10 Best Places to Enjoy Stunning Autumn Scenes in Xinjiang
We would like to share with you some good news！Kanas Nature Reserve officially announced that people from low-risk areas in China are permitted to visit Kanas as long as they provide nucleic acid test certificates with a negative result within 7 days and have their health code and travel code checked.
It means that visitors are able to catch incredible views of Kanas in this autumn. Kanas has the most impressive autumn scenery, which has been recognized by the Chinese National Geography Magazine. From early September, lush vegetation gradually turns from emerald green to golden yellow or dark red and the Kanas Nature Reserve seems to be dyed into a multi-color paradise, presenting the captivating beauty of Xinjiang.
Besides Kanas, more autumn wonders in both Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang are waiting to greet you. For your reference, JoyTravel has collected the following unmissable travel highlights in the vast land
1. Kanas Lake
The Kanas Lake, which means “beautiful, rich and mysterious” in Mongolian, is famed for its spectacle of ever-changing colors. The lake appears to take on various hues, ranging from dark green to sky blue, or light red, depending on the changeable weather and different seasons.
Nestled in the deep mountains, the lake presents a stunning landscape of forests in a riot of imaginable colors in autumn, exciting your sights and senses. Go on a hike along the lake and you will find yourself attracted by flocks and herds wandering leisurely, and may even yearn for their carefree lifestyle. You can also mount the observation platform with an altitude of 2030 meters to catch an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
2. Hemu Village
Hemu Village, located in the Altay Mountains of northern Burqin County, is awarded by China National Geography Magazine as one of the six most beautiful towns and villages in the country for its breathtaking scenery and unique culture. During sunrises, clouds and mist curl high up over the small and tranquil village encircled by an area of jade green pastures. A shimmering and winding river flows across the village, creating a rosy picture of vitality.
Hemu village has been home to the native Tuvan people for over a thousand years. They live in quaint log cabins and have a really cozy life. The primitive architecture blends in with the magnificent natural surroundings. Right here, you can catch a glimpse of the unique customs and beliefs of the ancient ethnic group.
3. Keketuohai National Geopark
Keketuohai means green forests in Kazakh, while refers to the blue river in Mongolian. The Keketuohai National Geopark in Xinjiang enjoys four main scenic spots of Irtysh Grand Canyon, Cocoa Sullivan Lake, Ilavmu Lake and Kalaxingeer seismic belts.
It offers visitors integrated views of deep glens, sparkling mountain brooks, steep mountains, swamps and wetland, all together depicting a marvelous paysage of Altay granitic geomorphologic landscape.
Keketuohai is abundant in vegetation types. Between the wooded canyons, you can find more than 1400 plant types such as white birches, poplars and pines, leaves of which are tinted with a golden hue in autumn, making the geopark your top choice for a photo-shooting tour. Come and enjoy yourself here then you will find why it is referred to as China’s Yosemite.
4. Urho Ghost City
Yardang National Geological Park, also known as Ghost City, is one of the natural wonders located in Urho, Karamay. Ghost City is regarded as the largest Yardang landform discovered so far featuring unique and incredible landscapes.
Located in the hinterland of Asia, strong wind and extreme droughts are constantly seen here. Shaped by long-term weathering and erosion, various castles and temples have been carved out of the landscape, which seems like a microcosm of medieval castles in Europe, each standing in unique shapes and colors. The specialty of Ghost City also makes it a popular spot to shoot films. The well-known movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon directed by Ang Lee was filmed on location right here.
5. Sayram Lake
With an area of 460 square kilometers and an altitude of 2,073 meters, Sayram Lake is the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang. As the farthest place that the warm and humid air current of the Atlantic Ocean reaches, it is also known as the “Atlantic Ocean’s last teardrop”. The lake is seasonally fed by snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountain.
In clear and peaceful weather, the crystal lake water surrounded by the snow-covered mountain mirrors the blue sky, and herds of horses and sheep graze on the rolling pastures by its lakeside, which makes a picturesque scenery. This no doubt makes the lake rank among Xinjiang’s top tourist attractions to get your body and soul fully relaxed.
6. Kruger Camps Luxury Lodges
The Kruger Camps, a camp with 15 wooden villas built in the mountain forests alongside Sayram Lake, welcome guests from all over the world with attentive service. The luxury tented accommodation offers travelers fully inclusive facilities, including the underfloor heating system, gym, apron, and swimming pool.
Staying here, you’re promised a unique camp experience and magical outdoor sightseeing from your private indoor viewing deck. Just be a recluse for the moment, enjoy a quiet life and the stunning scenery hidden in the pristine bushveld. The land of idyllic beauty won’t let you down.
7. Baihaba Village
On the natural border between China and Kazakhstan situates the Baihaba Village that is heralded as the top one village of Northwest China. It is an ancient community mainly composed of the Tuwa people. Nestling in mountains and surrounded by a lake, these charming country cottages reflect the integration of natural ecology, local cultures, folk customs and traditions over several centuries.
Right here, you can appreciate their traditional wooden houses and impressive ethnic costumes or try delicious local dairy products. The village can also captivate you with its peaceful natural surroundings.
Colorful autumn foliage is Mother Nature’s artistic masterpiece before the dreary gray winter arrives. During this period, the village flecked with golden poplar leaves and crimson maple leaves is exceptionally charming.
8. Five-colored Beach
The Five-colored Beach, Wu Cai Tan in Chinese, is located in Burqin County of northern Xinjiang. As a representative work of Yardang landform, the beach is characteristic of the fascinating combination of colorful rock, riverbed and greenery. Especially at sunrise or sunset, the beach makes a matchless spectacular picture with these gleamy rocks in lustrous colors due to a perfect mix of shadows and sunlight.
The nearby bridge crosses the Irtysh River, to the north of which is the barren desert while to the south is the stark contrast of a lush, green river valley. This brings an additional attractive point to the gorgeous scenery of the Five-colored Beach.
9. Mulei Populus Euphratica Forests
30 km to the north of Mingsha Mountain in Mulei lies a vast expanse of populus euphratica forest. It covers an area of more than 30 square kilometers and has a history of at least 65 million years. Populus euphratica is reputed as the heroic tree in desert, because it is full of vitality and resistant to drought, wind, sand, salt, and alkali. A large area of undisturbed poplar forests has been preserved in the Mulei Populus Euphratica Forests.
The ideal time to visit populus euphratica forest would be autumn, between late September and October, as the leaves will turn to golden yellow during this period, which seems to dye the whole desert into a golden picture. Walking into the Populus euphratica forest, you can feel the beauty of nature and the tenacity of life.
10. Jiaohe Ruins
Jiaohe Ruins is a well-preserved ancient city that can date back more than 2000 years in Turpan. It is of great historical and architectural value and was inscribed on the List of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage on June 22, 2014.
As a vital node in the ancient Silk Road, the ancient remains have witnessed the trade contacts, cultural exchanges and crucial military coup in Turpan. It is perched atop a cliff between two river valleys, forming a natural fortress and serving as an important component of local history and culture. You can wander down the inside avenues and imagine the past story of the city while seeing these remained earthen residences and temples.
If you want to get professional guidance on sightseeing spots and tourist attractions in Xinjiang, you can contact us to choose the best suitable package for you. We JoyTravel gladly provide you with tailor-made tourism services according to your interests and needs, and dedicate to help you create your own memorable holiday travel experience.
