Traveling to Xinjiang in autumn will bring you a colorful and picturesque season. Below is a detailed autumn Xinjiang travel guide:
I. Best Travel Time
The prime travel period for autumn in Xinjiang is from September to October, especially from mid-September to mid-October. At this time, the leaves in Northern Xinjiang start to change color, with gold, red, and dark green intertwining to form beautiful paintings. Although Southern Xinjiang is mainly known for its cultural flavor, autumn scenery such as the胡杨 forest is equally enchanting.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Northern Xinjiang
Kanas: Known as a "fairyland on earth", the leaves start to turn yellow in mid-September, with the best viewing period from late September to early October. The golden leaves and milky blue lake complement each other, captivating visitors.
Hemu Village: In autumn, Hemu is covered in colorful forests. Wooden huts, snow-capped peaks, forests, meadows, blue skies, and white clouds all blend together to form a breathtaking painting.
Keketohai: Autumn in Keketohai is short but spectacular. In late September, the forests are covered in color, with the strongest autumn hues.
Tianshan Tianchi Lake: Located in the Tianshan Mountains, the lake is clear with surrounding snow-capped mountains, making it a great place to enjoy autumn scenery.
Southern Xinjiang
Kashi Old Town: Feel the rich ethnic flavor and explore the history and culture of the old town.
Zepu Golden胡杨 National Forest Park: The golden胡杨 forest in autumn is a paradise for photographers.
Taxkorgan County: Experience plateau scenery and admire the magnificent snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
III. Itinerary Planning
It is recommended to plan your itinerary based on time and points of interest. Below is a 7-day example itinerary for enjoying autumn in Northern Xinjiang.
Day 1: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi Lake – Fuyun
Day 2: Fuyun – Keketohai Geological Park – Burqin
Day 3: Burqin – Kanas Lake – Shenxian Bay – Wolong Bay – Moon Bay
Day 4: Kanas – Hemu Ancient Village
Day 5: Hemu – Ghost City – Karamay
Day 6: Karamay – Sayram Lake
Day 7: Sayram Lake – Urumqi
IV. Practical Tips
Clothing preparation: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night. You need to prepare thick clothing such as down jackets and raincoats.
Sunscreen measures: Xinjiang has intense UV rays. Remember to prepare sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sun hats, etc.
Transportation and accommodation: Plan your itinerary in advance and book transportation and accommodation. For local transportation, you can be flexible and consider carpooling based on weather and local conditions.
Tickets and fees: Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction. It is recommended to check in advance and plan your budget accordingly.
Respect local customs: Respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary trouble.
I hope this autumn Xinjiang travel guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip!