If there's a place that needs no filter, it must be Xinjiang

Capture Xinjiang effortlessly with your phone and explore this "visual paradise":

1. Best Time to Visit
- May-October: Pleasant climate, most beautiful scenery.
- June-August: Lush grasslands (Nalati, Bayinbuluke), lavender blooms (Ili).
- September-October: Kanas and Hemu painted in autumn hues, golden poplar forests (along the Tarim River).
- Winter (November-March): Ski resorts in Altay, serene snowscapes.

2. Must-Visit Destinations
1. Northern Xinjiang – Natural Landscapes
- Kanas Lake: Known as "God's Back Garden," its waters change color with the seasons.
- Hemu Village: A Tuvan settlement with fairy-tale wooden houses in morning mist.
- Sayram Lake: "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," with azure waters and summer wildflowers.
- Nalati Grassland: A "sky grassland," perfect for horseback riding and Kazakh culture.

2. Southern Xinjiang – Culture & History
- Kashgar Old Town: The heart of Uyghur culture, with maze-like alleys and century-old teahouses.
- Pamir Plateau: Muztagh Ata Peak, White Sand Lake, and Tajik traditions.
- Taklamakan Desert: Traverse the desert highway and witness the resilience of poplar forests.

3. Eastern Xinjiang – Oases & Flames
- Turpan: Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley, and Karez wells, showcasing desert oasis civilization.
- Kumtag Desert: The only desert connected to a city, offering stunning sunsets.

3. Transportation
- Flights: Ürümqi Diwopu Airport is the hub, with airports in Kashgar, Yining, Altay, etc.
- Private Car/Self-Drive: Recommended for the Northern Xinjiang loop (Ürümqi-Kanas-Ili). Southern Xinjiang roads are more challenging.
- Train: The Southern Xinjiang Railway from Ürümqi to Kashgar offers breathtaking views.

4. Local Cuisine
- Big Plate Chicken, Spicy Pepper Chicken, Baked Buns, Hand-Pulled Rice.
- Lamb Skewers, Nang Pit Meat, paired with Xinjiang beer or kvass.
- Fruits: Hami melon, grapes, Korla fragrant pears (a summer must-try).

5. Tips
1. ID: Strict security checks—always carry your ID.
2. Climate: Large temperature swings; pack windbreakers, sunscreen, and moisturizers.
3. Respect Customs: Avoid noise in mosques and sensitive topics.
4. Time Zone: Xinjiang uses Beijing time but operates 2 hours later (e.g., sunset at 10 PM).

6. Recommended Itineraries (7-10 Days)
- Northern Xinjiang Loop: Ürümqi → Heavenly Lake → Koktokay → Kanas → Hemu → Devil City → Sayram Lake → Ili → Nalati → Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway.
- Southern Xinjiang In-Depth: Kashgar → Pamir Plateau (Tashkurgan) → Shache → Hotan → Desert Highway → Kuqa.

Xinjiang's vastness and diversity ensure every shot is postcard-worthy. Plan ahead, allow ample time, and soak in the soul of this land. 🌄🐫🍇

Xinjiang is the only place where I want to take more photos yet hesitate—every snapshot is stunning, but nothing compares to what your eyes behold. ✨