When traveling to Xinjiang around October 15th, it is recommended to mainly visit southern Xinjiang to experience the unique Western Regions customs and natural beauty of autumn.
At this time, the autumn scenery in northern Xinjiang has gradually come to an end, while the autumn scenery in southern Xinjiang is in full bloom. Here are some suggested itinerary arrangements and recommended attractions:
Itinerary Arrangement:
D1: Gather in Urumqi and experience the nightlife of Xinjiang, such as the lively atmosphere of Grand Bazaar.
D2: Depart from Urumqi and head to Lop Nur Village, then arrive in Korla.
. Lop Nur Village is a scenic area integrating deserts, the Tarim River, poplar forests, lakes, etc., with great ornamental and recreational value.
D3: Visit the poplar forest from Korla to Luntai, and then proceed to Kuqa王府 (王府 means mansion) and Kuqa. The poplar forest is a landscape that has been guarded for thousands of years and is definitely worth seeing.
D4: Head to Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and Wensu Grand Canyon, and finally arrive in Aksu. The history of Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves is 300 years earlier than that of Mogao Caves.
, while Wensu Grand Canyon is known as the ‘King of Canyons’ with thrilling and mysterious features.
D5: After obtaining a border defense certificate in Aksu, head to Kashgar Old Town to experience the most culturally charming place in southern Xinjiang.
The subsequent itinerary can also include attractions such as Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the盘龙 (Dragon) Old Road around Kashgar, as well as the new landmark of Hetian Jade Capital.
Recommended Attractions:
Poplar Forest: October is the best time to view the poplar forest in southern Xinjiang. The golden leaves and twisted branches constitute a beautiful picture scroll.
Lop Nur Village: As one of the most worthwhile attractions in southern Xinjiang, you can not only admire the beauty of the poplar forest here but also taste the red willow grilled fish personally cooked by the Lop people.
Wensu Grand Canyon: You can climb to the top of the canyon, overlook the entire valley, and feel the grandeur of nature.
Hotan Night Market: A top-notch food gathering place in the country where you can taste various specialty dishes of Xinjiang.
Precautions:
The weather in southern Xinjiang in October has gradually cooled down, so it is recommended to bring appropriate warm clothing.
The itinerary may involve some remote areas, so it is recommended to plan transportation and accommodation in advance.
Some attractions may require a border defense certificate or special permit, so please inquire in advance and prepare the relevant documents.
In summary, visiting southern Xinjiang around October 15th is a must-see choice for tourism. Whether it’s natural scenery or cultural landscapes, they will all bring you an unforgettable travel experience.