Grasslands, Gobi deserts, deserts, snow-capped mountains, canyons, forests......This is Xinjiang — the richest natural landscapes, the most beautiful hiking routes. It’s a must-visit destination for every hiking enthusiast. If you’re a beginner just starting out, the5following routes are your best choices for hiking in Xinjiang.
40At an altitude of several kilometers, the scenic area boasts lush vegetation and undulating snow peaks. There are pastures dotted with herds of cattle and sheep, as well as glistening glacial streams. Among the many attractions in the Nanshan Scenic Area, the most suitable section for hiking is from Juhuatai to Baiyanggou. The trail weaves through serene landscapes of forests, grasslands, and waterfalls. Not only is the difficulty level low, but it’s also less crowded with tourists. If this is your first time visiting Xinjiang, this is the perfect place to start your hiking adventure.
Hiking Route:Juhuatai – Camp at Jinqiugou – Climb to the Summit – Return to Camp – Head to Baiyanggou – Baiyanggou Waterfall
Best Season:June to October
The above routes have relatively low walking intensity, making them suitable for beginner hikers. However, they are not yet mainstream and remain relatively off-the-beaten-path. While these trails offer fewer crowds and stunning scenery, they are also less developed in terms of tourism and commercial infrastructure, which means they carry a higher level of risk compared to more common hiking routes. Some areas may even be completely uninhabited with no mobile phone signal. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all hikers plan carefully in advance and travel with companions. No matter how beautiful the scenery or how exciting the route, your safety must come first to fully enjoy and take on the challenge.