Best Autumn Scenery Tour in Northern Xinjiang

Activities:
Upon arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. If time permits, visit the renowned Grand Bazaar, Xinjiang’s largest traditional market, where you can browse local handicrafts, spices, and sample authentic Uyghur snacks such as samsa (lamb pies) and nang bread. For dinner, we recommend trying regional specialties like dapanji (big plate chicken) or laghman (hand-pulled noodles).
Overnight stay in Urumqi.

After breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour drive to the breathtaking Heavenly Lake, where you can enjoy autumn scenery along well-maintained wooden pathways or opt for short mountain hikes.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Fuyun County via the expansive Kurbantongut Desert, China’s second-largest desert steppe, offering spectacular golden landscapes.
In the evening, explore the lively Fuyun Night Market.
Overnight in Fuyun.

Following breakfast, travel approximately one hour to Koktokay National Park, often referred to as “China’s Little Yosemite.” Marvel at the vibrant autumn forests, the winding Irtysh River, and distinctive rock formations including Shenzhong Mountain (bell-shaped peak), Camel Peak, and Elephant Peak. Explore the park via golf cart or hiking trails,
optional visits to the Earthquake Museum or No.3 Mine.
After lunch, continue your 4-5 hour drive to Altay. Overnight in Altay.

Today’s scenic drive along the new Altay-Hemu Scenery Road offers panoramic views of autumn-colored grasslands, valleys, rivers, and forests.
Upon arrival, transfer by shuttle bus to Hemu Village, a well-preserved settlement of the Tuwa people. Explore traditional wooden houses and hike to a nearby viewpoint for stunning vistas of the village surrounded by fall foliage.
Overnight in Hemu Village.

Begin your day with an early morning hike up Meilifeng Hill to witness sunrise over Hemu Village, when the autumn light creates particularly dramatic scenery.
After breakfast, drive to the legendary Kanas Lake, where you’ll spend the day enjoying various activities such as hiking, boating, horseback riding, or optional rafting (additional cost). Overnight in Jiadengyu near the Kanas Lake entrance.

In the morning, take the shuttle bus to revisit Kanas Lake, stopping at picturesque spots along the Kanas River including Laying Dragon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Moon Bay – all showcasing vibrant autumn colors. For the more adventurous, an optional hike to GuanYuTai (Fish Watching Pavilion) offers panoramic views of the lake’s ever-changing colors (additional cost).
In the afternoon, drive to Burjin, stopping en route at the colorful geological wonder of Wucaitan (Rainbow Beach).
Overnight in Burjin.

Today features a full-day drive to Karamay, with a highlight stop at the otherworldly Ghost City (Urho Windy City), where you can take a short hike among dramatic wind-eroded rock formations that glow spectacularly in the autumn light.
Arrive in Karamay for hotel check-in and overnight stay.

The final day includes a morning drive back to Urumqi along the historic Northern Silk Road route, arriving by lunchtime. You will then be transferred to Urumqi Airport for your onward departure, concluding your Xinjiang autumn adventure.