Autumn is the best time to visit Altay in Xinjiang, attracting countless tourists with its magnificent natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures. Here is a detailed introduction to autumn tourism in Altay:
Main Attractions:
Kanas: Known as the ‘God’s Backyard’, Kanas Lake and the Three Bays of Kanas (Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, Wolong Bay) are the highlights. In autumn, the mountains and forests are dyed gold, and the rivers wind their way, creating a picturesque scene.
Hemu Village: This idyllic place is filled with stained vegetation in autumn. The layered birch forest is mottled. Hemu’s morning fog is a key attraction, and watching the sunrise from the viewing platform feels like stepping into a fairy tale world.
Baihaba: Known as the ‘First Village in the Northwest’ located on the China-Kazakhstan border, it is a gathering place for the Tuvans. In autumn, the birch forest surrounds the village, and a small river flows quietly, with the village decorated like a painting by golden and orange larches and birches.
Koktokay: Here, the mountains, forests, river valleys, and lakes are stunningly beautiful. Kokesuli Lake is like a sapphire, turning brownish-yellow in autumn. The Irtysh River flows through the forest, and the Grand Canyon runs beside the river, with层次分明 scenery on both sides that is dazzling and colorful.
Colorful Beach: A typical colorful hill landform in Xinjiang, where the colorful Danxia landform and river valley forests add interest to each other in autumn.
Tour Experience:
In Kanas, you can take a boat tour on the lake to appreciate the lake and mountain scenery, or take a light hike between the Three Bays to feel the magnificent workmanship of nature.
In Hemu Village, you can experience the local lifestyle, watch sunrises and morning fog, and feel the fairy tale-like atmosphere.
In Baihaba Village, you can learn about the culture of the Tuvans and admire the unique scenery of this border village.
In Koktokay, you can visit the Site of the No. 3 Mine Pit to learn about its history, or enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kokesuli Lake and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Itinerary Suggestions:
You can plan your itinerary based on time and interests. Generally, you can choose Urumqi as your starting point and then head to the main attractions in the Altay region. You can choose to self-drive or join a tour group, depending on personal preferences and budget.
During your trip, pay attention to reasonably arranging your time to ensure you can fully appreciate the beauty of each attraction. Meanwhile, also pay attention to safety and abide by local tourism regulations and precautions.
The autumn in Altay is a season full of charm and mystery, with both natural landscapes and ethnic cultures that captivate visitors and make them reluctant to leave. I hope the above introduction can help you better plan your autumn tour in Altay.