The end of September to the beginning of October is the prime time for tourism in Xinjiang, especially as the autumn scenery in Northern Xinjiang enters its best viewing period. Here are some recommended attractions and precautions:
Recommended Attractions
Kanas:
Known as a "fairyland on earth" and "the most beautiful autumn scenery", Kanas offers its most dazzling autumn colors from the end of September to the beginning of October, with golden birch forests and emerald lakes creating an oil painting-like beauty.
It is recommended to allocate a whole day for exploration, with options such as Kanas Lake, Guanyu Platform, and巴哈 Village routes.
Hemu Village:
A secluded paradise in autumn, with wooden cabins, snowy peaks, and forests creating a breathtaking wallpaper-like scenery.
You can stay in Hemu Village to experience horse riding, sunset photography, and morning fog at sunrise.
Colorful Beach:
It is famous for its colorful hills. In autumn, the forests are clad in colorful outerwear, with red, orange, and yellow hues staining the Danxia landform along the riverbank.
It is a miracle of Northern Xinjiang, a colorful world in the desert, mysterious and charming.
Koktokay:
Short but brilliant, the best viewing period is from late September to early October, with the forests painted in layers of colors, creating a mesmerizing beauty.
It is renowned at home and abroad as the "World Geological and Mineral Museum" and offers visits to mine sites, the Irtysh Grand Canyon Forest Park, and more.
Sayram Lake:
The grass at Sayram Lake turns yellow in September, but it doesn’t detract from its beauty. The collision of sea blue and gold creates a stunning picture.
You can take a lake tour and try sailing or paragliding.
Tarim Populus euphratica Forest (Southern Xinjiang):
The best viewing period is from mid-October to early November, when the strong autumn winds turn the Populus euphratica forest a reddish hue.
It is the largest primitive Populus euphratica forest park in Xinjiang. A vintage train runs along the tracks through the golden jungle, creating a fantasy-like scene.
Precautions
Climate and Clothing:
From the end of September to the beginning of October, temperatures in Xinjiang range from 0-23°C, with a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to wear late autumn, early winter clothing, and down jackets.
The climate is dry and UV rays are strong, so it’s important to take moisturizing and sunscreen measures.
Transportation and Travel:
By the end of September, Kanas may experience snowfall and traffic restrictions, so pay attention to the weather before traveling.
The Duku Highway is generally closed by the beginning of October, so plan your trip early if you want to visit.
Other suggestions:
It is recommended to join a private tour group or rent a car to avoid the pitfalls of cheap bus tours.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before departing. Bad weather not only ruins photos but also makes the trip unpleasant.
Don’t buy specialties at the Grand Bazaar; it’s cheaper to go to Hualing Market or Jiuding Market.
In summary, the end of September to the beginning of October is a great time to visit Xinjiang, especially with the breathtaking autumn scenery in Northern Xinjiang. Make sure to prepare and plan well before traveling to ensure a pleasant journey.