There are many great places to visit in Xinjiang in October. Here are some recommended attractions:
1. Poplar forest attractions
Luntai Poplar Forest: Located in Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, it is a mesmerizing golden forest with the Tarim River winding through like a silver belt. A sightseeing train seems to travel through it like a time machine.
Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park: The sound of the Yarkand River and the rustling of poplar leaves weave together into a symphony of nature. Camping at night allows you to appreciate the beauty of poplar silhouettes against the starry sky.
Xayar Poplar Forest: Poplars accompany the desert, demonstrating the tenacity of life. It is an excellent location to experience the natural beauty in extreme environments.
Tarim Poplar Forest Park: The largest primitive poplar forest in Xinjiang, it offers extremely charming scenery from mid-to-late October and is known as the green corridor in the desert.
2. Unique attractions in southern Xinjiang
Lop Nur Village: Integrating desert, the Tarim River, poplar forests, lakes, entertainment, and folk customs, it is a great place to experience Lop Nur culture and taste tamarisk-grilled fish.
Wensu Grand Canyon: Known as the "King of Canyons", it offers breathtaking scenery and is one of the most beautiful Danxia landscapes in western China.
Bachu Red Sea Bay Scenic Area: An ecological scenic area integrating lakes, rivers, grasslands, wetlands, gobi, and poplar forests. In the golden autumn of October, when sunlight falls, the poplar forests shine brightly.
3. Other recommended attractions
Taklamakan Desert: China’s largest desert with rich historical and cultural backgrounds. After September, the temperature is pleasant, making it an excellent time for exploration and recreation.
Kashgar Old Town: A living ancient city of a thousand years. Every alleyway, every door, and every handicraft display the long history and culture.
Baisha Lake: A dazzling pearl on the Pamir Plateau, with half of it being a stretch of desert and the other half a turquoise lake, offering extraordinary scenery.
Karakul Lake: A high-mountain glacial lake, its waters reflect the majestic and mysterious Mount Mushtag, presenting a mesmerizing scenery.
In addition, northern Xinjiang attractions such as Hemu, Altay, Kanas,五彩滩 (Wucaitan), and the Ghost City are also good choices for travel in October. However, please note that there may be relatively more people in northern Xinjiang at this time, and accommodation costs may also be slightly higher.
. If you don’t want to be among crowds, the Kashgar region and its surrounding attractions in southern Xinjiang are better choices. Not only do they offer rich local customs, but there are also natural scenery such as volcanoes, lakes, and snow-capped mountains waiting to be explored.