Early autumn Altay parents' travel guide coming quickly~

Golden October is the most beautiful season in Northern Xinjiang! 🍁 The forests are dyed in layers, colorful and vibrant, like a palette spilled by God. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Take your parents on this classic loop, stroll through the fairy-tale-like Hemu Village, be enchanted by the turquoise reflections of Kanas Lake 🌊, traverse the vividly colored Ahe Highway, and marvel at the vast wonders of the Devil City. Accompany them on a comfortable and pleasant journey to appreciate the grandeur and tenderness of our motherland’s mountains and rivers, leaving warm and unforgettable autumn memories. —— 🛬【Itinerary】: D1: Gather in Urumqi - stay in Urumqi D2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) - stay in Beitun 494KM 5.5H D3: Beitun - Ahe Highway - Summer Pasture - stay in Hemu 248KM 5.5h D4: Hemu - Hemu Bridge - Birch Forest - free stroll - stay in Jiagedaqi 37KM 2h D5: Jiagedaqi - Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) - Kanas Lake - stay in Jiagedaqi D6: Jiagedaqi - Urho Devil City - Populus euphratica Forest - stay in Karamay 440KM 6h D7: Karamay - Urumqi dismissal 313KM 3.5h —— ⛺【Must-visit Attractions】: 🔸Hemu Village: Slightly yellow birch forests, quaint wooden houses, curling smoke, and the babbling Hemu River form a fairy-tale autumn scene. The village in morning mist is even more dreamlike. Let your parents feel the tranquility and brilliance of this paradise. 🔸Kanas Three Bays: The misty Fairy Bay, the S-shaped turquoise water and golden forest of Moon Bay, and the unique river beach of Wolong Bay reach peak autumn color saturation, a photographer’s paradise. Shuttle buses easily reach the viewing platforms. 🔸Ahe Highway: Known as one of "China’s most beautiful highways." Traveling through it in September-October, you see rolling golden grasslands, dark green spruces, and birch forests, with rich layers and magnificent scenery. Perfect for stopping to enjoy the views. 🔸Urho Devil City + Populus euphratica Forest: Devil City features unique yardang landforms that glow magical red-gold at sunset. Ride a small train through it to experience nature’s craftsmanship easily and comfortably. The Populus euphratica Forest “lives for a thousand years without dying, stands for a thousand years after death, and remains immortal after falling.” It shines brightest golden in early autumn, a tribute to resilient life, offering parents a visual and spiritual shock. 🔸Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake): A model alpine lake with clear water reflecting snow-capped mountains. Stroll easily along the lakeside boardwalk or take the Mayashan cable car to admire the majestic snowy mountains and lake. A gentle start to the trip. —— 🍩【Must-try Foods】: 👉Clear stewed lamb/hand-pulled meat: Selected high-quality Xinjiang lamb, stewed in water with just a little salt and onion, tender and non-gamey meat, fresh and warming broth. 👉Grilled lamb skewers: Xinjiang’s signature! Lamb with a mix of fat and lean grilled crispy outside and tender inside, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, fragrant. Choose leaner cuts for parents. 👉Big plate chicken: Generous portions, tender chicken, soft potatoes soaked in sauce, with hand-pulled noodles as the soul. Mildly spicy or non-spicy options, perfect for sharing. 👉Kvass: A fermented drink made from honey, hops, and grains, slightly sweet and fizzy, with a faint honey and bread aroma, very low alcohol content (about 1%). Refreshing and aids digestion. 👉Nang: Classic Xinjiang staple, dry and fragrant, good for storage. Great as travel snacks or paired with lamb soup. —— 🚌【Transportation Tips】: ✅ Highly recommended: Private car with driver or small customized group tours (within 6 people) 🚗 Vehicle: Choose spacious and comfortable SUVs (like Toyota Highlander, Prado) or 7-seater business vans (like Buick GL8). Ensure enough space for each passenger and convenient luggage placement. 🚗 Driver: Choose local drivers familiar with Northern Xinjiang roads and attractions, experienced in mountain driving, and service-oriented. They can help arrange the itinerary, buy tickets, recommend restaurants, making the trip worry-free. 🚗 Advantages: Flexible itinerary, can adjust rest times based on parents’ condition; professional drivers ensure safety and ease; reduce transfers and luggage handling; comfortable vehicle space. · ❌ Not recommended: 🚗 Self-driving: Long distances and some complex road sections (Ahe Highway, mountainous areas) cause fatigue; parents may get tired sitting in the car; navigation signals may be unstable. 🚶 Large tour groups: Fixed itinerary, fast pace, many shopping stops, not suitable for deep experience with parents. 🚄 Public transport: Northern Xinjiang attractions are scattered, few schedules, very inconvenient transfers, almost impossible to complete this loop. 📈 Route: Strictly follow the itinerary, focusing on Ahe Highway, Hemu, Kanas, and Devil City loop. —— 🧡【Tips】: 📌 Warmth is paramount! Northern Xinjiang in autumn (especially Hemu, Kanas) has huge day-night temperature differences (possibly 0-20℃). Must-haves: fleece-lined windbreaker/thin down jacket, thermal underwear, hat, scarf, gloves. Thermal pants are a must! 📌 Comfortable footwear: Prepare a pair of warm, non-slip, comfortable hiking or sports shoes. The ground in Devil City and Hemu Village may be uneven. 📌 Sun protection and moisturizing: Strong UV and dry climate. High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, hand cream, moisturizing skincare are essential. Carry a thermos for hot water anytime. 📌 Health preparation: Bring common medicines (cold, stomach, motion sickness, chronic diseases). Xinjiang food is heavy-flavored (meaty and oily), bring cooling and digestive medicines (hawthorn slices, enzymes), vitamins. Remind parents to drink water often (small sips), eat more fruit (local grapes, apples, pears are excellent). 📌 Document safety: Carry ID cards at all times! Frequent security checks. Keep valuables separately. 📌 Book! Book! Book! Hemu accommodations, Kanas + Hemu + Tianchi + Devil City tickets and shuttle buses must be booked at least 1 month in advance (especially during National Day), rooms are hard to get in peak season! 📌 Slow down the pace: Long drives on D2/D3/D6, arrange rest stops (service areas, viewpoints) for parents to stretch. No need to cover all spots, choose highlights for a relaxed experience. 📌 Toilet reminder: Some sections (long drives, some scenic spots) may have basic toilets (pit latrines), be mentally prepared, carry tissues and disinfectant wipes. 📌 Respect customs: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic area, respect local minority customs and religious beliefs. 📌 Keep communication: Always pay attention to parents’ health and mood, adjust the itinerary timely. The most beautiful scenery is the time spent with family! —— Wishing you and your parents a warm, comfortable, and unforgettable journey in the golden autumn scenery of Northern Xinjiang❗