Xinjiang is a beautiful and magical place, vast in territory and rich in diverse landscapes. Each season brings different experiences and rewards.
For photographers, autumn in Xinjiang is particularly rewarding. The region offers stunning sights such as Kanas, known as the “Oriental Switzerland,” the boundless desert, magical Populus euphratica forests, the enchanting Pamir Plateau, colorful ethnic customs, and the fragrant fruits of the Tianshan Mountains. The beauty is truly overwhelming.
With some effort, this mysterious land of Xinjiang will offer you many surprises and rewards. The mature autumn colors in northern Xinjiang, especially in the Altay region around National Day, and the Populus euphratica forests in the southern desert in mid to late October are the most beautiful. Photos taken during these times are the most colorful and captivating.
The Hemu Grassland is located in a mountainous basin at the confluence of the Kanas and Hemu rivers in Burqin County, with an elevation ranging from 1,124 to 2,300 meters.
The basin is surrounded by thick mountains with rounded tops. Rivers have carved out canyons, creating a complex terrain. The Hemu River runs from northeast to southwest, dividing the grassland into two halves.
The sunny slopes of the mountains are densely forested, lush and green, home to red deer, marmots, and snow pheasants. The shaded slopes are covered with green grass and a profusion of flowers, filling the air with fragrance. Bees gather nectar, while cattle and sheep graze freely across the vast, enchanting grassland.
The misty sunrise in Hemu is breathtaking. The early morning light bathes the Tuwa village, surrounded by golden birch forests and Siberian pines. Mist drifts through the valley as smoke rises from chimneys, creating a mesmerizing scene.
From the Hemu viewing platform, one can capture a panoramic view of the Tuwa village. In the evening light, smoke rises from the Tuwa settlements as cattle and sheep return home, with the Hemu River and birch forests in the background.
Walking along the azure Hemu River through birch forests, occasionally encountering herds of cattle and sheep, presents a beautiful autumn scene that makes one forget their surroundings.
