September in Xinjiang is an excellent time for travel. Autumn is gradually setting in, and the scenery is delightful, especially in northern Xinjiang, which is bursting with colors and beauty. Here are some recommended attractions and precautions:
Recommended attractions
Kanas:
The Kanas region in September resembles a natural palette, with interwoven golden yellow, crimson, and dark green hues. The lakes sparkle like gemstones.
In early September, the leaves begin to turn yellow, presenting a colorful scene. By mid-to-late September, the forests turn golden, marking the best viewing period for autumn colors in northern Xinjiang.
Hemu Village:
In autumn, Hemu is adorned with colorful forests. Wooden cabins, snow-capped peaks, forests, meadows, blue skies, and white clouds create a stunning landscape that forms a beautiful picture.
You can stay in Hemu Village and experience activities such as horse riding, sunset photography, and sunrise mist.
Wucai Beach:
Wucai Beach is famous for its colored hills. In autumn, the trees don a colorful coat, with red, orange, and yellow hues staining the riverbank’s Danxia landform, creating a spectacular sight.
It is a typical Yardang landform in northern Xinjiang, full of fantastic colors.
Koktokay:
The autumn in Koktokay is short but splendid. It slowly fades from verdant green starting in early September, with the most intense autumn colors appearing in late September.
Renowned domestically and internationally as the "World’s Geological and Mineral Museum", attractions such as the Irtysh Grand Canyon Forest Park and the Birch Forest are worth visiting.
Sayram Lake:
In September, the grass at Sayram Lake turns yellow, but this does not detract from its beauty. The collision of sea blue and golden yellow creates a unique scenery.
The lake water is clear and enchanting, with snowy mountains in the distance and layers of white clouds, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Other attractions:
Places like Baihaba Village, Baisha Lake, and Wuhe Huyang Forest are also great destinations for traveling in Xinjiang in September.
The Duku Highway is also incredibly beautiful in September, offering a scenic highway adorned with colorful forests and romantic autumn views.
Precautions
Climate and clothing:
The average temperature before September 10th is around 13-23℃, and from late September to early October, the average temperature is around 5-14℃.
It is recommended to wear autumn clothing, with lightweight sweaters and down jackets for emergencies.
Itinerary planning:
You can plan based on the recommended 6-day 5-night or 7-day itinerary, including classic attractions such as Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and more.
Pay attention to arranging your time reasonably to avoid missing the best viewing period.
Essential items:
Personal equipment such as toiletries, large backpacks or suitcases, waterproof jackets and pants, hiking shoes or casual shoes, etc., should be prepared completely.
In summary, traveling to Xinjiang in September is an excellent choice, as both its natural scenery and cultural landscapes are captivating and unforgettable. I hope the above recommendations and precautions can assist you in your trip to Xinjiang.