Autumn is Xinjiang’s postcard season: the Altai birch goes gold and the desert poplars flame yellow.
This 7-day loop covers Urumqi to Burqin to Kanas to Hemu and back, about 1500 km in total. The sweet spot is Late September to mid-October.
Why drive this route
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Seven days targets the north’s colour window without trying to also do the south. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our Kanas Lake guide covers the wider picture.
The route day by day
Day 1: Urumqi to Burqin (650 km, ~8 h)
Day 1 leaves Urumqi and reaches Burqin, roughly 650 km and about 8 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Burqin. On the way: north highway. Full day.
Day 2: Burqin to Kanas (150 km, ~3 h)
Day 2 leaves Burqin and reaches Kanas, roughly 150 km and about 3 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kanas. On the way: enter reserve. Shuttle.
Day 3: Kanas to Hemu (60 km, ~2 h)
Day 3 leaves Kanas and reaches Hemu, roughly 60 km and about 2 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Hemu. On the way: golden birch. Colour.
Day 4: Hemu to Hemu (30 km, ~1 h)
Day 4 leaves Hemu and reaches Hemu, roughly 30 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Hemu. On the way: mist and forest. Easy.
Day 5: Hemu to Burqin (210 km, ~4 h)
Day 5 leaves Hemu and reaches Burqin, roughly 210 km and about 4 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Burqin. On the way: return south. Refuel.
Day 6: Burqin to Urumqi (650 km, ~8 h)
Day 6 leaves Burqin and reaches Urumqi, roughly 650 km and about 8 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Urumqi. On the way: long return. Full day.
Day 7: Urumqi to home (0 km, ~1 h)
Day 7 leaves Urumqi and reaches home, roughly 0 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in . On the way: depart. Done.
Where to sleep
- Burqin (2)
- Kanas (1)
- Hemu (2)
- Urumqi (1)
Best time to drive
Late September to mid-October is the window, but it is also the busiest and coldest at night. Book everything well ahead.
Most mountain roads, the Duku, the Ili branch routes and Pamir access, close from late October to early June under snow. Plan around the warm window. For the detail you will actually need on the ground, see our Hemu village guide.
Practical tips
- October books out months ahead; reserve early.
- Nights near freezing; pack real winter gear.
- Colour peaks vary yearly, watch the forecast.
- Never let the tank drop below half on remote roads. Fuel stations thin out sharply once you leave the main G30 corridor, and a few only take cash or UnionPay.
- Carry your passport or Chinese ID at all times. Police checkpoints are routine on regional roads and you will be asked to scan or show documents several times a day. Before you commit, read our best time for a Xinjiang road trip so nothing catches you out.
FAQ
When is the autumn colour peak? Late September to mid-October in the Altai, but the exact week shifts.
Is it crowded? Yes, October is peak season; book lodging early.
How cold? Near freezing at night even in the golden weeks.
Do I need a permit? No for Kanas; carry ID for checkpoints.
Final word
Xinjiang rewards drivers who plan, then stay flexible. Build a loose route, book the key overnight towns, and leave room for the unplanned stop that turns out to be the best part of the trip.
Written by Karl Huang, a Xinjiang-based travel writer. Autumn access, shuttle and lodging rules change by year, so confirm the current setup with the park before you go.