October is the prime time for traveling to southern Xinjiang when autumn colors are at their peak and scenery is charming. Here are the recommended attractions and activities for traveling to southern Xinjiang in October:
Recommended attractions:
Lop Nur Village: A combination of desert, Tarim River, poplar forest, lake, entertainment, and folk customs. It is one of the most worth-visiting attractions in southern Xinjiang. Here, you can enjoy red willow catfish grilled by Lop people and experience the lifestyle of one of the oldest ethnic groups in Xinjiang – the Lop people.
Wensu Grand Canyon: Known as the King of Canyons, it is a living museum of geological evolution. Geological wonders should not be missed.
Its Tian Shan Danxia landform and the spectacular scenery of the city among ten thousand mountains are breathtaking.
Luntai Poplar Forest: The world’s oldest and largest poplar forest located in the heart of the desert. During the golden autumn season, the poplar forest turns golden yellow, resembling a sea of gold.
Baisha Lake: The brightest pearl on the Pamir Plateau with clear lake water and charming scenery. Half of it is a vast desert, and the other half is azure lake water, resembling a fairyland on earth.
Winding Ancient Road: A magical highway with 639 turns over 75 kilometers, offering an excellent driving experience. The perfect combination of black roads and earth-colored mountains, plus the distant snowy mountains in the background, constitutes a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Tourism activities:
Autumn appreciation: The golden forests, emerald lakes, and vast deserts of southern Xinjiang resemble a vividly colored oil painting in October. Whether walking among poplar trees or driving on the盘龙 (Winding) Ancient Road, you can deeply feel the strong autumn atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.
Tasting cuisine: At the Hetian Night Market, you can taste various authentic Xinjiang cuisines such as grilled mutton kebabs, hand-grabbed rice, and naan. At the same time, you can also feel the unique folk customs and cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.
Precautions:
The ultraviolet rays in southern Xinjiang are intense, so be sure to take good sunscreen measures to avoid sunburn.
There are deserts in southern Xinjiang with a dry climate, so be sure to replenish water in a timely manner.
When shopping at tourist spots, avoid purchasing items from places with many intermediate links to prevent being cheated.
The routes in southern Xinjiang are long and scenic spots are scattered. Long rides can cause fatigue, so it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and choose a suitable mode of transportation.
In summary, traveling to southern Xinjiang in October is an unforgettable autumn appreciation journey. Whether it is admiring the magnificent natural scenery or tasting authentic local cuisine, both can make people reluctant to leave. However, during the trip, it is also necessary to pay attention to relevant matters to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.