Akesu

October has a large temperature difference between day and night, so it is best to prepare layered clothing.

Aksu is known as the “White Water City.” Here you can see the canyons, snow-capped mountains, and poplar forests of southern Xinjiang, while also experiencing local life at the night markets. There are relatively few tourists, and overall costs are quite reasonable, making it suitable for a relaxed itinerary. Mid-October is when Aksu apples ripen and the poplar forests turn golden.

• Tianshan Tomur · Wensu Grand Canyon: This is a 5A-rated World Natural Heritage site. Crimson Danxia landforms and yardang formations interweave here, with the snow-covered Tomur Mountains visible in the background. It is known as a “living geological museum.” To reach the deeper areas, you need to take the scenic shuttle bus or a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle. Valleys No. 4 and No. 2 are especially suitable for viewing the classic scenery.

• Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves: The Kucha grotto art here is nearly 300 years older than the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. The caves were carved into red cliff faces. Photography is not allowed during visits, and you must enter the caves with a guide to learn about the Buddhist art and history that have continued for more than a thousand years.

• Aksu Old Street Night Market: At night, the streets are brightly lit and full of distinctive Western Region character. You can try red willow grilled meat, yogurt zongzi, and baked buns, and also watch Dawaz high-wire walking as well as ethnic song and dance performances.

• Saye Popular Science Poplar Forest: The scenic area has more than 20,000 mu of wild poplar trees and preserves the natural appearance of the saline-alkali flats, with relatively few man-made facilities. Mid-October to early November is a good time to see the poplars, making it ideal for experiencing wide-open wilderness scenery.
• Kizil Red Stone Forest: This red rock landscape lies along an ancient route, with Danxia and yardang landforms distributed together. It is recommended to enter 1–2 hours before sunset, when the red mountains appear more layered under the evening light.

• Tianshan Sacred Tree Garden: A natural oasis is preserved deep in the Gobi, with ancient trees thousands of years old, tangled roots, and flowing clear springs. The walking paths are generally flat, making it suitable for easy hiking and leisurely sightseeing.

3-Day Highlights Itinerary

• Day 1: City Culture and Nightlife
  • Morning: Arrive in Aksu and check in, then head to the Aksu Museum. The museum is free but requires a reservation. It is a good place to learn about Silk Road history and the culture of the Ancient Kingdom of Gumo. You can also collect commemorative stamps inside.

• Afternoon: Go for a walk in Duolang River National Wetland Park. The river water here is clear, and an evening walk along the river lets you enjoy the breeze. It is also a good place to photograph natural scenery.

• Evening: Have dinner at Aksu Old Street Night Market or Wangsan Street Night Market, try baked buns and red willow grilled meat, and watch ethnic song and dance performances to get a sense of daily life in a southern Xinjiang city.
• Day 2: Canyon Landforms
  • Full day: Drive to Wensu Grand Canyon, about 1.5 hours from the city center. After entering the canyon, take the shuttle bus. The viewing platform in Valley No. 4 offers distant views of both the canyon and snow-capped mountains. Valley No. 3 is suitable for seeing a narrow “line of sky,” while Valley No. 2 mainly features broad rock wall scenery.
  • Afternoon alternative: If you have enough time and want a quieter natural setting, you can visit Tomur Tower Village to see wooden houses and grassland at the foot of the snow mountains. You can also go instead to Tianshan Sacred Tree Garden to see ancient trees thousands of years old.
  • Evening: Return to the city to rest, and try Xinjiang pilaf and roasted pigeon.
• Day 3: Desert Scenery or Grotto Heritage
  • Option A (natural scenery): Visit Keping Red Desert or Awati Dolan Tribe to see the landscape where red sand and poplar forest sit side by side, and experience the vast, desolate landforms of southern Xinjiang.
  • Option B (cultural heritage): Drive yourself or hire a car to Baicheng, visit the Kizil Grottoes, then go to Flame Spring to learn about the natural phenomenon of water and fire from the same source, and continue to Kizil Red Stone Forest. In the evening, you can return to the city or continue on to Kuqa.

Must-Try Foods in Aksu

• Maimaiti Pilaf: A long-running local pilaf restaurant with a good reputation. The rice is rich and glossy, the carrots are soft and glutinous, and the lamb is tender. A serving of lamb chop pilaf is generous and relatively well priced.

• Taibaisong Egg Noodles and Baked Buns: The baked buns are the signature item worth trying here. The crust is thin and crisp, and the meat filling is juicy. They taste best just out of the oven.
• Laotu Grilled Meat King: Mainly popular with local diners, this place serves local-style earthen hot pot and roasted pigeon. The interior is fairly simple, but the food stands out for its flavor.

• Congying Restaurant: A well-regarded local restaurant offering dishes such as a 38-yuan whole-pigeon set meal, walnut baked buns, and Aksu apple spicy chicken. Prunes are available in the restaurant for free.

• Nanglixiang Nutritious Nang Shop: The chili nang has a rich chili sauce aroma, while the rose nang is on the sweet side. They make good souvenirs, but are not recommended for long-distance carrying.
• Shuanggongyang Whole Roast Lamb: The whole lamb is slow-roasted over fruitwood, with a crisp skin and juicy meat. It is suitable for 3–6 people to share, at about 100 yuan per person.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to stay: Staying near Century Square or Jinlan Square makes it convenient to reach restaurants and other places in the city. If you have higher accommodation requirements, you can choose Minghua Hotel. If you want to control your budget, consider Ji Hotel or Lavande Hotel. These accommodation options are relatively close to the night markets and main attractions.

• Transport: Attractions around Aksu are spread out, so self-driving or hiring a car makes itinerary planning easier. When going to Wensu Grand Canyon, note that two-wheel-drive sedans cannot drive into the canyon by themselves. You need to transfer to the scenic shuttle bus or rent a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle. If you do not have a car, you can also share a ride in the city or join a one-day tour.

Travel Notes

• Climate and clothing: Southern Xinjiang has a clear temperature difference between day and night. In October, you may sometimes wear short sleeves during the day, but at night you should have a shell jacket or light down jacket ready. The local UV rays are strong, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
• Time difference and travel pace: Xinjiang gets dark about 2 hours later than inland China, so meal and sightseeing times can be shifted later. Night markets are usually livelier after 8 pm.
• Scenic area safety: Outdoor scenic areas such as Wensu Grand Canyon are prone to flash floods after rain. Follow scenic area management rules and do not leave the paths alone. Some areas inside the canyons have no signal or shops, so prepare drinking water and dry food before entering.
• Buying local specialties: When buying Aksu apples, dried fruit, and other specialties, you can go to urban farmers’ markets or Tuersun Grand Bazaar. Prices are usually lower than in scenic areas. Compare and confirm prices before buying.
• Respect local customs: When eating in halal restaurants, follow the dietary customs of local ethnic minorities. Ask for permission before photographing local residents.