Autumn Travel Guide to Northern Xinjiang?
Autumn is the golden period for visiting Northern Xinjiang. At this time, Xinjiang seems like a painter’s palette knocked over by nature, with colorful and breathtaking scenery. Here is a detailed autumn travel guide to Northern Xinjiang:?
1. Best Travel Time?
The best travel time for Northern Xinjiang in autumn is from September to October. At this time, the temperatures in various parts of Xinjiang are pleasant, and the scenery is enchanting, especially at attractions such as Kanas and Hemu in Northern Xinjiang. The trees turn golden, and the poplar forests also exhibit a charming golden color, making it a paradise for photographers.?
2. Must-visit Attractions?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as ‘the God’s Backyard’. It has mountains, lakes, and forests, picturesque throughout the four seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery at the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb. You can climb up to the Fish-watching Platform to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake as a whole, or walk along the lakeside plank road to feel the tranquility and mystery of nature.?
Hemu Village: A small village full of primitive charm, surrounded by mountains, vast grasslands, and dense forests. In the morning, curling smoke rises, forming a picturesque view with the distant snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Here, you can experience traditional Tuwa culture, enjoy Tuwa people’s song and dance performances, and taste specialty foods.?
Sayram Lake: The largest alpine pearl in Xinjiang, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. The lake water is azure, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Driving along the lakeside allows you to appreciate the lake and mountain scenery, and you can also camp by the lake to feel the charm of nature. In autumn, wildflowers bloom by the lake, adorning the entire lakeside like a sea of flowers.?
3. Food Recommendations?
Not only is Northern Xinjiang picturesque, but its cuisine is equally tempting. Spicy and enticing fried rice noodles, delicious dove soup, fluffy and grainy pilaf, Tianrun yogurt, crispy baked stuffed buns with thin skin and plenty of filling, and large, odorless red willow skewers of mutton are all authentic local delicacies not to be missed.?
4. Itinerary Guide?
Here is a classic autumn travel itinerary for Northern Xinjiang:?
D1: Departure from anywhere in China – Assembly in Urumqi?
D2: Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Burqin?
D3: Burqin – Kanas?
D4: Kanas – Hemu?
D5: Hemu – Colorful Beach – Ghost City – Karamay?
D6: Karamay – Sayram Lake – Yining?
D7: Yining – Bayanbulak?
D8: Bayanbulak – Nalati Aerial Grassland – Nalati?
D9: Nalati – Duku Highway – Urumqi?
This itinerary covers multiple classic attractions in Northern Xinjiang, allowing you to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery and cuisine of Northern Xinjiang in autumn.?
5. Travel Tips?
Xinjiang’s climate is dry, so remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.?
The temperatures in Northern Xinjiang are lower in autumn, so remember to bring warm clothing.?
Bring a raincoat, as Xinjiang’s wind and rain can be unforgiving.?
Check the weather before traveling, as clear skies are the best companion.?
I hope this autumn travel guide to Northern Xinjiang can help you enjoy the beautiful scenery and cuisine of Northern Xinjiang to the fullest in autumn.?
