Day 1: Urumqi → Burqin → Colorful Beach Sunset

• Transport:​ Fly to Altay or take the overnight train to Beitun, then transfer to Burqin (~1.5 hrs).
• Highlight:
  • Wucaitan / Colorful Beach:​ Best visited at sunset. The golden poplar forests across the river contrast dramatically with the multi-colored Yaodan landforms.
• Accommodation:​ Burqin County.

Day 2: Burqin → Hemu Village

• Transport:​ Drive to Hemu Ticket Station (~3 hrs), then shuttle bus into the village (~1 hr).
• Afternoon Activities:
  • Hemu Bridge:​ Capture reflections of golden birch trees in the rushing river.
  • Birch Forest:​ Walk along the Hemu River. By late September, the ground is carpeted with fallen golden leaves.
• Accommodation:​ Wooden cabin in Hemu Old Village or New Village (wake up to mountain views).

Day 3: Hemu Morning Mist → Meili Peak → Kanas

• Early Morning (06:30):
  • Haden Viewing Platform:​ Climb 306 steps to witness Sunrise & Morning Mist. The village smoke rises through valleys filled with golden birch forests.
• Morning:
  • Meili Peak:​ Horseback ride or hike through golden meadows and dense forests for crowd-free shots.
• Afternoon:​ Transfer to Kanas Scenic Area. Check in at Kanas Old Village.
• Evening:​ Photograph the golden ripples on the Kanas River​ at sunset.

Day 4: Three Bays Hike + Guanyutai Overlook

• Early Morning (07:00):
  • Fairy Bay:​ Morning mist floats over golden forests and aquatic plants—the best spot for autumn reflections.
• Morning Hike (Moon Bay → Wolong Bay, ~3km):
  • Taiga Forest:​ A mix of Larch, Spruce, and Birch. In late September, the mountains are ablaze with gold and dark green.
  • Moon Bay:​ The iconic S-shaped crescent reflects the golden hillsides.
  • Wolong Bay:​ The "Sleeping Dragon" shoal is covered in golden shrubs.
• Afternoon:
  • Guanyutai / Fish-Watching Terrace:​ Climb 1,068 steps for a bird’s-eye view of Kanas Lake​ (emerald waters) surrounded by a sea of golden forest.
• Accommodation:​ Kanas Old Village.

Day 5: Kanas Lake → Baihaba → Burqin

• Morning:
  • Head of Kanas Lake:​ Shoot golden larches framing snow-capped peaks.
  • Baihaba Village / Northwest First Village:​ Requires a border pass. Famous for the Lonely Tree​ and golden pastures at the village entrance.
• Afternoon:​ Exit the scenic area. En route to Burqin, capture the autumn colors along the Ahe Highway.
• Accommodation:​ Burqin County.

Day 6: Burqin → Urumqi

• Return journey.

Prime Locations for Golden Foliage (EN/CN)

1. Hemu Birch Forest (禾木白桦林)
   • Feature:European aspens and birches turn bright yellow. The fallen leaves create a thick carpet perfect for portraits and macro photography.
2. Three Bays Taiga Zone (喀纳斯三湾泰加林带)
   • Fairy Bay (神仙湾):​ Golden leaves intertwined with morning mist.
   • Moon Bay (月亮湾):​ The golden ridges reflected in the S-curve.
   • Wolong Bay (卧龙湾):​ The islets covered in golden foliage.
3. Guanyutai Overlook (观鱼台俯瞰林海)
   • Perspective:God’s-eye view of the entire southern slope of the Altai Mountains turning golden.
4. Baihaba Lonely Tree & Pasture (白哈巴村口孤树与草场)
   • Feature:Golden pastures + a deep yellow solitary tree + smoking cabins.
5. Haden Platform Slope (哈登平台山坡)
   • Feature:Backlit golden birch forests glowing brightly as morning mist filters through.

Photography & Packing Tips

• Golden Hour:​ Due to the time difference in Xinjiang, sunrise is around 07:30 and sunset around 19:30. 06:30–09:00​ is the only window to capture sunlight filtering through the golden leaves.
• Clothing:​ N
• ight temperatures approach 0°C (32°F), while days are 15–20°C (59–68°F). Bring a thin down jacket + fleece + windbreaker. Waterproof hiking shoes are essential as early snow often accompanies peak foliage season.
• Booking:​ Mid-to-late September is peak season. Book accommodation inside Hemu and Kanas Villages 30 days in advance. Staying in Jiadenyu (1.5 hrs away) means missing the crucial morning mist.