Xinjiang
China's northernmost lake, and a Tuva village among the birches.
Xinjiang is one of the destinations we cover in China. Best season: June to September; autumn colour mid-Sept to early Oct. Altitude: Urumqi 800 m / Kanas 1,370 m. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) runs private tailor-made trips in Xinjiang with a dedicated vehicle and guide, and no shopping stops.
- Best season
- June to September; autumn colour mid-Sept to early Oct
- Temperature
- Summer 18–30°C, autumn 5–18°C
- Altitude
- Urumqi 800 m / Kanas 1,370 m
- Published routes
- 1
Xinjiang
Xinjiang is China's largest administrative region — one sixth of the country. The north is known for Kanas Lake and Hemu village in the Altai, with golden birches in autumn; the south for the Taklamakan, Kashgar's old town and the Pamir plateau. Domestic flights plus a private car are the efficient way to cover the distance.
| Best season | June to September; autumn colour mid-Sept to early Oct |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Summer 18–30°C, autumn 5–18°C |
| Altitude | Urumqi 800 m / Kanas 1,370 m |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk
The places at the heart of these itineraries.
The regional capital: Grand Bazaar and Xinjiang Museum.
The colour-changing lake, Fish Pavilion and the three bays.
A Tuva village famous for its dawn mist.
Gateway to Kanas, with sunset at Wucaitan.
The southern old town and gateway to the Pamirs.
Every one of these can be rebuilt around your dates.
Xinjiang travel questions.
When is the best time for Kanas?
June to August is a cool green summer; mid-September to early October is the golden birch autumn — the most famous and the busiest. Avoid the National Day holiday week.
Is Xinjiang safe?
Cities and scenic areas are safe. Thorough security screening is normal procedure. Carry your ID at all times; your guide accompanies you throughout.
Are the distances long?
Urumqi to Kanas is nearly 700 km each way, so we fly domestically and put the time into the scenery instead.
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