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[Cultural Tourism Slogan] Xinjiang is a wonderful place. The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, with its capital city of Urumqi, is located in northwestern China. It is one of China's five ethnic minority autonomous regions and the largest provincial-level administrative region in China, covering 1.66 million square kilometers, one-sixth of China's total land area. It boasts the world's second-highest peak at 8,600 meters, and China's lowest point at 154 meters below sea level. It boasts cascading rivers, vast expanses of emerald grasslands, the bizarre Gobi landscape, and the enigmatic desert wonders. Only when you visit here can you understand the meaning of vastness. Xinjiang, with its blend of beauty and culture, promises a destination that is truly unique for any traveler. Its vast and diverse landscape creates a vibrant and desolate coexistence, encompassing mountains of blooming apricot blossoms, vast grasslands, and golden birch forests, as well as the boundless desert, the scorching heat of the Huoyan Mountains, and the desolate and majestic Yadan landforms. The once-thriving ancient Silk Road has endowed Xinjiang with a rich and profound cultural heritage. Turpan, Hami, Kashgar, Kuqa, and Hotan, among others, were once important cities along this bustling route. Even today, they retain traces and evidence of the intertwining of religion, commerce, and ethnic cultures of those times, attracting countless cultural travelers. Furthermore, Xinjiang's unique cuisine adds a touch of charm to any trip. Big plate chicken, fragrant barbecue, and delicious fruits are all delicacies that remain with us long after we've left, and it's no exaggeration to say that they're a compelling reason to return to Xinjiang.
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If you are an autumn lover, then you can start to set your sights on the autumn in Xinjiang.
Some people say that you don’t know how big China is until you visit Xinjiang, and this is indeed true.
Xinjiang, located in northwest China, is a mere autonomous region, yet it occupies one-sixth of China's total land area. To put this in context, Xinjiang is roughly the size of four Japans, seven United Kingdoms, and 16 South Koreas. This truly exaggerates the vastness of our nation.
So what are Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang?
In Xinjiang, the Tianshan Mountains, stretching over 1,700 kilometers, divide the region into two halves: southern Xinjiang and northern Xinjiang. The area south of the Tianshan Mountains is commonly referred to as Southern Xinjiang, while the area north of the Tianshan Mountains is Northern Xinjiang. The natural scenery of southern and northern Xinjiang is also quite different.
Northern Xinjiang is also known as "God's Back Garden" and was once rated as the top of "China's Top Ten Autumn Colors" by China National Geographic Magazine.
If you don't have enough time to explore the entire Xinjiang region, I recommend visiting northern Xinjiang first. It's a place you'll definitely want to visit again and again! For more information, please refer to this guide.
This is a topic that everyone must pay attention to every autumn.
Due to Xinjiang's vast territory, the best viewing period varies slightly from region to region. Generally, Hemu begins to change color first, followed by Kanas, and finally Baihaba. The specific color change also depends on the overall temperature fluctuations between September and October. This time of year is also the best time to view Xinjiang's autumn colors.
If you are not traveling alone, but have a few good friends with you or can drive to Xinjiang by yourself, then it is indeed a good choice.
First, the cost of food, accommodation and transportation is less. Another reason is that public transportation in Xinjiang is not very developed. Having a car can solve many problems.
If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can also hire a local driver to guide you throughout your trip. Unlike a tour guide, a driver won't help you with route planning or explaining attractions. You'll need to arrange your own food, accommodation, and transportation; the driver will only be responsible for driving. Be aware that when hiring a car, consider the travel time and cost, and ask around to avoid encountering unauthorized taxis.
This is a must-have for lazy travelers, and my top recommendation. Xinjiang is vast and sparsely populated, so each tourist attraction is quite large. Add to that the inconvenient transportation, and how can you squeeze in as many attractions as possible within a limited timeframe, without worrying about food and lodging? That's when you need a tour guide and a group. They typically have deep experience in local tourism, ensuring every step is on the right track, and saving you the hassle of planning your own itinerary. Isn't that a steal?
Baihaba, the most northwestern village in China, was once named one of China's eight most beautiful towns by China Geographic. Isn't it worth a visit for these two reasons? The autumn colors here will surely not disappoint.
Now that you've reached the China-Kazakhstan border, the China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon is worth a visit. Located at the border between China and Kazakhstan, the Grand Canyon lies beneath the Akkhabab River, the boundary between the two countries. Lush birch trees line both sides of the river, creating a sense of pristine jungle.
Tips:
Tickets
60 yuan, ancient village maintenance fee 20 yuan
The round trip fare from Kanas to Baihaba is 210 yuan
Opening hours
Open all day
Precautions
①You need to apply for a border pass to visit Baihaba
If you come from Kanas, you can apply for it at the Kanas Tourist Center; if you come from Habahe County, you can apply for it in Habahe County (the border pass obtained at your place of residence is invalid), and the fee is about 1 yuan.
②Some areas of Baihaba are military restricted areas. Please do not enter without permission when visiting.
③ The temperature in Baihaba is relatively low, and it will drop below zero degrees at night around National Day every year, so you should prepare thick clothes.
Wucaitan Beach, located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, in northern Xinjiang, is a must-see on the way to Kanas Lake Scenic Area. This area is renowned for its Yardang landforms, a unique hilly geology that displays a variety of colors. Every evening, as the sun sets, the colors are a dazzling display, a truly spectacular sight.
Tips:
Tickets
Peak season (April 1st to October 31st): 45 yuan
Off-season (November 1st to March 31st): 22 yuan
Opening hours
09:00-21:30;
Ticket sales stop at 19:30
Last admission time: 20:30
Hidden in the dense forests of the Altai Mountains, this alpine lake, along with Hemu Village to the east and Baihaba Village to the west, forms the core of the Kanas Scenic Area. The area captivates visitors with its mysterious lake monster, ever-changing waters, and dazzling natural scenery. It's earned the nickname "A Paradise on Earth."
Some tourists will start from Kanas Lake and hike eastward to Hemu Village (1-2 days), which has become a paradise route in the minds of domestic outdoor enthusiasts.
Tips:
Tickets
Peak season (May 1-October 15) 2-day ticket: 160 yuan
Off-season (October 16-April 30): 2-day ticket: 80 yuan
Opening hours
08:30-19:30
The opening hours will be adjusted according to holidays and seasonal changes, and are subject to the announcement of the scenic spot on the day.
Hemu is the furthest and largest of the three remaining Tuva villages (Hemu, Kanas, and Baihaba). Its rows of small wooden houses and quaint villages, surrounded by flowers, grasslands, mountains, forests, and rivers, create a fairytale-like experience. Climbing to the mist-shrouded mountaintop in the early morning creates a fairyland-like experience, a must-see for photography enthusiasts.
Tips:
Tickets
Ticket price: 60 yuan, village maintenance fee: 20 yuan
Opening hours
Open all day
One hundred million years ago, this area was once a vast lake. Wind erosion and the constant impact of flowing water formed countless fragmented, uneven gullies, thus forming the Urho Yardang landform. The fierce winds of the Junggar Basin freely shuttle through the Devil City, crashing back and forth, and occasionally hearing devilish howls, hence the nickname Urho Devil City.
Movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Seven Swordsmen were filmed here.
When you come to Urho in autumn, the vast wild poplar forests are also a sight not to be missed.
Tips:
Best time to visit: September-October
Opening hours: All day
Keketuohai is not a sea, but a stream that makes people linger.
In autumn, the Keketuohai forests are ablaze with vibrant colors. The Irtysh River Grand Canyon is flanked by volcanic granite peaks, while the valley is dotted with fir forests. Upon arrival, take a shuttle bus along the Irtysh River into the canyon. The lush green mountains and clear waters create a captivating scene, allowing you to immerse yourself in this autumnal landscape.
Tips:
Ticket price: 49 yuan
Sightseeing bus ticket: 49 yuan (20% discount for groups)
Opening hours
Peak season (March 1-11:30) 09:00-20:00
Off-season (December 1-February 28) 9:30-19:00
When you come to Xinjiang, you certainly can’t miss the authentic Xinjiang cuisine and the nationally famous Turpan fruits.
While this might be your first time in Xinjiang, I guarantee it's definitely not your first time eating Dapanji. This dish has become a household name. Authentic Xinjiang Dapanji is made with local rooster, potatoes, and red and green peppers for a spicy and satisfying flavor.
Baked buns are a traditional breakfast for Xinjiang residents. After a morning wash, a bowl of milk tea and two baked buns make for a nutritious breakfast. The buns are filled with lamb shank, lamb tail fat, and white onions, and seasoned with cumin, pepper, and other spices, making them even more fragrant when baked.
This one needs no introduction! It's a must-order at any barbecue restaurant. However, Xinjiang lamb skewers are much larger, so a woman can be full after just two or three. Xinjiang lamb skewers are glossy, tender, and spicy, making them incredibly satisfying.
The method of making Xinjiang baked naan is similar to that of making flatbread, but the difference is that they add seasonings and mutton fat and other ingredients to the flour, making it very crispy and delicious.
Xinjiang people are really good at cooking mutton! Not only is there no strong smell of mutton, but the meat is tender and tasty. Once you start eating it, you can't stop.
Also known as pulled noodles, these are hand-pulled noodles that are boiled in water and then mixed with various vegetables and beef or mutton. They are a popular noodle dish enjoyed by people in Xinjiang and even the northwest, and can be made at home.
Wusu Beer originates from the beautiful city of Wusu at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It is a beer brand that the people of Xinjiang love very much. If you come to Xinjiang, you can bring a few bottles back.
Xinjiang Daliba, originally a Russian specialty, was introduced to China during the Qing Dynasty. It's a large, delicious, and nutritious bread. Xinjiang Daliba is filled with dried fruits and other ingredients, making it a delicious breakfast treat.
Xinjiang grapes, plump and juicy, are so delicious you can't stop eating them. Hami melons are so sweet and fragrant I couldn't resist taking a few home with me. And Korla pears are big and crisp, bursting with juice. They're truly delicious. And then there's all sorts of red dates, raisins, almonds...
D1 Urumqi-Turpan-Hejing
D2 Hejing-Bayinbuluke Grassland-Nalati Town
D3 Nalati-Horgos Port
D4 Horgos Port - Sayram Lake - Urho
D5 Wuerhe-Hemu
Day 6 Hemu-Kanas-Jiadengyu
D7 Kanas-Beitun
D8 Beitun-Fukang
D9 Fukang-Tianchi-Urumqi
① Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but Urumqi is located in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT+6), so there is a 2-hour time difference with most cities in China. Generally, hotels check in and out at 14:00, lunch time is around 14:00, and dinner time is around 20:00.
② Security in Xinjiang is very strict. It is recommended that you carry your ID card and other documents with you and be careful not to lose them.
③Banks in Xinjiang are also spread all over the city streets and alleys. You can withdraw some cash from local banks to avoid situations where QR code payment cannot be used.
③The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is extremely large. The temperature may drop to below zero at night and reach 20 to 30 degrees Celsius at noon. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare according to winter clothes + autumn clothes. You can prepare autumn clothes, autumn pants, jackets, and thin down jackets.
This is really a place worth your time to savor carefully. Whether it is the unique natural scenery, the numerous delicacies and the rich cultural colors, Xinjiang becomes even more charming.
