Life Advice: If you're taking kids to Xinjiang, be sure to go in July-August!

Before July, Xinjiang can still be a bit chilly. If you're planning to do the Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop, it's not recommended to bring children due to the large temperature differences between day and night that can easily cause colds. Our family went last July, setting off right when summer vacation started - the grasslands were green, flowers were blooming, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. The kids had an absolute blast! By mid-July, the scenery along Xinjiang's routes becomes stunning. The rapeseed flowers in Ili bloom, Sayram Lake shines blue like a gem, Kanas Lake's water is crystal clear, and the morning mist in Hemu Village is dreamlike. The whole journey is rich in cultural atmosphere - perfect for helping kids learn about multi-ethnic cultures and natural landscapes! √ Here's our authentic 9-day, 8-night itinerary to share: D1: Arrive in Urumqi - Hilton Hotel (stay) Our private tour driver was already waiting at the airport, helping with luggage all the way to hotel check-in. Traveling with kids couldn't be easier! D2: Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge In late June/early July, Sayram Lake's water is gemstone blue, and Guozigou Bridge glitters in sunlight. Playing by the lakeside with kids - beautiful scenery without crowds (Must circle the entire lake! The sunset view is absolutely breathtaking without any filters needed) D3: Sayram Lake - Huocheng Lavender Fields - Yining The guide vividly explained the origin of "The Atlantic's Last Tear," and the kids listened attentively. In the evening, the driver took us to lavender fields - endless purple blooms with fragrant air. D4: Yining - Nalati Grassland - Sky Grassland Kids loved horseback riding through grasslands dotted with grazing livestock - a completely novel experience! Then we stayed in Kazakh yurts with evening bonfire parties that children adored. D5: Nalati - Duku Highway - Bayinbuluke Grassland Dubbed "China's Most Beautiful Highway," Duku offers ever-changing landscapes letting you experience four seasons in one day. Evening sunset over Bayinbuluke's winding rivers is breathtaking. D6: Bayinbuluke - Kanas - Jiadengyu From northern Xinjiang to northern Xinjiang, the scenery transforms again! Kanas' crystal-clear waters surrounded by primeval forests feel like entering a fairy tale. D7: Kanas - Hemu Village - Morning Mist Experience Hemu Village shrouded in morning mist is magical. Kids took horse-drawn sledges through the village, experiencing local lifestyles and Tuvan culture. D8: Hemu Village - Tianchi Lake - Urumqi Tianchi's emerald waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests create picturesque views. Back in Urumqi, visit the Grand Bazaar for Xinjiang specialties. D9: Urumqi - Airport Transfer Convenient last-day sightseeing at Tianchi Lake before our driver's seamless airport transfer with excellent service. ✅ Practical Tips: 1. Xinjiang's vastness makes private cars/tours ideal to avoid transit hassles 2. July-August is peak season (and most beautiful) - book accommodations early 3. Pack warm layers even in summer due to large day-night temperature swings 4. Bring children's medications for altitude sickness and stomach issues 5. Respect local minority customs, especially at religious sites like mosques