Xinjiang Winter Travel Guide: Eight-Day Twin Lakes Tour

Place the fantasy of northern Xinjiang's winter between two lakes. Wake up in a snow-covered wooden cabin in Kanas 🎞️, open the window to see frost hanging on the branches, silently turning into poetry. Walk along the icy shore of Sailimu Lake and encounter billions of shapes formed by the cracking blue ice. As night falls ♨️, soak in warm hot springs, shed the cold, and gaze at the stars. This journey is a pure prose dedicated to winter 📖. · ❄️ Why winter is the best time to visit: 1️⃣ In November, Xinjiang gradually enters winter, with sunset around 10 PM, so no need to wake up early to rush; we have plenty of time to enjoy. 2️⃣ Altay offers great value! Summer flights to Xinjiang are very expensive, but prices drop significantly in winter. 3️⃣ Winter offers rich experiences with fewer people and beautiful scenery; every photo looks like a personal winter masterpiece. · Winter Travel Tips ❶ Warm gear: Heated insoles + warm packs + phone Thick ski pants + waterproof snow boots ❷ Equipment protection: Spare camera batteries (cold drains power fast) Touchscreen gloves for phones are a must · 🌨️ Immersive Ice and Snow Fun Experience · At -20°C in the Hemu snowfield, throw hot water into the air to create a magical ice moment ❄️, paired with a wooden cabin 🏡 and a sheepdog sled, perfect for winter photos. · Join the village Livehouse 🎵 at night to experience the blend of Tuva people's primitive and modern nightlife. · Join a Kazakh bonfire party 🔥 by Sailimu Lake, dance ethnic dances, and create warm memories. 🛏️ Accommodation is the warm continuation of the journey · Stay in a Hemu wooden cabin, open the window to see panoramic snowy forest village views, enjoy quiet romance. · Overnight near Sailimu Lake Scenic Area, enjoy the sunset blue hour over the frozen blue lake 🌌, capturing stunning, deserted scenes. · ❄️​D1​​ Departure - Urumqi ❄️D2​​ Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway (Kela Meili) → Ulungu Lake (snowy sunset + Xinjiang-style milk tea) → Altay ❄️​​​D3​​ Altay → Ahe Highway (Xiaodonggou/Wushilik Wetland) → Hemu Village (sheepdog sled + village Livehouse) ❄️​​​D4​​ Hemu (throwing water to freeze) → Forest fairy tale snow house → Kanas Lake (searching for snow mushrooms) → E River cold water fish hotpot → Burqin ❄️​D5​​ Burqin → Kazakh breakfast → World Devil City (small train through snowy Yadan landforms) → Kuitun ❄️​​​D6​​ Kuitun → Sailimu Lake circuit (City of Winter/Winter Lighthouse/Keliyong Pearl Swans) → Mountain cable car + coffee → Bonfire party ❄️​​​D7​​ Sailimu Lake sunrise → Guozigou Bridge → Yining Six Star Street → High-speed train back to Urumqi ❄️​​​D8​​ Urumqi → Return trip · The snow mushrooms of Kanas ❄️ and the blue ice of Sailimu Lake 💎 are now stored in the memory bag 📦. May the purity and grandeur of northern Xinjiang become your eternal warmth and strength through the years 💪. The mountains and rivers remain; until we meet again 👋.