July and August mark the most beautiful season in Xinjiang. With pleasant temperatures and lush greenery across the Tianshan Mountains, it’s the perfect time to escape the summer heat and embrace nature. Among all destinations, the Ili River Valley, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland are undoubtedly the highlights not to be missed.
Take a summer journey through flower fields and grasslands, and experience true vastness and freedom under blue skies and white clouds.
Ili Flower Fields: A Colorful Canvas at the Foot of the Tianshan Mountains
When people think of Ili, the first image that often comes to mind is the endless lavender fields and the vibrant wildflower meadows stretching over the hills.
Yili Flower Sea
- Recommended Spots:
Huocheng Lavender Manor: In full bloom from late June to mid-July, the vast purple fields rival those in Provence.
Yizhao Highway: From July onward, alpine meadows come alive with blooming wildflowers—colorful, untamed, and romantic.
Valleys around Tekes Bagua City: Not only home to wildflowers but also the unique Bagua-shaped urban layout waiting to be explored.
Lavender in Yili
- Highlights:
Perfect for photography—effortlessly capture breathtaking shots
Horse riding through flower fields—immerse in Kazakh culture
Stay overnight in flower-field guesthouses—sleep under the grassland stars
Sayram Lake: The Last Tear of the Atlantic
Known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” Sayram Lake is Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine lake. Its crystal-clear blue water is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and verdant meadows, creating a dreamlike landscape.
Sea of Flowers at Sayram Lake
Must-Do Activities:
- Lakeside Camping: Gaze at the Milky Way by night, and watch the sun rise over snow-capped peaks at dawn.
- Cycling or Driving Around the Lake: The 70-kilometer loop is filled with unbelievably beautiful scenery.
- Grassland Picnic: In the soft summer breeze, lay out a picnic by the lake and enjoy the purest air and peace.
Pro Tip:
From mid-July to early August, the lakeside hosts Naadam festivals and grassland music events, perfect for experiencing authentic nomadic culture and lively Kazakh folk traditions.
Sayram Lake
Grassland Camping: Sleep Beside the Stars, Wake with the Mountain Breeze
Xinjiang’s grasslands truly live up to the phrase, “scenery as far as the eye can see.” Especially in Nalati and Bayinbuluk, July–August brings rich rainfall, thriving pastures, and the best conditions for camping and grazing.
Top Camping Spots:
- Nalati Sky Grassland: Mist-covered alpine meadows, ideal for light hiking + camping
- Bayinbuluk Grassland: Watch the unforgettable sunset over the winding “Nine Bends of the Kaidu River”
- Tangbula Grassland: More raw, more peaceful, perfect for off-the-beaten-path exploration
Nalati Grassland
Bayinbuluke Grassland
Why Camp Now?
- Comfortable weather—not too hot, not too cold
- Grasslands at their greenest, wildflowers in full bloom, and herds of grazing horses
- Crystal-clear starry skies—perfect for astrophotography
- Interact with nomads and experience real-life pastoral life
Itinerary Suggestion: 7–10 Day Ili Loop
9-Day Xinjiang Duku Highway Tour: Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sailimu Lake & More $ 691
How to Prepare for a July–August Trip to Xinjiang
- Strong UV: Bring sun protection—hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Big Day-Night Temperature Difference: Pack a warm jacket for the evenings
- Recommended: Rent a car or arrange private transport—destinations are far apart
- Payment: Most areas accept WeChat/Alipay, but carry some cash just in case
- Photo Gear: Bring a camera, wide-angle lens, and tripod for amazing landscape shots
This Summer, Go to Xinjiang
July and August are when Xinjiang is at its finest. Lavender paints the valleys, snow-capped mountains reflect in blue lakes, and nomads tend to their flocks under open skies.
If you’re tired of the concrete jungle, go to Xinjiang.
Feel romance in the Ili flower fields, find peace beside Sayram Lake, and rediscover freedom under the starry grassland sky.
