Xinjiang 8-Day Travel Guide (September Edition) September in Xinjiang is characterized by crisp autumn air and fragrant fruits, making it a golden season for travel. It boasts magnificent natural

Xinjiang 8-Day Travel Guide (September Edition)

September in Xinjiang is characterized by crisp autumn air and fragrant fruits, making it a golden season for travel. It boasts magnificent natural landscapes, rich exotic customs, and a long history and culture. Below is a tailor-made 8-day classic northern Xinjiang loop tour for you to experience the stunning autumn scenery north of the Tianshan Mountains.

Trip Highlights:

· Experience the golden autumn fairy tale world of Kanas Lake and Hemu Village.
· Witness the spectacular Yardang landforms of Ghost City.
· Feel the tranquil, deep blue of Sayram Lake.
· Appreciate the vast autumn expanse of Nalati Grassland.
· Savor Xinjiang's distinctive cuisine and experience its diverse culture.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi

· Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and check into your hotel.
· In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time. We recommend visiting the [International Grand Bazaar] to experience the rich Western Regions culture and taste local specialties like roasted buns and pilaf.
· In the evening, you can go to [Hongshan Park] to overlook the panoramic view of Urumqi and enjoy the sunset.
· Accommodation: Urumqi City

Day 2: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake of Tianshan - Fuyun/Koktokay Town (approx. 500 km, 6-7 hours drive)

· After breakfast, drive to the "Pearl of Tianshan," [Heavenly Lake of Tianshan]. Take the shuttle bus up and down the mountain to admire the magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and forests (approx. 3-4 hours visit).
· In the afternoon, drive to Fuyun County or Koktokay Town.
· Accommodation: Fuyun County or Koktokay Town

Day 3: Koktokay - Burqin (approx. 300 km, 4-5 hours drive)

· After breakfast, visit [Koktokay National Geological Park] (optional, can be adjusted based on time and interest) to admire the unique Altai Mountains scenery and the Irtysh River Grand Canyon.
· Afterwards, drive to the fairy-tale border town of [Burqin].
· In the evening, you can go to [Colorful Beach] to enjoy the beautiful scenery of colorful Yardang landforms reflecting off the Irtysh River under the sunset (best at sunset).
· Accommodation: Burqin County

Day 4: Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu (approx. 150 km, 3 hours drive)

· After breakfast, drive to the "God's Back Garden," [Kanas Scenic Area]. Transfer to the shuttle bus to enter the scenic area and enjoy the charming autumn colors of [Wolong Bay], [Moon Bay], and [Fairy Bay] along the way.
· You can ascend the [Fish-Watching Pavilion] (requires separate shuttle bus ticket purchase, many steps) to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake and search for traces of the "lake monster."
· Stay overnight in the Jiadengyu area at the entrance of the scenic area for convenient access the next day.
· Accommodation: Jiadengyu

Day 5: Kanas - Hemu Village (approx. 60 km, 2 hours drive)

· Re-enter Kanas Scenic Area (requires purchasing a second entry ticket). You can choose to hike a section of the lakeside boardwalk to deeply experience the tranquil beauty of Kanas.
· In the afternoon, drive to "God's Private Land," [Hemu Village]. This is an ancient Tuva village, where original wooden houses, curling smoke from chimneys, and vast birch forests form a stunning pastoral painting.
· In the evening, you can ascend the Hemu Observation Deck to await the sunset glow illuminating the entire village.
· Accommodation: Hemu Village wooden cabin (experience unique accommodation)

Day 6: Hemu - Urho Ghost City - Karamay/Kuitun (approx. 600 km, 8-9 hours drive)

· Get up early to admire the morning mist in Hemu and experience a dreamlike fairyland.
· After breakfast, drive to [Urho World Ghost City]. This is China's most typical Yardang landform, where bizarre earth mounds howl in the wind, resembling a city of devils, which is very impressive (recommended to visit before sunset for the best light and shadow effects).
· In the evening, drive to Karamay City or Kuitun City for accommodation.
· Accommodation: Karamay City or Kuitun City

Day 7: Karamay/Kuitun - Sayram Lake - Jinghe/Kuitun (approx. 450 km, 5-6 hours drive)

· After breakfast, drive to [Sayram Lake], known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic." The lake water is clear and deep blue, surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, creating absolutely stunning scenery. You can drive along the around-the-lake road and take plenty of photos.
· In the afternoon, pass by the famous [Guozigou Bridge] and marvel at its grandeur.
· In the evening, head to Jinghe County or return to Kuitun City for accommodation.
· Accommodation: Jinghe County or Kuitun City

Day 8: Jinghe/Kuitun - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Urumqi Airport Drop-off (approx. 300 km, 4 hours drive)

· After breakfast, drive back to Urumqi. En route, you can visit [Dushanzi Grand Canyon] (optional) to experience the breathtaking geological wonder formed by millions of years of rain erosion.
· Depending on your flight schedule, arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, concluding your pleasant Xinjiang journey.

Travel Tips:

1. Weather and Clothing: In September, northern Xinjiang experiences extreme temperature differences between day and night (can exceed 20℃). The sun is strong during the day, so prepare summer clothes, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Mornings and evenings are very cold, so be sure to bring warm clothing such as windbreakers and light down jackets. The weather is dry, so pay attention to moisturizing.
2. Transportation: Xinjiang is vast, and distances between attractions are long, with extended driving times. It is recommended to charter a car or join a small group for convenience and flexibility.
3. Accommodation: Accommodation conditions in scenic areas like Hemu and Kanas are limited, especially the wooden cabins. Please be mentally prepared. September is peak season, so be sure to book in advance.
4. Dining: Xinjiang offers a wide variety of cuisine, mainly beef, lamb, and pasta. Eat in moderation and consider bringing some stomach medicine.
5. Documents: Your ID card must be carried with you at all times, as there are many checkpoints along the way.
6. Time Difference: Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but there is an actual time difference of about 2 hours in daily routines compared to inland China. Generally, work starts at 10 AM, lunch is from 2-3 PM, and dinner is from 8-9 PM.
7. Respect Customs: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region; please respect the customs and religious beliefs of local ethnic minorities.

Wish you an unforgettable golden autumn trip in Xinjiang!