Guide
9 and 10 are the best months to visit Northern Xinjiang. From the autumn colors of Kanas, the morning mist in Hemu, to the blue waters of Sayram Lake, every spot is captivating. This guide covers route selection, weather and temperature, pre-trip preparations, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth autumn journey.
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Why are 9 and 10 the best months to visit Northern Xinjiang?#
Northern Xinjiang refers to the northern region of Xinjiang, including Altay, Tacheng, Ili, Changji, and other areas. It boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Xinjiang: the turquoise waters and clear skies of Kanas, the morning mist and smoke from chimneys in Hemu Village, the sapphire-blue Serim Lake, and the vast expanse of Nalati Grassland. From 9 to 10, Northern Xinjiang is at its most beautiful—featuring vibrant autumn colors, comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists, making it the ideal time to visit.
This article willSelect Route、Weather Temperature、Pre-trip Preparation、Friendly reminderFour key areas to help you plan the perfect autumn trip to Northern Xinjiang.
1. Route Selection#
Northern Xinjiang offers numerous autumn itineraries. Choose from various trip durations based on your time and budget. Below are our top recommended routes:
6-Day Short Trip — Altay's Autumn in Full Bloom: 6 Days
Perfect for travelers with limited time: experience the essence of autumn in Northern Xinjiang in a compact and fulfilling 6-day itinerary.
Top Attractions:Kanas、Hemu Village、Wucaitan
Target Audience:Commuters taking short trips on weekends with leave, and travelers with limited time.
Reference Price:Starting at ¥4000 per person
View detailed itinerary →
7-Day Mid-Season Itinerary: Altai Autumn Hunt 7-Day Tour
7 days to explore at your own pace, with two versions available: Baihaba and Kanas, designed to meet different needs.
Top Attractions:Kanas, Hemu Village, Five-Colored Beach, Baha Village (Baha Edition)
Target Audience:Travelers seeking an immersive experience of Xinjiang's autumn beauty
Reference Price:Starting at 3400-3600 per person
Baihaba Version Details → Kanas Version Details →
8 Day Long-Term Tour — Autumn in Northern Xinjiang 8-Day Journey
8 days to fully cover the highlights of northern Xinjiang in autumn, including Kanas, Hemu, Bakhaba, Sayram Lake, and more.
Top Attractions:Kanas, Hemu Village, Baihaba VillageSayram LakeWucaitan
Target Audience:Travelers seeking to fully experience the autumn scenery of Northern Xinjiang
Reference Price:Starting at 3800-4200 per person
Luxury Edition Details → Luxury Edition Details →
9-Day Deep Dive: Northern Xinjiang Autumn Journey – 9 Days
9 days to comprehensively cover the most stunning autumn destinations in Northern Xinjiang, allowing for a more relaxed itinerary with ample time for sightseeing and photography.
Top Attractions:Kanas, Hemu Village, Baihaba Village, Sayram LakeKeketuohaiWucaitan
Target Audience:Photography enthusiasts, in-depth travelers
Reference Price:Starting at ¥5600 per person
View detailed itinerary →
10+ Days — In-Depth Northern Xinjiang Loop Tour
If you have extra time, choose a loop itinerary of 10 days or more to fully cover all classic attractions in Northern Xinjiang.
Recommended Routes:
• Premium Beijiang Wilderness Loop Tour – 9 Days— ~6999 per person
• Wild Northern Xinjiang 10 Days— ~6299 per person
• Wild North 10-Day Tour— ~5699 per person
• Beijiang 11-Day Fly赏 Tour— ~5999 per person
II. Weather Temperature#
Weather in Northern Xinjiang in 9
In 9, northern Xinjiang is transitioning from summer to autumn. Temperatures are gradually dropping, but the weather remains comfortable overall.
Altay Prefecture (Kanas, Hemu):
• Early 9: Daytime 15-20°C, Nighttime 5-10°C
• Mid-month 9: Daytime 10-15°C, nighttime 0-5°C
• Late 9: Daytime 5-10°C, nighttime -5-0°C
• Features: Autumn intensifies, large temperature fluctuations between day and night, possible frost.
Ili Region (Sayram Lake, Nalati):
• Day: 10-18°C, Night: 0-8°C
• Features: Grasslands begin to turn yellow; snow-capped mountains become clearly visible.
Urumqi and Surrounding Areas:
• Day: 15-22°C, Night: 5-10°C
• Highlights: Clear autumn weather, ideal for city tours
Weather in Northern Xinjiang in 10
In 10, northern Xinjiang has entered late autumn. Temperatures continue to drop, and snowfall is possible in some areas.
Altay Prefecture (Kanas, Hemu):
• First half of 10: Daytime 5-15°C, nighttime -5-5°C
• Mid-10: Day 0-10°C, Night -10-0°C
• Late 10: Day -5-5°C, Night -15-5°C
• Highlights: Peak autumn foliage, possible snowfall, and potential temporary closures
Ili Region:
• Day: 5-12°C, Night: -5-5°C
• Features: Grasslands have turned yellow; snow accumulation on mountain peaks has increased.
Weather impact on itinerary
Positive Impact:
Clear skies and excellent visibility—perfect for photography.
• Fewer visitors, a more serene experience
• Vibrant autumn hues, unique scenery
Note:
• Large temperature swings between day and night; dress warmly.
• Snowfall possible in late 10; some roads may be temporarily closed.
• Duku Highway typically closes in early 10
• Kanas Scenic Area may temporarily close due to snowfall
III. Pre-Departure Preparation#
Prepare Documents
• ID Card:Required: Accommodation, transportation, and attractions.
• Border Permit:Permits are required to visit border areas such as Baihaba. You can obtain them at your place of household registration or after arriving in Burqin.
• Driver's LicenseIf driving yourself, bring your driver's license and vehicle registration.
• Student ID / Military ID / Senior Citizen ID:Some scenic areas offer preferential rates.
Clothing Preparation
Travel in 9:
• Tops: 1 thin down jacket or thick coat, 2 fleece or thin sweater, 3-4 long-sleeve T-shirts
• Pants: 2 pairs of thickened long pants, 1 pairs of shell pants
• Footwear: 1 pairs of waterproof, non-slip hiking boots; 1 pairs of comfortable athletic shoes
• Accessories: 1 hats, 1 scarves, 1 pairs of gloves (needed by late 9)
Travel in 10:
• Tops: 1 thick down jackets or hardshell jackets (with fleece lining), 1 thin down jackets, 2 thick sweaters, and 2 sets of thermal underwear
• Pants: 2 pairs of thickened long pants, 1 pairs of shell pants, and 1 pairs of thermal pants.
• Footwear: Waterproof, slip-resistant hiking boots 1 pairs (required)
• Gear: 1 hats (required), 1 scarves (required), 1 pairs of gloves (required), plus disposable hand warmers as needed
Medication Preparation
• Cold medicine, fever reducers
• Stomach medicine (Xinjiang cuisine tends to be greasy)
• Motion sickness medication (Northern Xinjiang route is long)
• Band-Aids, disinfecting wipes
• Rhodiola (Prevents altitude sickness; required for trips to the Pamir Plateau)
• Personal Medications
Electronic Devices
• Phone, charger, and power bank (power banks are especially useful in Xinjiang due to long daylight hours)
• Camera, lenses (wide-angle + telephoto), tripod, spare batteries
• Polarizing filter (reduces water glare; essential for shooting Kanas)
• SD card (bring several; there's too much scenery to fit on one)
Daily Essentials
• Sunscreen (SPF50+; strong UV in Xinjiang)
• Sunglasses
• Moisturizing skincare products, lip balm (Xinjiang's climate is dry)
Moisturizing Mist
• Towels and toiletries (some homestays have basic amenities)
• Thermos (staying hydrated with warm water is important)
• Snacks and dry food (for long trips when meal times may be missed)
IV. Friendly Reminder#
Transportation
• Driving tips:Roads in the northern mountainous region of Xinjiang are winding and steep. Routes may be temporarily closed due to snowfall in 10. Check road conditions before departure and follow the "Xinjiang Traffic Police" WeChat official account for real-time updates.
• Charter/Group Tour:We recommend choosing an experienced local travel agency, such asXinjiang China International Travel ServiceFamiliar with road conditions and weather changes; able to adjust itineraries promptly.
• Flight:9 to 10 marks the end of peak season; flight prices are beginning to drop. We recommend keeping an eye out for special deals in advance.
Accommodation Suggestions
• Accommodations in popular destinations like Kanas and Hemu remain scarce from 9 to 10 months. We recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance.
• Staying in the traditional Tuva wooden houses in Hemu Village offers a unique experience, but amenities are basic. Be prepared for modest conditions.
• The Kanas Scenic Area offers wooden cabins and tent camps. You can also stay in Jiadengyu, located at the scenic area entrance.
Dietary Guidelines
• Xinjiang cuisine features beef and mutton as staples, with bold flavors and generous portions.
• Months 9 to 10 mark the end of Xinjiang's fruit season. Pomegranates, grapes, and melons are still available.
• If you have special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, halal), please inform your guide or the restaurant in advance.
• Bring snacks and dry food; the journey is long and you may miss meal times.
Security Notice
• Border region:A border pass is required for border areas such as Baihaba. Do not enter unopened areas without authorization.
• Wildlife:The Altai Mountains region is home to wildlife such as bears and wolves. Do not enter undeveloped areas alone.
• Fire Protection:Autumn is dry; open flames are prohibited in forested areas.
• Sunscreen and MoisturizerXinjiang has a dry climate with strong UV radiation. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and keep your skin hydrated.
• Time difference:Xinjiang uses Beijing Time, but sunrise and sunset occur about 2 hours later than in inland regions. Please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Photography tips
• Best time to shoot:6:00-8:00 (morning mist, sunrise); 18:00-20:00 (sunset, golden light).
• Recommended Gear:Wide-angle lens (landscapes), telephoto lens (details), tripod (morning mist and starry skies), polarizing filter (reduce water glare).
• Important Notes:Morning temperatures are low; keep your camera warm and monitor battery life. Bring extra memory cards and spare batteries.
Respect local culture
Xinjiang is home to many ethnic groups, including Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Mongols, and Tuvans. Please respect local customs and religious beliefs while traveling:
• Shoes must be removed to enter the mosque; women are required to wear a headscarf.
• Do not photograph local residents without their consent.
• Respect the traditional lifestyle of the Tuva people
• Do not make loud noises inside the mosque
Conclusion#
The period from 9 to 10 is the most colorful and unique season in Northern Xinjiang. We hope thisTravel GuideHelp you get fully preparedPre-trip PreparationPlan your perfect autumn trip to Northern Xinjiang. For more travel information, visitTravel GuideChannel, or contact directlyXinjiang China International Travel ServiceGet personalized itinerary suggestions from a travel consultant.
Browse more premium routesRoute ListPage, have a pleasant journey!
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