September and October are the golden seasons for tourism in Xinjiang. Here is a detailed travel guide for Xinjiang:
I. Scenic Spot Recommendations
Kanas: Reputed as a fairyland on earth, in autumn, the mountains are rendered in reds, oranges, and golds, with tranquil green lake water, making it one of the best places to enjoy autumn.
Hemu: What you see is all golden yellow, with log cabins, cooking smoke, and birch forests构成a beautiful picture scroll.
Tianshan Tianchi: The autumn colors are rich and vibrant, with a clear blue sky, fiery red leaves, and a lake surface reflecting each other, creating a breathtaking view.
Koktokay: Famous for its beautiful峡谷rivers, rocky landscapes, forests, and other natural scenery, it is a paradise for photographers.
Sayram Lake: Beautiful in all seasons, with deep blue lake water in autumn, paired with the surrounding scenery, it appears mysterious and majestic.
II. Itinerary Planning
Northern Xinjiang Route:
D1: Arrive in Urumqi, visit urban attractions or rest and adjust.
D2: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Burqin, enjoying the desert scenery along the way.
D3: Burqin – Hemu, experiencing the primitive and peaceful rural scenery.
D4: Hemu – Kanas, hiking the Three Bays, enjoying postcard-worthy scenery.
D5: Kanas – Jiadenyu – Ghost City, exploring the fantasy and grandeur of wind-eroded landscapes.
D6: Ghost City – Wuerhe – Sayram Lake, enjoying the clear lake water and the reflection of snow-capped mountains.
D7: Sayram Lake – Urumqi, ending the northern Xinjiang tour and returning to Urumqi
Southern Xinjiang Route (Optional):
D1: Arrive in Kashgar, visit Kashgar Old Town.
D2: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing magnificent natural scenery.
D3: Panlong Ancient Road – Tag County, exploring border scenery.
D4: Tag County – Karakul Lake – Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, enjoying the beauty of glaciers and lakes.
D5:慕士塔格冰川公园-Kashgar, ending the southern Xinjiang tour
III. Precautions
Climate and Clothing: In September, temperatures in Xinjiang gradually decline. You need to wear a lightweight jacket paired with a thin sweater and prepare windproof clothing such as a trench coat and a thin down jacket. In October, you will need clothing suitable for deeper autumn, paying attention to cold prevention and warmth retention.
Accommodation Reservation: Popular scenic spots such as Kanas and Hemu have limited accommodation. It is recommended to book your hotel in advance to avoid situations of no availability and price increases.
Transportation and Itinerary: Scenic spots in Xinjiang are relatively far apart. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and consider carpooling or chartering a car to save time and energy.
Specialty Purchases: It is recommended to purchase specialties at Urumqi’s Hualing Wholesale Market to avoid buying overpriced items within scenic areas.
IV. Food Recommendations
Dishes such as Big Plate Chicken, Hand-Grabbed Rice, Grilled Stuffed Buns, Noodles Pulled by Hand, Lamb Kebabs, Grilled Nang Bread, Meatball Soup, Old Yogurt, and other Xinjiang specialty foods are not to be missed.
I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang!