12.2 Xinjiang live update, almost losing it because I brought the wrong shoes

Before going, I did a bunch of research, studying everything from what clothes to bring to how to choose a tour, but no one emphasized what kind of shoes to bring 🤯 I really couldn’t handle it. I thought I was just coming to Xinjiang for a few days, so I only packed the usual gear, but that was a huge mistake! I brought a pair of ordinary snow boots, but they had no grip at all on the road. I had to walk very carefully, but still ended up falling flat on my butt... When hiking in Kanas, it was windy and snowy, and the shoes were not waterproof at all. My socks were wet all day and freezing cold 🥶 For friends planning to visit Xinjiang next, don’t just bring one pair of shoes to save trouble. If you plan to play in the snow and hike, be sure to bring an extra pair of waterproof, non-slip snow boots and warm foot covers. - I spent 8 days in Xinjiang and put together a guide to share with friends preparing to go! 1️⃣ Clothing recommendations: Thermal underwear + thick down jacket + fleece-lined outdoor pants + wool socks + waterproof snow boots + Lei Feng hat (the wind is strong enough to blow you dizzy) + scarf 🧣 (without it, your face and neck get red from the wind) 2️⃣ Don’t navigate directly to the Kanas Scenic Area gate; you’ll waste time at the transfer point. Instead, fly to Burqin first, then take a private car or carpool from Burqin into the scenic area. Along the way, you can enjoy the sunset at the Five-Color Beach, saving time and seeing more scenery 🌄 3️⃣ At Hemu viewing platform, don’t just go to the old viewing platform—it’s crowded and cramped. You should navigate to the “Hemu Mountain Villa Viewing Platform,” which is less crowded with a wide view, perfect for panoramic shots of Hemu and morning mist! 4️⃣ In Urumqi Grand Bazaar, don’t buy expensive souvenirs inside. The same items can be bargained for half the price at small shops outside. Also, don’t easily try “special dried fruits” without clear prices, or you might get ripped off 😅 5️⃣ Don’t overdo it on the first night in Altay! Don’t shower or wash your hair the first night, and don’t rush to ski hard—high latitude plus low temperature means your body needs to adapt first, or you might easily get headaches or catch a cold! Transportation tips to avoid being a “sucker”! 📍 Urumqi → Burqin ❌ Flights are too expensive and often delayed in peak season ✅ Money-saving tip: take the overnight sleeper bus, about 200 RMB, sleep through the trip and save a night’s accommodation! 📍 Transportation inside scenic areas ❌ Renting “herdsmen’s motorcycles” in Kanas looks exciting but costs 200 RMB/hour and isn’t safe ✅ The right way: buy a scenic area pass and take the shuttle bus, which stops at fixed stations and scenic spots along the way 📍 Snow travel ❌ Renting a regular 4WD to go into Hemu won’t work on thick snow ✅ Money-saving tip: book a “snow off-road vehicle” with a local licensed travel agency, equipped with snow chains and an experienced driver, so you can drive steadily even on deep snow - This trip was thanks to my local guide brother. Many clothing and travel tips were told to me by him. I hope everyone visiting Xinjiang can meet such a great guide like I did~