The October travel guide for Xinjiang mainly includes weather preparation, must-visit attractions, and itinerary recommendations.
Weather Preparation:
In October in Xinjiang, temperatures gradually drop, especially in northern areas like Altay, where temperatures range from 1°C to 12°C. It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as lined jackets, windbreakers, blazers, thin sweaters, cotton-padded clothes, or winter coats.
Additionally, Xinjiang’s climate is dry in autumn, so bring highly hydrating skincare products and pay attention to sun protection, as UV rays are still intense.
Must-visit Attractions:
Kanas: Praised as the top autumn scenery among the ‘Top Ten Autumn Sceneries,’ it boasts breathtaking views and four wonders: lake monsters, sea of clouds and Buddha’s light, color-changing lake, and deadwood causeway.
Hemu: Surrounded by colorful forests, the village’s houses are built from logs, giving it a primitive charm like a fairy tale world. The morning fog and starry skies are breathtakingly beautiful.
Colorful Beach: Formed by wind erosion and water erosion, it exhibits typical colored hill landforms that contrast beautifully with the valley scenery on the south bank, creating a unique landscape on both sides of the river.
Urho Populus euphratica Forest: With ten thousand mu of golden, sparkling Populus euphratica trees, it is a sight to behold.
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean,’ it is a large alpine lake in Xinjiang and truly deserves the name ‘Eye of the Tianshan Mountains’.
Koktokay: It boasts Koksu Lake, Yileimu Lake, Karaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone, and vast areas of white birch forests. In autumn, the golden yellow scenery is spectacular.
Itinerary Recommendations:
You can choose Urumqi as your starting point and visit attractions such as Colorful Beach, Kanas, Hemu Village, Urho, Devil’s City, and Populus euphratica Forest in sequence, before returning to Urumqi. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal time and preferences, but it is recommended to allocate at least 7-9 days to fully experience the autumn beauty of Xinjiang.
Additionally, consider visiting places such as Lop Nur Village in Southern Xinjiang, Wensu Grand Canyon, and Bachu Red Sea Bay Scenic Area to appreciate the autumn scenery different from that of Northern Xinjiang.
During your trip, be sure to try the local cuisine such as red willow-grilled fish and Xinjiang-style fried rice noodles, and experience unique activities like horseback riding and wearing traditional ethnic costumes. However, be mindful of prices and safety.