Topography of Xinjiang
The first thing to understand is the topography of Xinjiang. Topography has the greatest impact on the environment and climate.
Xinjiang has three mountains sandwiched between two basins. There are Altay Mountains in the north, Tianshan Mountains in the middle, and Kunlun Mountains in the south. These three mountains sandwich two basins, the Junggar Basin and the Tarim Basin. Among these two basins There are also two largest deserts in China, the Taklimakan Desert in the Tarim Basin and the Gurbantunggut Desert in the Junggar Basin.
Xinjiang is divided into southern Xinjiang and northern Xinjiang with the Tianshan Mountains as the boundary. The travel itinerary is basically 1. Northern Xinjiang Ring Jungar Basin (within the blue range) 2. Ili Valley Turpan Ring Road (yellow line range) , 3. Southern Xinjiang Ring Taklimakan Desert (within the purple range) 4. Turpan, Shanshan, Hami, Mulei, Qitai, Jimusar County, which is the East Tianshan Mountains also known as Dongjiang (within the Heigou range) 5. Lop Nur is the center of the Gobi desert and is surrounded by the Altun Mountains (light green range).
This is caused by the topography of Xinjiang. Xinjiang is located deep inland, far away from the ocean, and is surrounded by mountains, making it difficult for moist ocean air to enter, forming an extremely dry continental climate. Xinjiang's climate has many characteristics, including more sunny days, strong sunshine, little rain, dryness, cold winters and hot summers, large temperature differences between day and night, and more wind and sand, etc. The climate in Xinjiang is characterized by short spring and autumn and long summer and winter.
When traveling to Xinjiang, how to bring clothes? First of all, you must understand the characteristics of Xinjiang’s climate:
The most striking feature of Xinjiang’s climate is “dry”. The dry climate in Xinjiang results in a particularly large temperature difference between day and night and less precipitation. It seems that I have experienced changes in cold and heat in one day. I am still sweating in short sleeves during the day, and I can only sleep under the quilt at night.
The second characteristic of Xinjiang’s climate is cold winters and hot summers. In winter, due to the direct influence of Siberian cold air, there are always several cold waves that significantly cool down the temperature. Fuyun County in the Altay region experienced a low temperature of minus 51.5 degrees Celsius, setting a record for the lowest temperature in the country. In summer, the temperature is relatively high, and the hottest degree is higher in southern Xinjiang than in northern Xinjiang. The most prominent one is Turpan, where the hottest month (July) has an average temperature of 40 degrees, ranking highest in the country.
Abundant sunshine is also a major feature of Xinjiang’s climate. Xinjiang has between 2,550 and 3,500 hours of sunshine throughout the year, ranking among the top among provinces and regions in the country.
Due to the numerous mountain passes and passes in Xinjiang, strong winds are prone to occur when cold air invades. This is also a characteristic of Xinjiang’s climate. The most serious times for strong winds in various places are in spring and winter, and there are occasional strong winds in autumn and summer.
Knowing the above climate characteristics, Xinjiang’s attire should be: sun protection, sun protection, wind protection, sand protection, rain protection, and warmth. We classify clothing:
Summer clothing: short-sleeved, shorts, long skirts, short skirts. Thin shirts, casual clothes, quick-drying clothes, sweat-wicking clothes (favorite for outdoor enthusiasts), sportswear, etc.
Spring and autumn clothing: long-sleeved, sun-protective clothing, single jackets, casual long-sleeved clothing, quick-drying clothing, sports mid-long sleeves, fleece clothing, sweat-wicking clothing, autumn clothing and autumn pants, Pressure down jacket or thin down jacket.
Winter clothing: Composite jackets and pants (charged fleece liner or down jacket, mid-length down jacket, mountaineering down jacket, down pants, hard shell jackets and soft shell jackets).
Generally speaking, the Jungar Basin in northern Xinjiang, the Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang, Turpan Hamid, Chitai Mulei, Jimunai County, and Ili Valley in eastern Xinjiang are all different. In the same month, the temperature in southern Xinjiang is warmer than that in northern Xinjiang. High, the wind and sand are heavy. Turpan Shanshan has a higher temperature than southern Xinjiang, and there is less wind and sand than southern Xinjiang. However, the sand and dust in Shanshan Desert Park cannot be seen, so be sure to protect the camera lens.
In the Jungar Basin of Northern Xinjiang, in cities from May to the end of August, you can wear short sleeves, shorts, long skirts, or short skirts during the day.
Polka-dot shirts, casual clothes, quick-drying clothes (favorite for outdoor hobbies), sportswear, etc. The temperature in cities is high, so sun protection clothes or thin jackets are needed in scenic areas or mountainous areas (jackets are very practical clothing in Xinjiang, and fleece jackets are Either a clothing liner or a jacket down liner is acceptable. A jacket can be windproof and rainproof, and combined with fleece or down to keep warm, it can be a multi-purpose item.)
In most areas of northern Xinjiang on the above map, Karamay District and Urho District of Karamay City have the highest temperatures from May to the end of August. They are marked as high-temperature areas by round red circles with a white background, and the temperature difference between day and night is 3-5 Spend. A black circle with a white background indicates that the temperature during the day is normal, the temperature at night is slightly cooler, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Urban accommodations in cities such as Qinghe County, Fuyun County, Burqin, and Habahe County did not have air conditioning before tourism development. Along the north of Tianshan Mountain, orange round white bottom, Wusu, Dushanzi Kuitun, Shihezi, Shawan, Changji. The temperature in the city is not high, so normal short-sleeved summer clothes are enough from May to August. The yellow square black background scenic spot has a large temperature difference from May to August, so you need a fleece jacket or a thin down jacket. If it is rainy, it will be very cold during the day. Like Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba Village, you can see it in the morning. Some wear thin down jackets and some have short sleeves. When traveling to Northern Xinjiang from May to August, it is recommended to wear summer or autumn clothes. Urumqi is located to the north of the Tianshan Mountains and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. It is hot in summer and cold in winter. The temperature is about the same as Shihezi in Changji, which is also located north of the Tianshan Mountains. In winter, heating is based on October 15th (heating starts around October 7th at certain times every day depending on the weather). The temperature can reach as low as -50 degrees. Normally, on December 1st in winter, the temperature is around -18 to -25 degrees. The temperature can reach -30 degrees during cold currents, and Qinghe County and Fuyun County in Altay are relatively colder. In mid-September, snowy weather may occur in the mountainous areas of northern Xinjiang, but the snow will only stay for a short time. In the snow, the Kanas Hemu White Haba Coco Tuohai looks even more delicate under the colorful colors. Autumn clothes are needed at this time, and summer clothes are basically useless. After mid-October, autumn clothing and winter clothing are basically the main items. The temperature hasn't reached its coldest yet.
The Ili Valley, located in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains, is one of the areas with the best temperature and climate in Xinjiang. The temperatures in cities in the Ili Valley are not too high, such as Zhaosu, Tekes, and Nilek at night You should cover yourself with a thicker quilt when sleeping. There are relatively few air conditioners in hotels. The temperature in Huocheng, Yining City, and Xinyuan County is higher, but the temperature difference between day and night is not big. Summer clothes are allowed in the city. In the scenic spots, Guozigou Scenic Spot, Zhaosuxia Autumn clothing is required at night in special scenic areas, Tekeskarajun Scenic Area, Qiongkushtai Village, Qiaxi Kurdening Scenic Area, Xinyuan Nalati Scenic Area, Gongnaisi Scenic Area, Bayinbuluke Scenic Area, and Nilek Baili Gallery Scenic Area. These scenic spots are all in mountainous areas. Urban weather forecasts are not available in mountainous areas. There will be short-term rains from May to August. It is difficult to encounter the next day of rain. It usually rains in the morning or afternoon. Xinjiang does not have a traditional rainy season, and there is little rain in Yili. There are relatively many river valleys. Also pay attention to rain and sun protection, and it is best to have spare sun-protective clothing with you. Bayinbuluke Scenic Area may have short-term high altitudes at a slightly higher altitude, and thunderstorms are mostly concentrated in the afternoon. After the rain, the scenery of Bayinbulak Jiuqu and Eighteen Bays is even more beautiful. It may snow on the mountains in the scenic area after mid-September, and by late October, autumn clothing is basically the norm. November is basically winter wear. There are a lot of mosquitoes in Bayinbuluke during the day because it is a wetland park. Long sleeves and long pants are also recommended in summer, but long skirts are not recommended as they say mosquitoes can hide in skirts. The yellow square with black background is on the mountain in the scenic area. Simple autumn clothes are also needed in summer. The temperature will be lower when it rains. The light yellow round white background city temperature is not much different between day and night, and the temperature itself is low.
Around the Tarim Basin, the temperature is slightly higher from May to early October, and the temperature is just right from late March to April every year. It is also a good scenery when paired with the apricot flowers in Turpan and Taxkorgan. In the cities along the Ring Scenic Area, summer clothing is the main thing. Just bring sun-protective clothing. You should also pay attention to wind, sand and sun protection. Taxkorgan County on the Pamir Plateau is an exception. Because the altitude of Taxkorgan County is above 3,000 meters, the temperature in the scenic spot is summer during the day and the temperature is slightly lower at night. There will basically be high altitude reflection in Taxkorgan County, but some respond quickly and some respond slowly.
Around the Tarim Basin, there is less rain, but there are more sand and dust weather. Especially in the Pishan County area, there used to be a mouthful of sand. Even if the car is well sealed, the sand and dust cannot be seen at all. The temperature will be higher on the east-west desert highway. The desert is dusty and has strong ultraviolet rays. There is occasional bad weather in southern Xinjiang, which is basically like winning the lottery. In late October, basic summer clothes can be paired with autumn clothes. When visiting Populus euphratica forests in southern Xinjiang, it is basically from the end of October to mid-to-late November. The weather is different every year, and the time is slightly earlier or later. At this time, you can basically prepare autumn clothes. Southern Xinjiang is basically all red, so you don’t need to prepare autumn clothes when going to Ta County, just summer clothes, and sun protection clothing is a must. Especially on desert roads, the surface temperature can be above 50 degrees, and the soles are too thin, which can burn your feet.
The picture above is a line that goes around Lop Nur. Areas with high temperatures are basically concentrated here. The temperature in Turpan and Shanshan County is from May to September. Wear summer clothes. The most important thing is to protect yourself from the sun. from dehydration. Because you can't feel sweating and water has been lost, you must pay attention to replenishing water, preferably with salt. You will definitely feel that the air conditioner in your car is not working very well. I have seen the big thermometer at the Flame Mountain reaching 75 degrees. You must wear sun protection, long-sleeved clothes or long-sleeved skirts. Grape Valley in Turpan is the coolest place. Once inside, you may not feel like you are in Turpan. Normal summer clothes are fine from April to October, and autumn clothes are fine from November to March. Winter clothing is required in December, January and February. The temperature of the Lop Nur Town section of the road is higher in July and August, and the road is basically on the saline-alkali crust.
The picture above shows the northern slope of the East Tianshan Mountains, Hami, Yiwu, Barkol County, Mulei, Qitai, and Jimusar County. The temperature is different from other places. During the day, it is better than Shihezi and Manas. The temperature in the county is slightly lower and the nights are cooler. Normal summer clothes are sufficient from May to August, but autumn clothes are required for overnight stays in the scenic area. If you visit Populus euphratica after mid-September, you can immediately wear autumn clothes. Later in mid-October, you will need to prepare early winter equipment.
Other equipment: Regardless of season,
1. Sun hat, wind and sand mask or scarf are common items, which are necessary all year round. In winter, a wire hat or cotton hat is required. Nowadays, magic headscarves are also very useful, have good sun protection effect, and some also protect against ultraviolet rays.
2. Gloves depend on your preference. If there are simple hiking or horseback riding activities in the itinerary, it is recommended to bring them.
3. Multi-functional headscarf, always available outdoors, it can prevent dust and sun, and can also be used for taking photos.
4. Disposable undergarments are not recommended, as you may not be able to find where they went when you arrive in Turpan. It is best to wear sweat-wicking underwear, which is easy to clean and dries quickly.
5. Umbrellas and raincoats are available as backup. Umbrellas can protect you from the sun and rain. However, the rain in Xinjiang is slanting, so umbrellas are not as useful as raincoats. There are two simple things you can wear with your raincoat that are disposable, or you can use plastic cloth. Another function of raincoats in Xinjiang is to keep warm. If there are less clothes, wearing clothes can also keep warm. Nowadays, jackets are rainproof and can replace raincoats.
6. For footwear, summer sports shoes, river tracing shoes, sports sandals, light hiking shoes, and rainproof shoe covers are recommended. There are many online. If you are going for a simple hike, you can bring snow covers. If you come in autumn and winter, we recommend Zhongbang hiking shoes or Gaobang hiking shoes.
7. It is best to have polarizers or sunglasses whether you are driving a car or visiting scenic spots. They can also be used as camera filters occasionally (haha, this is my personal use, I do not recommend that professional filters are better) )
8. Socks are recommended for outdoor sweat-wicking socks or cotton socks. Silk stockings are not recommended for girls because stockings are slippery when sweating.
9. If you are nearsighted, try not to wear contact lenses. They will be troublesome to clean in sandy weather.
The most practical ones are large silk scarves and scarves. They can be used in various scenes. They come in various colors and are not heavy. You can also carry many scarves. Can be matched with all kinds of outfits.