Xinjiang October travel guide mainly includes recommended attractions, itinerary planning, and precautions:
Recommended Attractions
Kanas: Rated as the most beautiful autumn scenery by ‘Chinese National Geography’, with golden mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes interwoven into a picturesque scroll.
Hemu Village: Known as ‘China’s First Village’, the river, village, forest, mountains, and birch trees are all dyed golden, beautiful like an oil painting fairyland.
Tianshan Tianchi: Enjoy the serene and magnificent natural scenery, feeling the fusion of nature and humanity.
Sayram Lake: The lake water is clear, with snow-capped mountains reflected, making you feel like you’re in a fairy tale world.
Populus euphratica Forest: The Populus euphratica forest in Southern Xinjiang turns fully golden from mid-October to early November, entering its most beautiful viewing period.
Itinerary Planning
Northern Xinjiang Autumn Appreciation Route 1:
D1: Arrive in Urumqi, airport/train station pickup, stay in Urumqi.
D2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi ‘Jade Pool’, S21 Internet-famous Desert Highway – Burqin.
D3: Burqin – The mystery of Kanas’ autumn color-changing lake, visit the Three Bays – Jiadengyu.
D4: Jiadengyu – Hemu autumn fairy tale cabin, primitive village, starry sky – Stay in Hemu scenic area.
D5: Hemu morning fog – Climb Ha viewing platform, Colorful Beach sunset – Burqin.
D6: Burqin – Wind-eroded Devil’s City ‘Internet-famous Little Train’ – Autumn scenery, enchanting Populus euphratica Forest.
D7: Wake up naturally – Arrange airport transfer, ending a delightful trip.
Northern Xinjiang Autumn Appreciation Route 2:
D1: Urumqi – Airport/train station pickup.
D2: Urumqi – Cross the S21 Desert Highway – Colorful Beach sunset – Burqin.
D3: Burqin – The mystery of Kanas’ color-changing lake, exploration of the Three Bays, hike to ‘Fish Viewing Terrace’ – Jiadengyu.
D4: Jiadengyu – Full-day exploration of Hemu’s autumn primitive village – Hemu scenic area cabin.
D5: Hemu morning fog – Haden viewing platform,乌尔禾 Devil’s City – Urho Populus euphratica Forest.
D6: Urho – Sayram Lake – Jinghe.
D7: Jinghe – Lujiaowan 4A Scenic Area – S101 Internet-famous Highway – Urumqi.
D8: Wake up naturally – Transfer to the airport, ending a delightful trip.
Precautions
Climate: The climate in Xinjiang in October is pleasant, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to bring warm clothing.
Accommodation: Accommodation in places like Kanas and Hemu can be tight during holidays, so it is advisable to book in advance.
Equipment: Bring windproof glasses and hats to prevent UV damage. Comfortable sports shoes and waterproof hiking boots are also essentials.
Food and water: Bring enough dry food and water, as dining services may be insufficient within the scenic area.
October in Xinjiang is the best period to enjoy autumn. Whether it’s Kanas and Hemu in Northern Xinjiang or the Populus euphratica forest in Southern Xinjiang, they all offer breathtaking views of nature’s grandeur and magic. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!