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No one in this world can resist the autumn in Xinjiang. If there is, it must be that they have never been to Xinjiang.
Xinjiang, home to one-sixth of my country's land area, is vast and its attractions are scattered. First-time visitors often find themselves at a loss as to what to do. Today, I'll share some tips for visiting Xinjiang in autumn.
The autumn colors in Xinjiang can be roughly divided into two types. One is the Kanas-Hemu-Baihaba line, where you can see the colorful forests of Xinjiang all the way; the other is the golden poplar autumn viewing tour.
Xinjiang boasts the world's largest expanse of Populus euphratica forests, also known as "living fossils of the Tertiary Period." These vast expanses, with their vibrant vitality emerging from the desolate wilderness, are incredibly beautiful and a unique sight to behold in Xinjiang. Alternatively, if you have more time, explore southern Xinjiang, where the scenery, with its wild, exotic charm, possesses a charm beyond words.
In autumn, the Kanas-Hemu-Baihaba line is worthy of being called "God's Back Garden". Every place is breathtakingly beautiful.
Tips:
Time to enjoy autumn: Generally speaking, most of the leaves will change color from early to mid-September every year, turning Kanas, Hemu and Baihaba into a colorful world. At this time, the autumn colors in northern Xinjiang will also enter the best viewing period.
If time permits, it is recommended to avoid traveling during the Golden Week.
The autumn in Kanas is like an overturned palette. The leaves gradually turn red, bright yellow, brown, green and other colors. Coupled with the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds and towering snow-capped peaks, it seems like being in a fairyland.
When visiting Kanas, you must visit the three bays and one lake (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, and Kanas Lake). You can hike to the three bays or take a shuttle bus. There is a special morning mist train to Shenxian Bay at 7:30 a.m. You must go to Shenxian Bay in the morning, the morning mist is absolutely amazing.
It is said that the Fish-Watching Terrace was originally built to watch water monsters, but now it has become a check-in spot for viewing the panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
You cannot drive into the Kanas Scenic Area by car. You must take the scenic area shuttle bus from Jadengyu to enter.
Departing from Urumqi | 12 days and 11 nights
Small Car Tour: Autumn Scenery in Northern Xinjiang + Duku | 12-Day Autumn Viewing in Xinjiang
Starting from ￥12800 193 people have registered Register nowHemu, a small village with a fairy-tale atmosphere, is surrounded by birch forests, snow-capped mountains and rivers. Tuva cabins are dotted at the foot of the mountain. A single shot can create a masterpiece, making it a favorite place for photographers.
The morning mist in Hemu is also a unique sight. When visiting Hemu, be sure to visit the Hemu Observation Deck before sunrise to admire the morning mist and smoke. However, the Hemu Observation Deck can be very crowded in the morning, so you'll need to get there early to avoid missing out on a good photo opportunity.
Baihaba, the "No. 1 Village in the Northwest", is located in the northwestern border of the motherland, on the China-Kazakhstan border.
The scenery here is similar to that of Hemu, but far away from the hustle and bustle. I personally feel that the scenery of Baihaba is more primitive. In addition, Baihaba is right on the tail of the rooster on the map of China, so it is also very memorable to check in here.
Unfortunately, the China-Kazakhstan boundary marker is not open now.
Tips:
Section Tickets:
Kanas Scenic Area: Round trip for the first entrance: 70 yuan; round trip for the second entrance: 110 yuan; three-day pass: 180 yuan
Kanas-Baihaba section: 45 round trip
Jiadengyu-Hemu Objects: Round trip 50
Fish Watching Platform Interval: 20
Hemu section: 52 round trip
Tickets:
Kanas: 160
Hemu: 50
Baihaba: 30
ps: You need to apply for a border pass to enter Baihaba
Keketuohai, Wucaitan and Kanas all belong to Altay and can be visited together.
Keketuohai is not a sea, but a stream that people will never forget.
Autumn is the most beautiful season in Keketuohai. The forests are ablaze with vibrant colors, and the sunset over Keketuohai is even more breathtaking. After arriving at the scenic area, take a shuttle bus along the Irtysh River into the Irtysh Gorge. With its lush green mountains and deep, serene canyons, you'll be immersed in this breathtaking autumn landscape.
Tips:
Tickets: 90
Shuttle bus: 36
The temperature difference between day and night in Keketuohai is huge, so be sure to prepare warm clothes.
Tips:
How to get to the scenic area:
If you are departing from Urumqi, you can take a long-distance bus from Nianzigou Station to Fuyun County, which takes about 7 hours to arrive.
After arriving in Fuyun County, you can take a special taxi to the scenic area
Keketuohai has an airport, and you can fly directly from Urumqi to Fuyun Airport.
Public transportation in Keketuohai is not very convenient. If you want to go there, it is best to consider driving yourself or joining a tour group.
Wucaitan is located in Burqin County in northern Xinjiang, not far from scenic spots like Kanas and Baihaba. The Irtysh River divides the area into two distinct sections, with colorful Yardang landforms on one side and lush poplar forests on the other. Wucaitan is most beautiful in the evening, when the sun sets and the colors of the mountains around it become particularly vibrant and dazzling.
Kashgar, the westernmost border city in my country, has an exotic style like the Persian Empire.
When visiting Kashgar, a visit to the Old Town is a must. Walking through the streets of the old town, the walls are painted with nostalgic colors, and every household is planted with green plants. It is pure and beautiful, and time seems to have stopped here.
If you want to have a better experience in Kashgar, you should stay here for at least two days. The old city is suitable for photographing architecture and humanities. The Kashgar Grand Bazaar (Kashgar China, West and Asia International Trade Market) is definitely worth a visit.
Tips:
When visiting the ancient city, it is best to avoid the main roads and wander through the alleys. Only in the alleys can you encounter the most authentic Kashgar.
The Gaotai Folk Houses Tourist Area is currently closed.
Pamir means "Roof of the World" in Tajik. In ancient times, it was considered the end of the world. It is said that the prototype of Mount Buzhou is the Pamir Plateau.
The Pamir Plateau is mysterious and desolate, boasting the perpetually snow-capped Muztagh Ata, the Karakoram Highway, known as the eighth wonder of the world, glaciers that never melt, and wild animals roaming freely. If you visit in April, you'll also have the chance to see the stunning apricot blossoms of the plateau.
Baisha Lake is a blue teardrop beneath the Pamir Plateau. The white quicksand and azure water make this place look like a fairyland.
There are two viewing platforms at Baisha Lake. The second one is more beautiful. Baisha Lake is most beautiful when the weather is clear.
Tips:
To go to Baisha Lake, you need to apply for a border pass at your registered residence or in Kashgar.
Baisha Lake is located near National Highway 314, about a 3-hour drive from Kashgar.
Taheman Township is located between Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan County. It is a super beautiful Tajik village.
If you visit southern Xinjiang in autumn, be sure to visit the poplar tree tunnel at the village entrance. It's about 1,000 meters long, and in summer and autumn, the lush leaves form a long tunnel, even more romantic than Europe's Tunnel of Love. If you have time, you can also visit the Taheman Wetland Park Observation Deck, where the combination of pastures and snow-capped mountains is stunning!
The Taklamakan Desert, also known as the "Sea of Death", is the largest mobile desert in the world and is extremely dangerous, but at the same time its wildness and desolation have a fatal attraction.
In the Taklamakan Desert, there's a highway running north and south—the Tarim Desert Highway. Driving on this highway will satisfy your every imagination of the desert, allowing you to spend a free and unrestrained day amidst the yellow sand.
“Today I have walked through all the twists and turns in life, and from now on, life will be smooth sailing.” This is a slogan on the Panlong Ancient Road in southern Xinjiang, and many people travel thousands of miles to check in here.
This road of dozens of kilometers has more than 600 bays and climbs 1,000 meters in altitude. It is one of the must-visit places for self-driving enthusiasts!
12. Kuqa Grand Canyon
The Kuqa Grand Canyon, also known as the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, is China's "Antelope Valley." Reddish-brown mountains rise into the sky like flames. The canyon is long, sometimes wide, sometimes narrow, and its colors constantly change with light and shadow, creating a magical experience.
Populus euphratica lives for a thousand years, stands for a thousand years after death, and does not rot for a thousand years after falling. It is one of the most beautiful scenery in autumn.
The Urho Populus euphratica forest is only a few kilometers away from the Urho Devil City. The poplar forest here grows in the barren Gobi Desert. When the sky is blue, it is very photogenic.
Each poplar tree has a different posture, but all share the same unruly spirit, showing hope and vitality in this desolate and weathered land. This is also the largest poplar forest in the Wuerhe area, but it is not crowded with tourists, so you can enjoy it and take photos.
Luntai has about 400,000 mu of natural Populus euphratica forest, which is the largest known Populus euphratica forest in the world.
The Luntai Tarim Populus euphratica Forest Scenic Area also boasts a 13-kilometer-long sightseeing railway, where you can ride through the forest and immerse yourself in the vibrant autumn scenery. Alternatively, you can ascend to the scenic area's high observation deck, where the Tarim River meanders in azure blue, and the poplar forests on its banks transform into a golden ocean, a truly breathtaking sight.
In addition to photographing the golden poplar forest, the withered poplars are equally beautiful. They still maintain that arrogant and unruly posture, as if they will never admit defeat in the battle with heaven and earth. Their still immortal vitality can make people feel awe of life.
The Luobu Village is located on the Qiongkule Pasture, where the Tarim River intersects with a poplar forest. Not far away lies the endless Taklamakan Desert. While the poplar forests here aren't the largest or most concentrated, the vast Gobi Desert, the endless sand dunes, the broad, clear rivers, and the poplar forests scattered throughout the scenic area create a magnificent and timeless beauty. Here, you can photograph the reflections of the poplar trees at the junction of the desert and the lake.
In addition, the grilled fish in the Luobu village is a local specialty, and you can taste it while visiting.
Zepu Jinhuyang National Forest Park is located in Zepu County, Kashgar Prefecture. Deep in the Gobi Desert, it is a natural poplar forest covering an area of more than 20,000 acres.
The Yarkand River flows through the poplar forest, with the towering Kunlun Mountains in the distance, forming a magnificent landscape. In the northern part of the forest, there is a magnificent "Poplar King" tree that is over 1,400 years old.
The Huludao Populus euphratica forest is located near the National Highway 218 in the 33rd Regiment of Yuli County. This Populus euphratica forest is very special. It combines desert, Populus euphratica and lakes. Across the sand dunes, the Populus euphratica growing in the clear water suddenly appears before your eyes.
Such beautiful scenery is hidden in the desert. Compared with other places to appreciate poplar trees, this place is more niche and is not a scenic spot. It is privately managed and operated, and drones are allowed.
Xinjiang is incredibly crowded in autumn, and accommodations can be extremely tight, so be sure to book your transportation and accommodations in advance. Also, Xinjiang is vast, with scattered attractions and inconvenient public transportation. It's more convenient to drive yourself or join a tour group.
From southern Xinjiang to northern Xinjiang, from Kanas to the Luntai Poplar Forest, Xinjiang's autumn colors perfectly illustrate the saying, "Since ancient times, autumn has been a time of sorrow and loneliness, but I say autumn is better than spring." Autumn in this land is even more vibrant than spring.
