Dzungarian Travel Guide

A travel guide to Dzungarian, China with information on places to visit, things to do, food and drink, local culture, safety, and logistics.


Introduction to Dzungarian

Located in Northwest China’s Xinjiang province, Dzungarian is a region that offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and outdoor adventure opportunities. With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine, Dzungarian makes for a fantastic destination for any traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Dzungarian

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Ili National Forest Park
  2. Baba Tunta Ancient City
  3. Hemu Village
  4. Kanas Nature Reserve
  5. Zharkent Mosque

Natural Attractions of Dzungarian: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. The Tianshan Mountains
  2. The Kanas Lake
  3. Sayram Lake
  4. Altay Mountains National Park
  5. Keketuohai National Geological Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dzungarian

  1. The Tianchi Lake
  2. Hemu Village to Kanas Nature Reserve
  3. Keketuohai National Geological Park
  4. Altay Mountains National Park

Best Things to Do in Dzungarian: Activities and Tours

  1. Visiting the Kanas Nature Reserve
  2. Hiking through the Tian Shan Mountains
  3. Exploring Hemu Village
  4. Trying local cuisine and street food
  5. Taking a traditional Kazakh-style Hot Spring Bath

Week-Long Itinerary for Dzungarian

Day Activities
1 Arrival, Relax in a Hot Spring Bath
2 Explore Ili National Forest Park
3 Hike along the Tianchi Lake Trail
4 Visit Kanas Nature Reserve
5 Immerse in the Culture of Hemu Village
6 Go Biking in the Keketuohai National Geological Park
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Dzungarian

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Roast Lamb (Kawap), which is a popular dish amongst the Kazakh and Mongolian Chinese
  2. Dapanji, a spicy chicken dish that is a Chinese Muslim speciality
  3. Laghman (pronounced as Lah-mian) which is a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables and meat
  4. Samsa, which is baked meat or vegetable pastry that is very popular in Xinjiang

Local Beverages

  1. Milk tea with butter, which is a traditional drink of the Kazakh people
  2. Horse milk wine, called kumiss, which is another drink that the local people drink regularly

## Where to Stay in Dzungarian: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Xinyue Hotel
  2. Hemu Guniang Guesthouse
  3. Xinhu Lake Hotel
  4. Love Morning Inn
  5. Kanas Romantic Hotel

What to Buy in Dzungarian: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Dulati Apricot kernels
  2. Pei’er Saffron Flower Tea
  3. Traditional handmade Kazakh embroidery
  4. Camel wool products

Local Culture and Customs of Dzungarian

Dzungarian is a region where a large number of ethnic Kazakhs live. To show respect for their culture, it’s essential to follow some basic customs such as:

  • When entering someone’s home, remember to take off your shoes
  • Address the elderly respectfully as “Auntie” and “Uncle”
  • Always try to avoid discussions on sensitive topics such as politics and religion

Best Time to Visit Dzungarian

The best time to visit Dzungarian is during the autumn season (September to November) when the weather is sunny and comfortable, making it an ideal time to explore the natural landscapes and to engage in outdoor activities. Summers (June to August) are also popular, but the temperatures can rise up to 35°C in some areas, while winters (December to March) are very snowy with temperatures dropping below freezing levels.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dzungarian

Do:

  • Respect the culture of the region’s Ethnic minorities
  • Try the local food and drinks
  • Learn some simple Mandarin and Kazakh phrases in advance
  • Take care of your belongings while going on treks and hikes

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing
  • Talk loudly in public places
  • Drink excessively in public places
  • Take photographs of people without their consent

Safety and Health

Safety in Dzungarian

Dzungarian is considered safe with low crime rates, but it’s still good to maintain certain precautions:

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded public areas
  • Stay alert and cautious while taking public transportation
  • Follow local regulations and obey no photo areas
  • Be aware of extreme weather changes

Health in Dzungarian

It is essential to take precautions against altitude sickness as some areas are above 2000 meters above sea level. If possible, gradually acclimate yourself to different altitudes to prevent illness. Additionally, it’s always essential to drink bottled or boiled water to avoid any contamination.

Getting to Dzungarian: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dzungarian

The nearest airport to Dzungarian is the Urumqi International Airport, which is four hours away by car.

Bus Stations Near Dzungarian

Dzungarian has an excellent road network and is well linked to several cities in the region. There are multiple bus service providers that operate between Dzungarian and neighboring cities like Urumqi and Altay.

Other Options

One can also take trains from Urumqi via stations such as Kuitun and Shihezi, which are all well-connected with other major cities of China.

How to Get Around in Dzungarian

Taxis are easily available in almost every part of Dzungarian. Alternately, buses and minibusses serve as cost-effective and convenient options for traveling around. For adventure lovers, renting a bike or taking a horse ride are some of the most popular alternatives for moving around different areas.

Where to Go Next from Dzungarian: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Turpan City
  2. Urumqi
  3. Altay City
  4. Bayanbulak Grassland

Conclusion

Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a dedicated history buff, Dzungarian offers something for everyone. With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Dzungarian promises to be a trip that will stay etched in your memory for a lifetime.



    Aletai
    Hami
    Hanas National Nature Reserve
    Sayram Lake
    Shihezi
    Tianshan Tianchi National Park
    Turpan
    Urumqi