In autumn, Kanas.
The lake water presents a dreamlike blue-green color, with white birch forests on both banks turning golden yellow, reflecting in the water. In the early morning, thin mist drifts on the lake surface—Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay, each place beautiful as a fairyland. Standing on Fish Viewing Platform, overlooking Kanas Lake, marveling at nature’s uncanny workmanship.
This is China’s most beautiful autumn scenery.
Xinjiang is a place that shocks you.
Province Profile#
- Location: Northwest China, China’s largest province by area
- Best Travel Season: June-September (Northern Xinjiang), September-October (Kanas autumn), year-round (Southern Xinjiang)
- Highlights: Tianshan scenery, Kanas fairyland, exotic charm, hometown of melons and fruits
Must-Visit Attractions#
Kanas: God’s Back Garden#
Kanas is Xinjiang’s most beautiful scenic area, praised as “God’s Back Garden.”
Kanas Lake is China’s deepest alpine freshwater lake, with water changing colors with seasons. Three Bays—Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay—are Kanas’ essence, each place breathtakingly beautiful. Fish Viewing Platform is the best place to overlook Kanas Lake—requires climbing 1,068 steps.
Hemu Village is a Tuwa village, with log cabins scattered in the mountains, cooking smoke rising. In the early morning, mist shrouds the village like a fairy tale world. Baihaba Village is China’s northwesternmost village, bordering Kazakhstan, called the “First Village of the Northwest.”
Best Experience: Come to Kanas in autumn, stay overnight in Hemu Village, see the village in the morning mist. Space out by Kanas Lake, feel nature’s tranquility.
Sayram Lake: The Atlantic’s Last Tear#
Sayram Lake is Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine lake, called “The Atlantic’s Last Tear.”
The lake water is azure blue, like a giant sapphire. Surrounded by snow mountains and grasslands, with wild flowers blooming. The lake is 90 kilometers in circumference—every place is scenery.
Best Experience: Come to Sayram Lake in summer, see wild flowers blooming. Camp by the lake at dusk, watch sunset and starry sky.
Tianshan Heavenly Lake: Yaochi Fairyland#
Tianshan Heavenly Lake is the legendary Yaochi of the Queen Mother of the West, 1,910 meters above sea level.
The lake water is clear, reflecting the snow peak of Bogda Peak. Surrounded by spruce forests and snow mountains—picturesque scenery. Take a boat tour of the lake, or hike through the forest, feel Tianshan’s magnificence.
Best Experience: Come to Heavenly Lake in summer to escape heat, come in winter to ski.
Kashgar: Western Region Charm#
Kashgar is Xinjiang’s most exotic city, “Without visiting Kashgar, you haven’t been to Xinjiang.”
Kashgar Old City is the world’s largest earthen building complex, with maze-like alleys hiding century-old houses and handicraft workshops. Id Kah Mosque is China’s largest mosque, with golden dome shining in the sunlight. Apak Hoja Tomb is an Islamic saint’s mausoleum, said to house the Fragrant Concubine of Emperor Qianlong.
Kashgar Grand Bazaar is Central Asia’s largest market, with various goods dazzling. Century-Old Teahouse is Kashgar’s landmark—sit in the teahouse, drink a pot of milk tea, listen to Uyghur elders sing and play, feel the leisure of the Western Region.
Best Experience: Get lost in the old city, visit locals’ homes. Eat roast meat at the bazaar at night, watch Uyghur song and dance performances.
Special Experiences#
Duku Highway#
Duku Highway is one of China’s most beautiful highways, crossing Tianshan Mountains, connecting Dushanzi and Kuqa.
All the way through snow mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes—magnificent scenery. Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluke Grassland, Big and Small Dragon Pools, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon—each place worth stopping.
Best Experience: Self-drive Duku Highway, take 3-5 days to slowly appreciate the scenery along the way.
Taklamakan Desert#
Taklamakan is China’s largest desert, the “Sea of Death.”
Desert Highway crosses the desert, 500 kilometers of asphalt road, with endless dunes on both sides. Luntai Poplar Forest is the world’s largest poplar forest, golden yellow in autumn.
Xinjiang Cuisine#
Xinjiang cuisine is rich and diverse. Big Plate Chicken is a Xinjiang famous dish, with chicken, potatoes, and belt noodles—spicy and fragrant. Roasted Lamb Skewers are Xinjiang’s calling card, crispy outside and tender inside, fragrant aroma. Pilaf is a traditional Uyghur dish, with rice, lamb, and carrots—oily and delicious. Naan is a Xinjiang staple, fresh from the oven—crispy outside and soft inside, perfect with lamb skewers.
Xinjiang Fruits are world-famous: Turpan grapes, Hami melons, Korla fragrant pears, Aksu apples… bursting with sweetness.
Travel Tips#
- Transportation: Urumqi is Xinjiang’s transportation hub, with airport and high-speed rail. Xinjiang is vast—recommend self-driving or chartering cars. Duku Highway is open June-October each year.
- Accommodation: In Kanas, stay in Hemu Village or Jiadengyu; in Kashgar, stay in old city guesthouses; in Urumqi, stay in the city.
- Note: Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference from inland—adjust your schedule. Strong UV radiation—watch for sun protection. Respect local ethnic customs.
Xinjiang’s magnificence cannot be described in words.
The fairyland of Kanas, the blue of Sayram Lake, the snow peaks of Tianshan, the exotic charm of Kashgar… each place is nature’s masterpiece.
Come to Xinjiang and feel the vastness of heaven and earth.
Tomorrow, we begin our Southwest journey, starting with Chongqing to see the magic of the Mountain City and the fiery passion of hotpot.