October is the golden period for tourism in Xinjiang, especially the autumn scenery in Northern Xinjiang, which is beautiful like a painting. Here are some detailed suggestions for traveling to Xinjiang in October:
I. Must-Visit Attractions
Kanas: Rated as the most beautiful autumn scenery by Chinese National Geography, Kanas features golden mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes intertwined into a stunning landscape. The autumn in Kanas is like a painting in every frame, with the earliest autumn colors being the brightest and the middle to late autumn colors being the most intense.
Hemu Village: Known as ‘China’s First Village’, the rivers, villages, forests, mountains, and birch trees are all dyed golden yellow, creating a picturesque fairyland that resembles an oil painting.
Tianshan Tianchi: As a famous attraction in Xinjiang, Tianshan Tianchi presents a unique beauty in autumn, with clear lake water and colorful surrounding mountains and forests.
Colorful Beach: The colorful beaches resemble a natural palette, making it an excellent destination for photography enthusiasts.
Sayram Lake: Taking a walk around the lake allows you to get close to swans and experience different lake and mountain scenery. The weather changes greatly, so it is better to choose a good weather day for your visit.
II. Choice Between Southern and Northern Xinjiang
Northern Xinjiang: The autumn scenery in the Altay region is the most beautiful in Xinjiang, but it is also relatively crowded, and accommodation costs may be slightly higher. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can choose to go later.
Southern Xinjiang: The Kashgar region not only has unique local customs but also natural scenery such as volcanoes, lakes, and snow-capped mountains. The poplar forests in Southern Xinjiang turn golden yellow from mid-October to early November, which is the best time to view them.
III. Precautions
Climate and Clothing: In October, Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, with an average temperature between 13-23°C, but it may be even lower in the morning and evening. It is recommended to bring thick coats, thermal underwear, as well as windproof glasses and hats.
Sunscreen and Moisturizing: Xinjiang has strong UV rays and dry air, so sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and moisturizing skincare products are essential.
Medicine and Food: It is recommended to bring some common medications, such as cold medicine and antidiarrheal drugs. At the same time, you can bring some snacks and a vacuum flask for any unexpected needs.
Accommodation and Transportation: If you plan to visit popular attractions such as Kanas and Hemu, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance. The attractions in Xinjiang are far apart, so it is advisable to arrange transportation reasonably, with options such as carpooling, chartered cars, or self-driving.
In summary, Xinjiang in October is worth visiting for both the autumn scenery in Northern Xinjiang and the local customs and traditions in Southern Xinjiang. However, please be sure to make adequate preparations to ensure a pleasant journey.