Autumn whispers and autumn quests~ Come quickly and capture the ever-changing autumn of Tekes

🌾 Xinjiang Tekes Autumn Travel Guide: The October Illusion of Golden Grasslands and Secret Ancient Villages 🌾

Autumn in Tekes (late September to mid-October) is a palette flipped by the Creator—the Kalajun Grassland fades from green to golden, Qiongkushitai’s forests turn vibrant, and the Bagua City feels even more peaceful and profound in the autumn breeze.

📅 Best Time for Autumn Colors

Late September to early October: Grasslands begin to yellow, birch forests slightly tinted, fewer tourists.

Early to mid-October (after National Day to around October 20): Peak autumn colors, golden hues contrasting with snowy peaks, perfect for photography.

Tip: Annual temperature changes may cause the autumn colors to come earlier or later; it’s recommended to check with local guesthouses or the tourism bureau before traveling.

🍁 Autumn Exclusive Experiences

1. Kalajun Grassland: Golden Waves
How to enjoy: Hike or horseback ride through the autumn grasslands; at sunset, the “human grassland” lines are as soft and beautiful as golden silk.

Tip: Some areas of the park may close after October, so confirm opening status in advance.

2. Qiongkushitai: Fairy Tale Cabins and Forest Autumn Colors
Highlights: Smoke curls from wooden houses in the Kazakh herding village, backed by yellowing birch forests and dark green spruces, like an oil painting.

Recommendation: Hike along the river valley and photograph shepherds driving their flocks home.

3. Tekes Bagua City: Autumn Cultural Impressions
Activities: Climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the city, autumn leaves dot the Bagua streets; visit folk shops on Lijie Street and enjoy a warm cup of milk tea.

4. Aktas Grassland (Lesser-known alternative)
Advantages: Free entry, fewer people in autumn, panoramic views of the Tekes Valley.

📸 Autumn Photography Guide
Golden hours: 1 hour after sunrise & 1 hour before sunset (the grasslands look even more golden in soft light).

Must-capture scenes:
▶️ Qiongkushitai’s cabins and forests in morning mist
▶️ The rolling curves of Kalajun Grassland at sunset
▶️ Nomads’ seasonal migration (late September to early October, chance to see large herds of cattle and sheep moving)

🥘 Autumn Food Recommendations
Warming soups: Kazakh Naren (hot horse meat noodle soup), dried mutton pilaf.

Special drinks: Camel milk (nutritious, available at local markets), honey yogurt (newly brewed in autumn).

Night market BBQ: The cool autumn nights pair perfectly with grilled lamb skewers + naan bread + Wusu beer.

🏨 Accommodation and Transportation

🏘️ Accommodation:
✅ Hotels inside Bagua City (such as Zhouyi Inn, Lijie Guesthouse), well-equipped.
✅ Autumn guesthouses in Qiongkushitai (such as Shanye Guesthouse, Yunhai Villa), with views of autumn forests from the window, book at least 1 month in advance.

🚗 Transportation:
▶️ Yining Airport → Tekes (about 2.5 hours by chartered car, scenic autumn views along the way);
▶️ Tekes → Grassland scenic spots recommended by SUV charter (complex road conditions in autumn, about 600-800 RMB/day).

⚠️ Autumn Precautions

1. Weather: Large temperature difference between day and night (0-20℃), bring down jackets/windbreakers, hats, and gloves.

2. Road conditions: Some dirt roads in Qiongkushitai may be muddy due to rain, choose a four-wheel drive vehicle.

3. Off-peak travel: Fewer tourists after National Day, better experience.

4. Environmental protection: Do not trample on withered grasslands, protect the natural environment.

Tekes’ autumn is brief yet magnificent, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. It is recommended to plan 4-5 days to deeply immerse yourself in the golden world and feel the autumn poetry of the nomadic pastures! 🍂