The most worthy attractions for a self-driving tour in Xinjiang and Qinghai, a must-visit once in a lifetime!

Xinjiang is a place that many people yearn for, and the scenery there is so enchanting. Many people often don't know which attractions to visit in Xinjiang. So, I have compiled a list of some of the most worthwhile attractions in Xinjiang. They are: Narat, Tianchi in Tianshan Mountains, Keketuohai, Grape Valley in Turpan, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Flaming Mountains Scenic Area, and Wucan Beach. Faced with numerous attractions in Xinjiang, why not start with these most worthwhile attractions in Xinjiang?

Nalati Tourist Scenic Area

Nalati Tourist Scenic Area is located in Xinyuan County, Xinjiang, in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, at the eastern end of the Ili River Valley, with a total planned area of 960 square kilometers. The scenic area is composed of the alpine grassland sightseeing area, the Kazakh folk customs area, and the tourism living area from south to north.

Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area

Tianshan Tianchi, formerly known as 'Yaochi,' is characterized by its complete vertical natural landscape zones, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. It is culturally enriched by the ancient Yaochi Queen Mother of the West mythology, as well as religious and unique ethnic customs. It is the best place for sightseeing, scientific exploration, adventure, leisure, fitness, and experiencing ethnic customs.

Keketuohai Scenic Area

The scenic area consists of four parts: the Irtysh Grand Canyon, Kekesuli, Iremit Lake, and the Karaxinger Earthquake Fault Zone. It is known for its beautiful canyon rivers, rocky forests, mineral resources, extreme cold lakes, and unique earthquake fault zones. The area integrates geological culture, regional characteristics, and ethnic customs, making it a large tourist destination with a focus on sightseeing, leisure vacations, special tourism (hiking, photography, etc.), and scientific research.

Turpan Grape Valley Scenic Area

The Buyiruk River flows through the valley, with its main water source being melted snow from the mountains. It is named after its abundant grape production and is a popular tourist destination in the Turpan region of Xinjiang. In summer, the valley boasts beautiful scenery and a cool breeze, making it a paradise for escaping the heat of the 'Flaming Mountains'. During the tourist season, it attracts a continuous stream of visitors from both home and abroad.

Tianshan Grand Canyon

Known for its 'strange pines, peculiar rocks, and sea of clouds,' it is favored by tourists. It has earned praises such as 'After visiting the Five Great Mountains, no other mountains are worth seeing; after visiting the Grand Canyon, one often reminisces about it,' and 'A hundred-mile golden tourism corridor, a paradise for leisure and outdoor vacations.' The Tianshan Grand Canyon encompasses all natural landscapes of Xinjiang except the desert. It is a living museum of nomadic culture before the advent of human agricultural civilization, possessing high value for tourism appreciation, scientific research, and historical culture.
Flaming Mountains Scenic Area, a national AAAA-level scenic spot, is located 10 kilometers east of Turpan, Xinjiang. The area is famous for its mythological legends and unique natural landscapes. The main peak is located about 40 kilometers east of Turpan city, with an altitude of 831.7 meters. The Flaming Mountains are characterized by high temperatures and arid conditions, where 'even birds dare not fly over for thousands of miles.'

Sayram Lake Scenic Area

A national key scenic area. Located in the southwestern end of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, it is characterized by natural ecological landscapes such as lakes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. It is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known for its beautiful scenery. It is also the last place where the warm and humid air currents from the Atlantic Ocean reach, hence the saying 'the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean.'

Nalati Scenic Area

The Gongnaisi Canyon features undulating terrain and diverse weather patterns. Influenced by the warm and humid air currents of the Ili River Valley, Gongnaisi has formed a unique ecological environment with distinct seasons. In spring, the area is covered in fresh greenery; in summer, flowers bloom in abundance; in autumn, the frost turns the leaves red; and in winter, the landscape is blanketed in snow. It is a natural summer resort and tourist destination, often referred to as a green corridor, botanical garden, and animal kingdom.

Kekexili Mountain

The Qinghai Kekexili National Nature Reserve is located in the western part of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, with a total area of 4.5 million hectares. It is one of the nature reserves in the world with well-preserved primitive ecological environments at the beginning of the 21st century. It is also one of the largest, highest-altitude, and most wildlife-rich nature reserves in China.