Explore Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha in one day, and enjoy a traditional Xiba tofu banquet and discover Sichuan’s famous creature and Buddhist heritage.......
Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Xinjiang
Xinjiang, the largest provincial-level region in China, covers an area equivalent to about three times the size of France. Located in the far northwest of China, Xinjiang shares borders with eight countries, including Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Blessed with extraordinary natural diversity, Xinjiang features snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, glaciers, alpine lakes, grasslands, forests, and rich wildlife. Among all seasons, autumn (September and October) is one of the most spectacular times to visit Xinjiang, when golden forests, colorful valleys, and crystal-clear lakes create breathtaking scenery.
Here are the best places to experience autumn foliage in Xinjiang.
1. Autumn Leaves at Hemu Village (禾木乡秋色)
Located in Burqin County in northern Xinjiang near the borders of Mongolia and Russia, Hemu Village is one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in China.
The village is home to more than 1,000 residents, mainly including Mongolian, Kazakh, and Tuwa communities. The Tuwa people, traditionally believed to be descendants of an ancient Mongolian tribe, have lived around Kanas Lake for generations. They practice Tibetan Buddhism, maintain unique folk traditions, and have traditionally relied on hunting and livestock herding.
Surrounded by mountains and crossed by the peaceful Hemu River, the village is surrounded by forests of birch and poplar trees. In autumn, the mountains and forests are covered with layers of golden and orange colors, creating a dreamlike primeval forest landscape.
A walk to the northern bank of Hemu River offers one of the best viewpoints, where visitors can overlook wooden houses, winding rivers, and colorful forests blending together like a natural painting.
2. Autumn Scenery at Kanas Lake (喀纳斯秋色)
Located in the northernmost part of Xinjiang, Kanas Lake is one of Xinjiang’s most famous natural wonders.
The name “Kanas” means “beautiful, rich, and mysterious” in Mongolian. Hidden deep within the Altai Mountains, the lake sits at an elevation of approximately 1,374 meters and covers an area of about 45 square kilometers. Its deepest point reaches around 188 meters.
The long, crescent-shaped lake reflects the surrounding snow-covered mountains and dense forests. During autumn, the colorful foliage surrounding the lake creates one of the most spectacular landscapes in Xinjiang.
Kanas Lake is also famous for the legendary “Kanas Lake Monster,” a mysterious creature said in local stories to inhabit the waters, similar to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.
3. Bai Lake Autumn Landscape (白湖秋色)
Located near Friendship Peak in the Altai Mountains, northeast of Kanas Lake, Bai Lake is a hidden gem featuring peaceful scenery and untouched nature.
The lake lies at an altitude of approximately 1,954 meters and covers an area of around 10 square kilometers. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, grasslands, and floating clouds, Bai Lake offers constantly changing scenery throughout the day.
The region preserves a large area of Siberian taiga forest, including the rare Xinjiang five-leaf pine. In autumn, the golden forests, blue lake waters, and snow-covered mountain peaks create a fairy-tale landscape.
4. Autumn Colors of Baihaba Village (白哈巴秋景)
Located in the northwestern corner of China, about 31 kilometers west of Kanas Lake, Baihaba Village is often called one of the most beautiful villages in Xinjiang.
It takes approximately two hours by car from Kanas Scenic Area to reach Baihaba. The village is divided into areas inhabited by Tuwa people, Mongolian and Kazakh communities, as well as a frontier military area.
Baihaba is famous for its well-preserved traditional wooden houses and rich Tuwa culture. In autumn, the village is surrounded by golden forests, wooden cottages, and mountain landscapes, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels like a scene from a fairy tale.
5. Luntai Poplar Forest (轮台胡杨林)
Located south of Luntai County along the middle reaches of the Tarim River and on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Luntai Poplar Forest is one of the largest poplar forests in China.
Poplar trees are famous for their incredible resilience. Local saying describes them as living for 1,000 years, standing proudly after death for another 1,000 years, and remaining preserved for another 1,000 years.
Every autumn, the forest turns golden, creating a dramatic contrast between the golden trees, blue sky, and surrounding desert landscape. September and October are the best months to appreciate the magnificent autumn colors of the ancient poplar forest.
6. Autumn Landscape of Bayinbuluke Grassland (巴音布鲁克草原)
Located in the central Tianshan Mountains, Bayinbuluke Grassland is one of the largest grasslands in Xinjiang.
The name “Bayinbuluke” means “rich in springs” in Mongolian. Situated at an altitude of around 2,500 meters, the grassland covers approximately 22,000 square kilometers and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains throughout the year.
Fed by abundant rainfall and melting snow, countless streams and lakes flow across the grassland, creating a vast wetland ecosystem. It is also an important nature reserve and one of China’s major habitats for wild swans.
When autumn arrives, the grasslands turn golden, rivers reflect the colorful mountains, and the entire region becomes one of Xinjiang’s most breathtaking autumn destinations.
More Attractions
-
Urumqi travel guide is to explore Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Discover Tianchi Lake, X...... -
Turpan travel guide is to explore Turpan, Xinjiang’s famous Silk Road oasis. Discover Jia...... -
Discover Heaven Lake of Tianshan (Tianchi Lake) near Urumqi, a stunning alpine lake surroun...... -
Visit Red Hill Park in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Enjoy panoramic city views, Tianshan mountain scen......
Recommended Tours
1 Day Best Chengdu Tours of Sanxingdui and Giant Panda Garden
Explore Chengdu’s highlights in one day with a visit to the Giant Panda Base and Sanxingdui Museum. See adorable pandas and discover the mysterious 3,000-year-old Shu civilization with an expert loca......
1 Day Chengdu Harmoney Tours of Mt Qingchengshan and Dujiangyan Dam
Explore Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan near Chengdu, discovering Taoist culture, mountain scenery and a 2,000-year-old ancient irrigation system.......
2 Days Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tours
Classic two days tours to west Chengdu, where Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt Emeishan are both world class top tour destinations, and also visit a local old town. ......
3 Days Chengdu Emeishan and Leshan Giant Buddha Tour
Explore the best of Chengdu and Sichuan on this 3-day private tour. Visit Chengdu Panda Base, Kuanzhai Alley, Wangjianglou Bamboo Park, Leshan Giant Buddha, Luocheng Ancient Town, and Mount Emei with a......
3 Days Three Kingdoms Tour in North Chengdu
Explore Sichuan’s ancient history and culture on a 3-day private tour from Chengdu. Visit the Giant Panda Base, Sanxingdui Museum, Jianmen Pass, Zhaohua Ancient Town, and Langzhong Ancient Town to di......
