Autumn in Gold, Grand Loop of the Magical Northern Regions
In-depth Photography of Kanas and Koktokay Scenery
Tourism Consultation Hotline: 0991-8585456 (Same as Above)
Xinjiang has always been a paradise for photographers, and Kanas in autumn is a romantic season, also known as the ‘God’s Palette’ by the world.
Golden yellow and fiery red are casually splashed across the forests, with snow-capped mountaintops and scattered wooden cabins in the valleys. The three bays of ‘Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay’ emerge amidst the mist; the ancient and mysterious Tuvas, the leisurely wandering herds of cattle and sheep, are obscured amidst the mist, like a fairyland beyond the world. The dreamy sunset at Colorful Beach, and the Irtysh River Valley in the afterglow are colorful. There are also large herds of cattle and sheep transhumance in the Kanas pastoral area in autumn, walking through the dust and fog that block out the sky and sun, a paradise for photographers who never tire of creating. Kanas in autumn is a place you must visit once in your lifetime, and a place where you must become intoxicated.
September in Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba, Koktokay, Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest, Jiangbulake, and the birch forests in the Altay Region of Northern Xinjiang are all optimal times for photographers to create their best works.
The Golden September will take you to capture the dazzling autumn of Altay in one fell swoop! Absolutely beautiful scenery, capturing the heart, changing scenes with every step, always emotional, wandering and photographing in a gallery of colors, exploring in depth, leaving behind excellent works. This place is worth discovering and pursuing!
★ Beautiful Autumn Season – Kanas Autumn was Ranked as the Most Beautiful Autumn in China by Chinese National Geography. In Autumn in Kanas and the Altay Region, Every Tree is a Master of Color, Making Countless Photographers Crazy
★ Koksu River – Reed Marsh Maze Drifting with the Wind, Ducks Playing, Herds of Cattle and Sheep Leisurely Grazing, Quiet and Peaceful
★ Koktokay – National Geological Park, Grand Rock Cliffs of the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, Colorful Autumn Scenery
★ Ulho Devil’s City – The World’s Largest Yardan Landform, One of China’s Three Most Beautiful Yardans
★ Ulho Populus Euphratica Forest – Tens of Thousands of Populus Euphratica Trees, Each Like a Warrior Clad in Golden Armor, Handsome and Heroic, Dignified and Impressive
★ Colorful Beach – The First Beach in the World, Unique ‘Yardan Landform’ with Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple, Colorful and Diverse
★ Hugiert Transhumance Path – Cattle and Sheep Transhumance, Wetlands, Autumn Scenery of Birch Forests
★ Baihaba – The First Village in Northwestern China, One of China’s Most Beautiful Towns, Sino-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon
★ Kanas – National Geological Park, Paradise on Earth (Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay)
★ Kanas Lake – China’s Most Beautiful Lake, Mysterious Color-Changing Lake, Charming Autumn Scenery in the Valley
★ Hemu Village – The Original Tribe of the Tuvas, Morning Mist Drifting, Chimney Smoke Rising, Magnificent and Beautiful
★ The Hundred-Mile Oil City – Crossing the Karamay Hundred-Mile Oilfield, Densely Packed and Spectacular ‘Nodding Machines’
★ Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest – The World’s Oldest Primitive Populus Euphratica Forest, Short and Twisted Like Dragons and Snakes, Crouching Like Bears and Tigers on High Hills, Playful Like Nine-Tailed Foxes, Fierce Like Yakshas with Teeth and Claws Bared
★ Jiangbulake – Snow-capped Mountains and Glaciers, Alpine Meadows and Forests,Cattle and Sheep in Felt Tents, a Naturally Beautiful Landscape of Tianshan Mountains
[Detailed Itinerary]
D1 All Regions – Urumqi (Assembly Day)
Check-in at the designated hotel in Urumqi for the whole day (specific hotel to be notified separately). Early-arriving photographers can go to the [International Grand Bazaar] at Erdao Bridge in groups to take photos. Don’t miss the local cuisine in Urumqi.
D2 Urumqi – 百里 Oilfield – Urho Devil’s City
After breakfast, we will take a bus north to start the "Autumn Scenery of Northern Xinjiang" photography tour. Along the way, we will take opportunities to photograph the dense and spectacular [oil pumping jacks] in the Karamay Oil City -百里 Oilfield Area. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the [Urho Devil’s City] (entrance fee and shuttle bus included), which ranks first among the "World’s Largest Yardang Landform" and "China’s Three Most Beautiful Yardangs". For millions of years, due to wind and rain erosion, deep and shallow gullies have formed on the ground, and the exposed stone layers have been carved into strange shapes by strong winds: some look like monsters with grimaces; some are towering platforms with distinct battlements, resembling ancient castles; some resemble pavilions and towers with eaves clearly visible; and some resemble magnificent palaces standing proudly. The scenery here is truly varied and inspiring imagination. This is not the world of devils, but it has the name of devils; there is no charming coastline here, but it is a paradise for photographers. The ruins under the setting sun are so charming, and the roaring winds at night are so thrilling. This is a masterpiece of nature’s ingenuity. Before sunset, occupy the commanding heights to capture the magnificent devil’s city landform and the sunset scenery (only the low color temperature light at sunset can produce excellent photos). Accommodation: Urho
D3 Urho – Huyang Forest – Wucai Beach – Burqin
In the morning, we will head to the large [Huyang Forest Area] in the Urho District to capture the scenery of the Huyang trees. The Huyang trees are tall and lush, each with its own unique appearance, and their trunks are covered with traces of time. Walking through the Huyang forest, listening to the silent stories of the trees about the past, feeling their magnificent natural beauty, unique beauty, and the beauty of vicissitudes, comprehending their unyielding spirit of standing firm, and colliding with their unyielding souls, we can purify our souls. The life trajectory of the three-thousand-year-old Huyang trees leaves behind tranquility and the eternity of life. You don’t have to worry about the scenic area being overcrowded and can take photos to your heart’s content. Later, we will gather in a timely manner and depart for Burqin. In the evening, we will visit the [Wucai Beach] (entrance fee included), known as the Best Beach in China, for photography. This place features unique lava landforms composed of purple-red, earthy-red, light yellow, and light green mudstone, sandstone, and gravel. Bizarre colors come from all directions. The colorful stones of Wucai Beach, the rippling Irtysh River, and the beautiful scenery make up the beautiful Wucai Beach. It is adjacent to the rippling Irtysh River and contrasts with the lush and verdant valley scenery on the opposite bank. It can be said that "the river separates the two banks, creating two worlds." In the evening, under the soft light, herdsmen may drive their cattle and sheep back to the pen on the wooden bridge along the Irtysh River. The reflections shimmer and glow with the flowing river. With the sunset and the colorful riverbank, it feels like entering a colorful and dreamlike world. In the evening, you can visit the famous [Hedi Night Market] or [Burqin Food Street] in Burqin to taste the local specialty foods. Accommodation: Burqin or Khabarovsk
D4 Burqin or Haba River – Hugierte Migration Route – Baihaba
After breakfast, head to Haba River (please bring your identity documents to apply for a border defense certificate), and then take photos of wetlands, autumn hues in the birch forest, and the scene of Kazak herdsmen transferring their cattle and sheep in autumn. Along the way, we will pass through the large cattle and sheep migration route in the Kanas area, the [Hugierte Migration Route]. Every autumn, herdsmen migrate their cattle and sheep from high-altitude pastures to low-altitude pastures. If you’re lucky, you may encounter large herds of cattle and sheep passing through and capture the scene of the herdsmen’s migration (Note: The timing of the herdsmen’s migration varies each year, generally occurring in September, lasting about 2-3 weeks as they migrate from summer pastures to winter pastures. It may be affected by weather and other factors, so please understand that this scene is unpredictable and may not be encountered.). Afterward, proceed to "The First Village in the Northwest" [Baihaba] on the China-Kazakhstan border for photography (including admission ticket + shuttle bus + ancient village maintenance fee). Along the way, capture the autumn hues of the [China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon] and the unique [Canyon Birch Forest] on the China-Kazakhstan border. Baihaba is a peaceful and beautiful, typical original Tuwa village, far from the hustle and bustle, with everything still preserving its inherent primitive appearance for hundreds of years. Wooden houses are scattered throughout the valley, dotted with golden birches and poplars, and two clear rivers wind their way around the village. The mountain village is painted in a riot of red, yellow, green, and brown hues, resembling a palette. Coupled with the snowy peaks of the Altay Mountains in the background, the returning cattle and sheep, wooden huts where villagers live, and fences enclosing livestock are scattered among pine and birch forests in an orderly manner, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony! You can freely take photos in the village! Accommodation: Baihaba (wooden huts with shared public bathrooms and multiple bedrooms)
D5 Baihaba – Kanas
Get up early to head to the observation deck to capture the panoramic morning light and shadows of [Baihaba Village]. In the morning, curling smoke rises from chimneys, cattle and sheep graze outside, birch trees dot the landscape, and snowy mountains surround, making Baihaba, nestled among the mountains, appear even more serene and beautiful. When autumn arrives, the mountain village is painted in a riot of red, yellow, green, and brown hues, with the forest fully colored, resembling a palette. Coupled with the snowy peaks of the Altay Mountains in the background, the entire village depicts a perfect landscape painting of harmonious coexistence between man and nature! After breakfast, transfer to the "Paradise on Earth," the [Kanas] scenic area for photography (including admission ticket + shuttle bus). Kanas is the only enclave of European-Siberian taiga forests in China, featuring typical Siberian spruce and fir forests. By September, the leaves of these trees gradually take on vibrant colors such as red, bright yellow, brownish yellow, and green, complemented by the blue sky, white clouds, and majestic snowy peaks, creating a landscape akin to a palette that has been overturned. Along the way in Kanas, you’ll encounter dazzling autumn colors, the picturesque Tuwa villages with rich cultural flavors, and the mysterious color-changing [Kanas Lake]. In the afternoon, freely walk along the wooden boardwalk by the lake, capturing the charming autumn scenery of Kanas Lake’s valley, the autumn hues on both sides of the Kanas River, and slow-motion shots of flowing water. In the evening, capture the sunset and evening glow by Kanas Lake. (If time permits, you can also take the shuttle bus to the Fish Viewing Pavilion at the top of the mountain to capture panoramic views of Kanas Lake at your own expense). Accommodation: Kanas (wooden huts with shared public bathrooms and multiple bedrooms)
D6 Kanas – Hemu
Get up early to head to the famous Kanas Three Bays for photography: the mysterious morning mist at [Shenxian Bay] (key shooting spot), the enchanting scenery of [Wolong Bay], the picturesque [Moon Bay], and autumn scenery along the way (depending on your physical condition, you can also take a short hike along the Kanas River, from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay, which is mainly downhill, allowing you to walk and take photos at the same time.). Lunch will be统一安排 at the entrance of the Kanas scenic area! After lunch in Jiadengyu, head to [Hemu Village] (including ticket + shuttle bus + ancient village maintenance fee), which is praised by domestic photographers as a "fairyland on earth". Along the way, take photos of the natural scenery of the Hemu River. Hemu Village is the concentrated residence of the Tuvas, one of the only three remaining Tuvan villages (Hemu Village, Kanas Village, Baihaba Village), covering an area of over 3,000 square kilometers. The houses here are all built of logs, filled with an original charm. Hemu Village is famous for its intoxicating autumn scenery with mountains covered in red leaves. Cooking smoke rises slowly in the autumn scenery, forming a fantastic belt of mist, resembling a fairyland. On the small hills around the village, you can take panoramic photos of Hemu Village and the Hemu River from above. The scenery here includes mountains surrounded by empty valleys, birch forests, wooden cabins, farmland, bridges over flowing streams, fences, herds, haystacks, and cowboys riding through the forest raising dust. These are all subjects for your creation. In the evening, head to the observation deck to capture the sunset and evening glow over Hemu Village. Accommodation: Hemu (multi-person wooden cabin with public bathroom)
D7 Hemu – Beitun
Early in the morning, head to the observation deck to capture the ethereal sunrise and morning mist panorama of [Hemu] Village. The dawn light gently bathes the village surrounded by the golden birch forest in the north and Siberian pine in the west. Morning mist drifts in the valley, and cooking smoke rises, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. After breakfast, you are free to take photos of the birch forest, passing herds of cattle and sheep, and the Tuvan culture of Hemu Village. Later, gather at the appropriate time to leave the scenic area by car, passing through Jiadengyu and Burqin, and then take the opportunity to capture the autumn scenery of Altay along the way. If you’re lucky, you may encounter large herds of cattle and sheep moving from one pasture to another. Photograph the herdsmen’s migration (Note: The timing of the herdsmen’s migration varies each year, generally in September, lasting about 2-3 weeks as they move from summer pastures to winter pastures. It may be affected by weather and other factors, so please understand that this scene is not guaranteed.). Accommodation: Beitun
D8 Beitun – Koktokay – Fuyun or Koktokay
After breakfast, we will head to [Koktokay National Geological Park] for a photoshoot (entrance ticket + shuttle bus included). We will transfer to an electric sightseeing cart to enter the Koktokay scenic area (please bring your ID for obtaining a border defense certificate). Due to its special geological structure, wind and rain erosion, and water cutting, Koktokay has formed many deep valleys, becoming a natural landscape area integrating mountain scenery, water scenery, grasslands, peculiar rocks, hot springs, and other wonders. Enter the scenic area to capture Koktokay’s famous landmark – the God’s Bell Mountain, and then take a hike along the Irtysh River for a while to capture the fiery autumn colors on the huge rock cliffs of the [Irtysh River Grand Canyon] and the splendid autumn scenery along the grand canyon within the scenic area, including the Rich Turtle Rock, Birch Forest, Couple Tree, Stone Gate, etc. You can bring a tripod to take slow-motion shots of the river flow in the valley and the golden birch trees. Every autumn in Koktokay, the colors are dazzling, and the forests are tinged with all hues. The poplars put on red dresses, and the entire deep valley is like being ignited, making people so enchanted that they don’t want to leave. Afterward, we will leave the scenic area at an appropriate time and proceed to the hotel for check-in. Accommodation: Fuyun or Koktokay
D9 Fuyun or Koktokay – Kekesuli – Jimusar
Early in the morning, we will head to [Kekesuli Lake] (also known as Wild Duck Lake) for a photoshoot (entrance ticket included). The lake’s scenery changes with the reeds, possessing both the delicate beauty of West Lake and the reed maze of Baiyangdian, presenting a watery landscape with ‘sand鸥翔集’ and ‘fish swimming in shallow waters’. Every summer and autumn, thousands of wild ducks, water hens, and red wild geese gather here to breed; there are dozens of floating islands on the lake, with vast reeds growing on them. White clouds, green mountains, and the lush and beautiful Kekesuli Lake together paint a Chinese landscape painting with delicate and bold strokes! Afterwards, we will enter the Junggar Basin, the ‘second-largest basin in China’, crossing the vast edge of the Gurbantünggüt Desert and passing through the [Kalamaili Nature Reserve]. With good luck, you can not only capture images of goitered gazelles, Mongolian wild asses, etc., but also see Przewalski’s horses, a first-class protected animal in China. In the afternoon, we will enter the Altay Mountains area. This period is the time for Kazakh herdsmen to migrate. If you’re lucky, you can capture the spectacular scene of the large-scale migration of Kazakh herdsmen and the vast cattle and sheep migration across the pastures (Note: The herdsmen’s migration time is not fixed every year, generally in September, from summer pastures to winter pastures, lasting about 2-3 weeks, which may be affected by weather and other factors. This scene is hard to come by, please understand!). Accommodation: Jimusar
D10 Jimusar – Jiangbulake – Mingshashan – Populus Euphratica Forest
In the morning, head to [Jiangbulake] in the northern foot of East Tianshan Mountains for photography (entrance fee and shuttle bus included). The scenic area consists of spectacular ten thousand mu of golden wheat fields, the magical Tianshan Strange Slope, and the beautiful Jiangbulake forest and grassland. Here, snowy mountains and glaciers, alpine forests and subalpine meadows, wheat fields and grasslands, cows and sheep, yurts, as well as golden wheat fields and green grasslands form ever-changing curves. Its unique geographical location endows it with magnificent natural scenery and distinctive landscapes. All of these display a natural and beautiful Tianshan landscape painting. Beautiful Jiangbulake attracts many photographers with its crisscrossing countryside scenery! In the afternoon, head to Mulei’s [Mingshashan and Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area] (entrance fee included). On the way, photograph the desert texture and curve scenery of [Mingshashan], which enjoys the reputation of ‘The Loudest Sound on Earth, Mulei Mingshashan’. Then, head to the ancient original [Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area], which can be called the ‘Grand View Garden of Populus Euphratica’, for free creation. Due to the harsh environment, the poplars here have taken on various shapes after thousands of years of growth. Despite their weathered and upright shapes, they still retain their ancient and primitive appearance. It is said that this poplar forest, covering an area of about 30 square kilometers, is at least 65 million years old. Although it has experienced numerous trials and tribulations, the poplar is an extremely resilient original tree species, known by humans as a warrior against the desert. The trees reach a height of more than 20 meters. Looking closely at these ancient trees, some resemble spreading wings like a roc, some galloping horses, some maidens in love, and some kind old men. How magnificent they are! With layers of green leaves of various shapes, some round like eggs, some like willow leaves, layered and impenetrable, they display various poses and are full of interest. Accommodation: Mulei
D11 Mulei – Pingdingshan – Urumqi
After breakfast, head to Pingdingshan, Mulei, Xinjiang (entrance fee included). With ten thousand mu of farmland, green wheat seedlings, undulating hills, and blooming wildflowers, it is known as the dry land granary of Mulei County. Here, the continuous hills are like a beautiful锦-like tapestry, with dazzlingly beautiful and pleasing rural scenery. The mountains are like a grand staff notation, while cows and sheep are like the notes jumping on the staff notation, singing the happy songs of herdsmen! It makes people feel relaxed and happy, intoxicated with joy. This is the charm of Pingdingshan… Gather and return by car at an appropriate time. Accommodation: Urumqi
D12 Urumqi – Various Destinations (Group Disbands)
After breakfast, end the delightful ‘Golden Autumn, Dreamlike Northern Xinjiang’ Grand Loop in-depth photography expedition and return to your cozy home with joy and full harvest! Wish everyone a safe journey home!
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456