Self-guided tour guide for Xinjiang in September:
I. Weather and Dress Code
The weather in Xinjiang in September is mainly sunny and cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 30°C.
Dress Code Suggestions: Windbreakers, leather jackets, thin sweaters, thin cotton-padded clothes, coats, and other warm clothing. Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between morning and night, so down jackets are a must-have for those who are afraid of the cold.
II. Must-visit Attractions
Kanas: A representative of autumn scenery in Northern Xinjiang. The ‘Three Bays, One Lake, and One Village’ (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, Kanas Lake, and Hemu Village) are great places to enjoy autumn.
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the lake has clear water and beautiful surroundings, making it suitable for walking along the lakeside or riding horses across the grasslands.
Colorful Beach and Devil’s City: Representatives of double Yardang landforms. Visiting these two attractions allows you to appreciate the magical charm of nature.
III. Recommended Routes
8-day tour of Northern Xinjiang: Urumqi – S21 Highway – Colorful Beach – Kanas Lake – Hemu Village – Urho Devil’s City – Sayram Lake – Kuitun – Dushanzi Grand Canyon
8-day tour of Southern Xinjiang: Urumqi – Dabancheng Ancient Town – Korla – Lop Nur Village – Kashgar Old Town – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan County
IV. Travel Suggestions
Urumqi is the preferred destination upon arrival by air. If you have enough time, you can explore the surrounding areas of Urumqi. The Grand Bazaar is worth visiting.
The Duku Highway is only open for five months a year. Before going, make sure to inquire about the opening time.
The water in Xinjiang is alkaline, so it is recommended to buy mineral water to drink.
When going to Kanas, you can take a detour to Burqin, a European-style town that has a unique charm at night.
There is a two-hour time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland. Those prone to hypoglycemia can bring some snacks.
Most of Xinjiang’s key attractions are located in deep mountains, where mobile network signals are poor. Those who need to handle online affairs should make arrangements in advance.
V. Budget
The budget for traveling in Xinjiang varies from person to person. Generally speaking, the daily expenses per person range from 200 to 300 yuan, including accommodation, dining, transportation, and ticket fees.
VI. Tips
Sunscreen and warmth: Xinjiang has intense sunlight and a large temperature difference between morning and night, so appropriate clothing and sunscreen products are needed.
Personal property safety: Be mindful of your personal property safety during the tour and abide by the regulations of the scenic areas.
Respect local customs: Xinjiang is an area inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, and tourists should respect the local customs and habits.
With the above guide, you can fully experience the natural landscapes of Northern Xinjiang and the cultural charm of Southern Xinjiang during your self-guided tour in September, enjoying an unforgettable trip.