The main recommended tourist routes in Xinjiang in October are the Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake Loop in Northern Xinjiang and the Kashgar + Pamir Plateau Small Loop in Southern Xinjiang. Below are specific itinerary arrangements:
Northern Xinjiang Route
Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake Loop (7 days)
D1: Arrive in Urumqi, airport/train station pickup, stay in Urumqi
D2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi "Jade Pool", S21 Internet-famous Desert Highway – Burqin
D3: Burqin – Kanas Autumn’s Mysterious Color-Changing Lake, Visit the Three Bays – Jiadenyu
D4: Jiadenyu – Hemu Autumn Fairy Tale Wooden Cabins, Primitive Village, Shimmering Starry Sky – Stay in Hemu Scenic Area
D5: Hemu Morning Fog – Climb to Ha Viewing Platform, Colorful Beach Sunset – Burqin
D6: Burqin – Wind-Eroded Devil’s City "Internet-famous Mini Train" – Stunning Autumn Scenery of Upright Populus Euphratica Forest
D7: Wake up naturally, arrange airport transfer, and end the pleasant trip
In addition, there is a slightly different autumn foliage appreciation route in Northern Xinjiang, with the specific itinerary as follows:
D1: Urumqi – Airport/Train Station Pickup
D2: Urumqi – Cross S21 Desert Highway – Colorful Beach Sunset – Burqin
The subsequent itinerary is similar to Route 1, but it may include different attractions or activity arrangements.
Southern Xinjiang Route
Kashgar + Pamir Plateau Small Loop
Although the specific detailed schedule is not directly given, the Southern Xinjiang route usually includes famous attractions in Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, and other places, such as Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Stone City, and more.
Below is a reference itinerary for a 6-day tour of Southern Xinjiang:
D1: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Stone City – Golden Grass Beach – Taxkorgan County
Subsequent itineraries may include Cloudy People’s Home in Taxkorgan County, Xiabandi Reservoir, Panlong Valley Road, and attractions along the way back to Kashgar.
In Kashgar, you can also visit the Id Kah Mosque, Gu Li’s House, and other cultural sites and unique attractions.
Precautions
The temperature in Xinjiang in October ranges from 1°C to 12°C, with mostly sunny days, but there is a large temperature difference between morning and night. Tourists are advised to prepare thick clothing, and down jackets are essential for those who are afraid of the cold.
The Yili Grasslands have already turned yellow and withered in October, and the scenery will be greatly discounted, so it is not recommended to visit.
Choose a route that suits you and enjoy the autumn scenery of Xinjiang!