The best time to see Kanas (喀纳斯) and North Xinjiang’s autumn colours is from mid-September to mid-October, when the birch and larch forests turn gold and the lakes glow beneath the first snow. Summer is beautiful too, with green valleys and the open Duku Highway. 观赏喀纳斯与北疆秋色的最佳时间为9月中至10月中，白桦与落叶松层林尽染，湖水在初雪下泛光；夏季亦美，绿谷如茵、独库公路通车。
When is the best time for Kanas? / 喀纳斯最佳季节
Mid-September to mid-October for autumn, with the peak usually late September to early October (it shifts each year with the first frosts). June to August is the green summer season, when wildflowers bloom and the Duku Highway is open. 秋季9月中至10月中，盛期多在9月底至10月初（随初霜每年略变）；6至8月为绿意盎然的夏季，野花绽放、独库公路通行。
What to see / 看点
Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖) and its Moon Bay and Wolong Bay, the Tuvan villages of Hemu (禾木) and Baihaba, Heavenly Lake (天山天池), Sayram Lake (赛里木湖), and the Duku Highway in summer. 喀纳斯湖与月亮湾、卧龙湾，图瓦人村落禾木与白哈巴，天山天池、赛里木湖，以及夏季的独库公路。
China Express Travel North Xinjiang tours / 新加坡出发 · 北疆之旅
- 11 Days Northern Xinjiang, Kanas & Hemu Autumn / 11天北疆 · 喀纳斯禾木秋色
- 16 Days Northern Xinjiang Scenic Journey / 16天北疆自然风光之旅
See the full North Xinjiang (Kanas and Hemu) travel guide, or check the best time to visit China for other seasons. 查看完整的北疆（喀纳斯·禾木）旅游攻略，或了解中国各季节最佳时间。
Kanas best time FAQ / 常见问题
When is the best time to visit Kanas and North Xinjiang?
Mid-September to mid-October for the famous autumn colours, when the birch and larch forests turn gold, with the peak usually late September to early October. Summer (June to August) is also lovely: green valleys, wildflowers and the open Duku Highway.
When do the Kanas autumn colours peak?
Usually late September to early October, though it shifts a little each year with the first frosts. Hemu village and Kanas Lake are at their most golden then.
What is there to see around Kanas?
Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖) and its bays (Moon Bay, Wolong Bay), Hemu (禾木) and Baihaba villages, and, on longer tours, Heavenly Lake (天山天池), Sayram Lake (赛里木湖) and the Duku Highway in summer.
How many days do you need for North Xinjiang?
North Xinjiang is vast, so a proper tour runs about 11 days; longer 16-day itineraries add Yining, the Ili valley and more of the south.
Ready to plan your North Xinjiang trip? Browse our China tour packages or chat on WhatsApp. 想规划北疆之旅？欢迎浏览中国旅游配套或WhatsApp联系。