The autumn travel guide for Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and travel advice.?
Best travel time:?
The best travel time in autumn in Xinjiang is from September to October. During this period, Xinjiang’s natural scenery reaches its peak of the year, with colorful leaves, clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains creating beautiful scenes. Especially from early to mid-September, when the leaves start to turn yellow, places like Kanas present a colorful spectacle; from mid- to late-September, when most leaves turn golden, is the best time to admire the autumn scenery in Northern Xinjiang; and in early October, although autumn is in full swing, it is necessary to note that cold fronts may cause leaves to fall earlier.?
Must-visit attractions:?
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, the lake water is clear and the scenery is enchanting. During autumn, the colorful autumn leaves in the valley complement the lake water, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Hemu Village: Known as the God’s Back Garden, during autumn, the morning sunrise, together with the log cabins and morning fog, create a fairy-tale-like scene.?
Tianshan Heavenly Lake: A landmark attraction in Xinjiang, the weather in September is suitable for hiking and mountain climbing. The lake water at Heavenly Lake is azure, surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque scene.?
Sayram Lake: Located in the Ili River Valley, it is known as the "Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains". In September, the temperature at Sayram Lake is pleasant, with the lake surface like a mirror, surrounded by mountains and grasslands that complement each other beautifully.?
In addition, Bayanbulak Grassland, Turpan’s Flaming Mountain and Grape Valley, Kashgar Old Town and Tashkurgan are also unmissable attractions in Xinjiang during autumn.?
Travel advice:?
Clothing and equipment: Xinjiang’s autumn weather is unpredictable. It is recommended to bring warm clothing such as a rain jacket, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.?
Reasonably plan your travel time: You can allocate 2~3 days for Altay and no more than 4 days for Ili, with a total time of 7 to 8 days being advisable.?
Pay attention to weather and road conditions: Be sure to check the weather forecast before departing. Bad weather will not only prevent you from taking good photos, but also make you suffer. At the same time, some roads like the Duku Highway may be closed due to weather conditions, so it is necessary to understand road conditions in advance.?
In summary, autumn in Xinjiang is a charming tourist season, worth visiting for both its natural scenery and cultural charm. When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to choose based on your personal interests and actual situation.?