Must-Visit Attractions in Xinjiang: From Sailimu Lake to Flame Mountain|Travel Guide

China offers countless places worth visiting, with its vast territory and stunning scenery that seems never-ending. As the saying goes, “Among the world’s beautiful landscapes, Xinjiang and Tibet account for half.” Whether it’s the desolate deserts, the wind-swept Gobi, the lush green grasslands, the expansive and fertile alpine pastures, the winding long rivers, or the primeval forests—China has it all. The seamless blend of nature and culture, the interaction between ethnic minorities and the vast Chinese land, the encounter of history and modernity—here, you will find everything you desire, with landscapes so magnificent that you’ll want to return time and time again.

When it comes to Xinjiang, many people might only think of the vast Gobi or the lonely, straight-standing smoke in the desert. But Xinjiang is vast, and besides the deserts and gobi, there are countless breathtaking sceneries.

Sayram Lake —The “Last Drop of Tears of the Atlantic.” The beauty of Sayram Lake is enough to take one’s breath away. The lake water is blue as pure and deep as can be; the grasslands are vibrantly green and full of life. Cows and sheep roam freely, with wisps of smoke curling from distant yurts, all embraced by snow-capped mountains, making it seem like an otherworldly grassland paradise. It’s like a dazzling blue gem embedded in the grassland. The sapphire-blue water is surrounded by snowy mountains and grasslands, resembling a beautiful painting etched into your memory. If you visit after a rain, you might even catch a rainbow, which would surely make others envious. Additionally, you can ride a horse to the hills by the lake and overlook the lake from above. The sky is blue, the water is blue, and the blue sky merges with the water, with the water waves blending into the sky.

Nalati —The Sky Grassland. From April to July each year is the best time to see flowers in Nalati. Whether it’s the early bloom of the snowdrop in April or the sage in June, the beauty of Nalati during this period is a must-see. The vast, rolling grasslands stretch to the hills at the edge of the horizon, with rivers crisscrossing and dense forests. Valleys, peaks, deep gorges, and forests all complement each other. Here, you can run, jump, and play freely, watching the clouds drift by and the birds fly among the grass.

Urho —Yadan Ghost City. This place has unique landforms and cultural atmosphere formed by centuries of wind erosion and flood scouring. The towering ancient castles and mushroom-shaped sculptures stand as witnesses to nature’s masterpieces. Over a hundred million years ago, this area was once a huge freshwater lake, where lush plants grew along the shore, and ancient dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures thrived in the waters. After two major tectonic movements, the lake gradually receded, turning into dry land.

Huocheng Lavender Fields —The world’s third-largest lavender base. Huocheng is filled with vast lavender fields that resemble a purple sea stretching endlessly into the distance. Standing by the field with arms outstretched, it feels as if the entire sky is yours. When the lavenders bloom collectively, the vast sea of purple-blue flowers and the fragrant aroma make people willingly fall in love with the lavender’s embrace. In June, hundreds of acres of lavender bloom in Huocheng, making it a perfect place to experience a sweet and romantic atmosphere.

Bayanbulak —The Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns. The pastures here are vast, the grass is lush, cattle and sheep graze in abundance, and the rivers intertwine like sparkling, crystal-clear blue gems, set against the snow-covered peaks. The most magical sight is the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” of the Yellow River. From a distance, it looks like a winding, fluttering water sleeve. The most beautiful moment is the reflection of the sunset on the river bend, as the sun gradually sets in the west, painting the sky with vibrant colors. The colorful sunset reflected on the river surface is truly enchanting.

Kanas Scenic Area —The beauty of Kanas lies in its seasons. In spring, the mountains of Kanas are adorned with blooming flowers and green grass; in summer, the area is lush and the lake is rippling; in autumn, Kanas is filled with a rich autumn atmosphere and vibrant colors; in winter, it is covered in snow, creating a winter wonderland. Each season offers a different kind of beauty, ensuring that no matter when you visit, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking scenery.

Kanas Lake is a high-altitude lake nestled in the deep forests of the Altai Mountains. Snow-capped peaks tower over lush green slopes and dense forests. Notably, the entire forested area changes with the seasons, complemented by the thin morning mist. The serene town seems to disappear and reappear in the fog.

Kalajun Grassland —The most beautiful “Three-Dimensional Grassland.” As described in China National Geographic: “It redefines the common perception of grasslands being monotonous in color and landscape, offering a ’three-dimensional grassland’ that is both visually stimulating and easy to appreciate.” Kalajun boasts one of the world’s few high-quality alpine grasslands. The grassland is three-dimensional, vast, with graceful curves and deep ravines. The undulating terrain and the interplay of light and shadow make it a favorite subject for photographers. It is the most beautiful three-dimensional grassland, without a doubt.

Wildflowers in the grass, drifting clouds, flocks of sheep, the songs of herders, forested canyons, snowy mountains, and lakes all come together here to create the majestic beauty of this king of grasslands.

Flaming Mountains Grand Canyon, located in the Turpan Basin of Xinjiang, is a mysterious place. The mountain range stretches east to west, with not a blade of grass in sight. In the summer, the ground bakes under the sun, resembling a soaring fire dragon—a truly spectacular sight. Here, you’ll find jagged rocks, deep ravines, and ancient Buddhist caves carved during the Sixteen Kingdoms period… This place is truly a treasure trove of cultural and artistic heritage.