September and October are the golden period for tourism in Xinjiang, especially with its extremely charming autumn scenery.?
Recommended Travel Routes?
Northern Xinjiang Route: The small loop route of Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake is a popular choice. This route covers the most representative autumn scenery in Xinjiang, such as Kanas’ colorful forests, Hemu’s morning light, and Sayram Lake’s autumn lake scenery.?
Southern Xinjiang Route: The small loop route of Kashgar + Pamir Plateau is equally worth visiting. Southern Xinjiang attracts tourists with its unique ethnic customs and magnificent natural scenery, with Kashgar’s Old Town and the snowy mountains and lakes of the Pamir Plateau being must-see attractions.?
Attraction Recommendations?
Kanas: The leaves begin to turn yellow in early September, presenting Kanas with a colorful spectacle. Mid-to-late September is the best time to appreciate the breathtaking autumn scenery in Northern Xinjiang, with golden birch forests reflecting off the emerald green lake, creating a picturesque view like a painting.?
Hemu Village: Referred to as "God’s Own Land", it is a paradise for photographers. Especially during sunrise in the morning, the log cabins and morning fog create a fairy tale-like scene.?
Sayram Lake: In September, the grass at Sayram Lake has turned yellow, but this does not detract from its beauty. The collision of sea blue and gold creates a stunning view, with golden sunlight shining on the withered yellow lawn, forming a beautiful picture with the distant snow-capped mountains, lake, and cottages.?
Colorful Beach: Famous for its colored hills, the woods in autumn don a colorful coat, with red, orange, and yellow hues staining the riverbank’s Danxia landform, making it an excellent location for photos.?
Koktokay: Renowned at home and abroad as the "World Geological and Mineral Museum", the birch forest and the unique landforms of the God’s Bell Mountain in the Erqis Canyon Forest Park are attractions worth seeing.?
Dressing Guide?
In autumn, the temperature in Xinjiang gradually decreases, the weather is sunny and dry, and the wind intensifies. It is recommended to wear a lightweight jacket paired with a thin sweater, and also prepare windproof clothing such as a trench coat and a lightweight down jacket.?
Food Recommendations?
Xinjiang boasts a rich variety of delicacies, such as large plate chicken, hand-seized rice, baked buns, pulled noodles, and mutton skewers, all of which are delicious treats not to be missed.?
In summary, the best time to appreciate the autumn scenery in Xinjiang is in September and October. Whether it’s Kanas and Hemu in Northern Xinjiang or Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang, tourists can experience the unique charm of Xinjiang.?