Traveling to Xinjiang in early autumn, you will be able to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery and rich and unique national culture on this vast land. Here is a detailed early autumn Xinjiang travel guide:
1. Best Travel Time
Early autumn, from September to October, is one of the golden times to visit Xinjiang. At this time, the temperature in Xinjiang is suitable, the weather is stable, and the natural scenery of various places presents a colorful appearance due to seasonal changes. Especially in early September, some leaves begin to turn yellow, and most leaves change color in mid-to-late September, entering the best viewing period. If the weather is stable during the National Day holiday, the yellow leaves will last until after the holiday.
2. Dressing Suggestions
Due to Xinjiang’s vast territory and changeable climate, it is advisable to prepare some warm clothing for early autumn. The average temperature from September to October is between 1°C and 12°C. It is recommended to wear lined clothes, windbreakers, jackets, thin sweaters, or coats, etc.
3. Must-Visit Attractions
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is charming. At this time, the trees in Kanas turn golden yellow, contrasting with the azure lake water, making it a paradise for photographers. You can climb up the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Kanas Lake, or walk along the lakeside plank road to feel the tranquility of nature.
Hemu Village: A well-preserved Tuwa village. Hemu Village in autumn is particularly peaceful, like a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the world. The birch leaves around the village turn yellow, contrasting with the primitive wooden houses. It is recommended to visit Hadeng Observation Deck in the morning to overlook the entire Hemu Village and the distant snowy mountains.
Wucai Beach: It is famous for its unique landforms and rich colors. In autumn, Wucai Beach is even more colorful, with red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and other colors intertwined, forming a magnificent picture. It is recommended to visit in the evening, when the sunset turns the earth golden yellow, which is extremely beautiful.
4. Food Recommendations
Xinjiang has a wide variety of delicious food, and early autumn is a great time to taste local cuisine. For example, the dry baked pancake is crispy outside and soft inside, delicious and fragrant; the pilaf is a stew of rice with mutton and vegetables, fragrant; and the raisins produced in Xinjiang are rich in vitamins and minerals, with a sweet taste. In addition, Dapanji, fried rice noodles, pigeon soup, etc., are also authentic local delicacies that cannot be missed.
5. Itinerary Suggestions
Here is a suggested five-day early autumn Xinjiang itinerary:
D1: Depart from Urumqi, pass through the S21 Desert Highway, arrive at Wucai Beach, and stay overnight in Burqin.
D2: Explore the mysterious Kanas Lake scenic area and feel the grandeur of nature.
D3: Hike at Kanas’s Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay), visit Hemu Village, and experience local customs.
D4: Depart from Hemu, pass by the Devil City, appreciate the spectacular scenery of Ulho胡杨林 (arranged from September 20th), and stay overnight in Ulho or Karamay.
D5: Visit Sayram Lake and feel the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lake. Then return to Urumqi or continue other trips according to the schedule.
I hope this early autumn Xinjiang travel guide can provide useful reference and help for your trip!
