries of the Western Regions. In 60 BC, the Western Han Dynasty established the Xinjiang protectorate in Wulei (today's Luntai County), marking the official incorporation of Xinjiang into the territory of China. Today, the prosperity of the Silk Road not only promotes economic exchanges between Xinjiang and its neighboring regions but also brings cultural collisions and integrations. Merchants, envoys, missionaries, and others from different countries have left their footprints and cultural heritages here, adding a splendid touch to the history of Xinjiang.
Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang are the two main geographical regions of Xinjiang, separated by the Tianshan Mountains and each possessing unique natural landscapes, cultural characteristics, and economic development.
Southern Xinjiang
Recommended Attractions in Southern Xinjiang:
1. Old Kashgar City
The ancient city of Kashgar, which has withstood the vicissitudes of more than 2,000 years, is a specimen and slice of different historical periods. It is hailed as a living fossil for studying ancient Western Region cities and is the most valuable, influential, and representative historical and cultural city for studying ancient Silk Road culture. The old city preserves a large number of historical buildings and cultural heritages, such as the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Moer Temple Site, which are key cultural relics protection units under the state council.
Best Travel Time: Suitable throughout the year, but the spring and autumn seasons have pleasant weather and are more suitable for sightseeing.
2. Bayinbuluke Grassland
Surrounded by mountains, the Bayinbuluke Grassland is interspersed with continuous hills and vast meadows. The grassland is abundant in water and grass, making it one of the most important livestock bases in Xinjiang. The Bayinbuluke Grassland preserves many rare species worldwide and is an ideal breeding and habitat for wild animals such as swans. With famous landscapes such as Swan Lake and the Nine-Bend River, it is a paradise for photographers.
Best Travel Time: June to September, when the grass is green, wildflowers bloom, swans gather, and the scenery is enchanting.
3. Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
A rarely seen grand canyon in the world, where snow-capped mountains, wetlands, lakes, and flowers blend together, creating a magnificent atmosphere. It is renowned for its unique reddish-brown mountain groups and stunning natural scenery. The canyon is winding and mysterious, with scenic wonders and unique attractions that are fascinating.
Best Travel Time: Summer and autumn, when the weather is good and conducive to viewing and photography.
Xinjiang's Northern Regions
Recommended Scenic Spots in Northern Xinjiang:
1. Kanas Scenic AreaFeatured by glaciers that have strongly eroded the landscape and blocked valleys with glacial debris to form lakes, Kanas Scenic Area is one of China's deepest glacial lake damming lakes. It boasts clear alpine lakes, dense primitive forests, and mysterious ancient villages, including Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Platform, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Baihaba Village, and Hemu Village, which are collectively known as a "fairyland on earth."
Best Travel Time: Summer and autumn, with lush greenery in summer and colorful forests in autumn.
2. Tianshan Tianchi Scenic AreaTianchi is a natural alpine lake with clear, crystal-like water surrounded by mountains, snow-capped peaks reflected in the water, and surrounded by spruces, creating a picturesque landscape known as the "Bright Pearl of Tianshan Mountain." The Tianchi Scenic Area features four complete vertical natural landscape zones, with major attractions including Xiaotianchi (East Xiaotianchi and West Xiaotianchi), Denggan Mountain, the Northern Slope Touring Area of Tianchi, and Lichuan Cave.
Best Travel Time: Summer and autumn, with cool weather suitable for hiking and sightseeing.
3. Nalati GrasslandNalati Grassland, located in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, has an average altitude of 1,800 meters and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. It boasts diversified natural landscapes such as flat valleys, towering peaks, deep gorges, lush forests, and stretched-out grasslands. Historically, Nalati Grassland has been a famous pasture and was once an important thoroughfare on the Silk Road and one of the posting stations for the Tang-Tibet Treaty during the Tang and Song dynasties. It is one of the places with the highest concentration of the Kazakh ethnic group, where tourists can experience rich Kazakh folk customs.
Best Travel Time: Summer, with green grass and blooming wildflowers.
4. Sayram LakeKnown as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean," Sayram Lake is surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks, with the lake scenery and mountain views complementing each other to form a magnificent scene. The lake is surrounded by various ecosystems such as grasslands, wetlands, and glaciers, serving as a habitat for many rare animals and plants. The stunning scenery formed by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and azure lake water is one of the must-see attractions in Xinjiang.
Best Travel Time: Year-round, but summer and autumn have better weather and scenery.
Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region in China with rich and diverse traditional cultures and customs. The traditional culture of Xinjiang not only reflects the earlier historical culture of the it but also embraces the fusion of various ethnic cultures, exhibiting colorful cultural characteristics. In Xinjiang, there is a multicultural tapestry woven from Han, Kazakh, Uyghur, Tajik, Mongolian, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Daur, and other ethnic cultures. There are also cultural symbols unique to Xinjiang, such as the grape culture of Bacheng County, the grassland culture of Bole, the specialty culture of Tumxuk, the jade culture of Hotan, and the silk and textile culture of Aksu.
Qiang Opera: Popular among the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Qiang Opera usually combines music, dance, and performance to tell stories with profound meanings. Rich in national flavor, it is one of the unique cultural expressions of Xinjiang.
Waistband Dance: The Waistband Dance is a traditional square dance of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, favored by Uyghur women. The dance movements are vigorous and light, featuring swaying of the waist and hips, rich in Oriental charm.
Music and Dance of Silk Road Flavor: Located on the ancient Silk Road, Xinjiang has a strong Silk Road culture, and its music and dance have been influenced by various ethnic groups along the route. For example, "Twelve Mukam" is a traditional music and dance of the Kyrgyz, accompanied mainly by drums, zithers, and string instruments, showcasing the unique charm of the Kyrgyz.
Uyghur Culture: The Uyghurs are the largest ethnic group in Xinjiang, possessing a rich traditional culture. Uyghur traditional weddings, festival celebrations, dietary habits, and more all exhibit strong folkloric characteristics and unique religious culture.
Hui Culture: The Huis are another major ethnic group in Xinjiang, with rich and diverse cultural traditions. Huis enjoy various festivals and religious activities, such as the Lesser Bairam and the Greater Bairam, along with unique wedding customs and dietary culture.
Aviation: Xinjiang has Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, Kashgar Airport, Yining Airport, etc., connecting major cities across the country and many foreign cities, providing convenient travel conditions for tourists.
Railway Transportation:
Railways are also an important mode of transportation in Xinjiang, including the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway, Southern Xinjiang Railway, Urumqi-Hami High-Speed Railway, and other lines, covering major cities and tourist attractions in Xinjiang and promoting economic and cultural exchanges across the region.Copyright © 2025 Sunrise Tour China. All Rights Reserved.