Recommended Activities in Xinjiang in October:
October in Xinjiang is the peak season for tourism, with an average temperature between 13-23℃, making it very suitable for travel. Here are some specific recommended activities:
I. Recommended Scenic Spots
Kanas: Known as ‘The God’s Backyard’, Kanas welcomes golden scenery in early October. High mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes intertwine to form a beautiful picture scroll, as if entering a fairy tale world of the forest.
Hemu Village: Known as ‘China’s First Village’, the river, village, forest, mountains, and straight birch trees are dyed golden yellow, resembling a fairyland painting.
Southern Xinjiang’s Populus euphratica Forest: From mid-October to early November, the Populus euphratica forest in Southern Xinjiang turns golden yellow, entering its most beautiful viewing period, presenting a magnificent and moving beauty.
Colorful Beach: The colorful riverbank has formed typical colored hill landforms under wind erosion and water erosion, echoing the valley scenery on the south bank with a completely different landscape.
Sayram Lake: Known as the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a large alpine lake in Xinjiang and truly deserves the name of the Eye of Tianshan.
II. Itinerary Planning
You can choose to depart from Urumqi for a 5-12 day in-depth tour of Southern Xinjiang or Northern Xinjiang, or a 15-28 day panoramic tour of both Southern and Northern Xinjiang. Here is a recommended 6-day itinerary for Northern Xinjiang:
Day 1: Gather in Urumqi and first explore the tranquility and grandeur of Tianshan Tianchi.
Day 2: Drive to Hemu to experience the primitive tranquility and warmth.
Day 3: Stroll along Kanas Lake, hike the Three Bays, and gaze at the starry sky in Jiadengyu at night.
Day 4: Visit the World Ghost City to see the fantastic and magnificent landforms eroded by wind.
Day 5: Head to Sayram Lake to admire the beauty of the snow-capped mountains reflected in the clear lake water.
Day 6: Return to Urumqi with full memories.
III. Precautions
Xinjiang is very large and is divided into Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang. Southern Xinjiang focuses more on cultural customs, while Northern Xinjiang focuses more on natural scenery. Choose based on personal preferences.
The temperature difference between day and night is large, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing such as jackets, windbreakers, blazers, thin sweaters, cotton-padded clothes, and winter coats.
The climate is dry in autumn, so be sure to bring highly hydrating skincare products. Don’t forget sunscreen either, as UV rays are still very strong.
In summary, October in Xinjiang offers abundant natural landscapes and cultural customs. Whether it’s Southern Xinjiang or Northern Xinjiang, you will have a fulfilling travel experience.