Where to Go in September-October? A Must-See Golden Visual Feast for Autumn!

If the autumn of Jiangnan is a graceful lyric, then the autumn of the Northwest is a bold frontier poem! As autumn arrives and the crisp winds sweep across the vast Gobi and deserts, an ultimate beauty of life erupts in the poplar forests—a "Golden Rhapsody"! This is a visually stunning journey of resilience, brilliance, and the cycle of life. 🌳 Ode to the Poplars: A Miracle of Life in the Desert Step into the Ejina Banner in Inner Mongolia (one of the world's three largest poplar forests) or the Jinta Poplar Forest in Gansu, and you'll be awestruck by the sight: vast stretches of poplar trees burst into intense gold, orange, and even fiery red against the desolate desert backdrop! Standing tall, twisted, or lying immortal on the ground, they embody the solemn and glorious spirit of "living for a thousand years without dying, standing for a thousand years after death, and remaining unrotted for a thousand years after falling." Erdao Bridge, Sidao Bridge, and Badao Bridge are classic photography spots. 🏜 Lonely Smoke Over the Desert, the Setting Sun Over the Long River The backdrop of the poplar forests is the vast and majestic landscape of the Northwest. Experience desert surfing or camel riding in the Badain Jaran Desert or Mingsha Mountain, and feel the boundless expanse of the desert. At dusk, climb the dunes to watch the blood-red sunset slowly sink below the horizon, evoking the timeless scene of "the setting sun over the long river." 🎨 Rainbow Danxia: Earth's Palette Under the clear autumn sky, the Zhangye Danxia Landform dazzles with even more vibrant colors. Reds, yellows, whites, greens, grays—like a palette overturned by the gods—roll across the land in magnificent waves. The colors are most saturated at dawn or after rain. 🏯 Echoes of the Silk Road: A Journey Through Millennia Follow the Hexi Corridor to explore the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang (fewer tourists in autumn for a better experience) and marvel at the splendor of Buddhist art spanning a millennium. Ascend the Jiayuguan Pass and imagine the heroic frontier battles. At the ruins of Yumen Pass and Yang Pass, recite the poignant verses: "The spring breeze never reaches Yumen Pass" and "Beyond Yang Pass, no old friends remain." 🍜 Bold Flavors to Warm the Heart and Stomach Autumn in the Northwest is also a feast for the taste buds! Savor steaming lamb soup, tender hand-torn mutton, hearty beef noodles, crispy naan bread, and sweet seasonal fruits like grapes and Hami melons, along with warming apricot tea to fend off the autumn chill. 📌 Tips: Best Viewing Period: - Ejina Banner Poplar Forest: Late September to around October 20 (a golden window of about 20 days; crowds thin a week after National Day). - Zhangye Danxia, Dunhuang, etc.: September-October offers pleasant weather. Attire: - The Northwest has extreme temperature swings and strong winds! Essentials include a windproof jacket (windbreaker), fleece/thin down jacket, hat, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm. Layer with light clothing during the day and winter wear for mornings/evenings. Transport: - The region is vast; renting a car or joining a reliable local tour is recommended. Self-driving requires experience and caution. Accommodation: - Ejina Banner has limited and expensive lodging during peak season—book early! Cities like Dunhuang and Zhangye offer more options. Photography: - Bring wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Sunrise and sunset offer the best light, with the poplar forests at their most vibrant.