Every autumn, it becomes clear to all why Kuerle (Korla) in Bayingol Mongolian Prefecture, is known as the City of Pears. Every fragrant pear-picking season, the Fragrant Pear Town in Awati Township is inundated with fruit, and the top travel tip for visitors is to begin autumn by picking a fragrant pear with your own hands.

Entering pear orchard 

Fragrant pears are a local pear variety grown in the region for over 1300 years, and Awati Township is at the heart of their production. Visitors can enter the orchards there and pick pears themselves. While there, you can also visit Iron Gate Pass, a historically important section of the ancient Silk Road that was the site of a Tang Dynasty (618-907) military checkpoint and of a legendary but tragic love story between a princess and a herdsman. The Bayingol Museum and Kuerle Folk Culture Museum are nearby for those seeking a better understanding of the prefecture and its people.

Golden yellow along the road 

The most intense colors of autumn are in Yuli. Drive to Lop Nor Village, where the poplars by the river turn from green to yellow and then to orange-red, their reflections spilling out across the water. If you prefer somewhere quieter, head to Tata Secret Realm, where water and poplars come together in just the same way. And if you'd like to see a wider expanse of water, make a detour to the Dahekou area of Bosten Lake.

Food street and dusk by the riverside 

Back in the city, spend the evening at the City of Pears Food Street, then take a stroll along the river that runs through town: Stone arch bridges span the water, weeping willows line both banks, and the riverside clock tower stands out as a landmark. Once night falls completely, the area around Hongyan Square lights up, a pagoda glows in the distance, and during festivals, fireworks rise into the sky.

Swans are another highlight in the City of Pears. On the water at Hongyan Square, flocks of swans glide about at ease; on the bank, a sculpture of two swans facing each other with their necks curved into a heart is the favorite photo spot for locals. Fragrant pears, desert poplars, river water, and swans — together they create a complete picture of autumn in Kuerle.

Itinerary schedule 

One day is enough time to visit Iron Gate Pass, one of the museums, either Fragrant Pear Town or Lop Nor Village, and Hongyan Square. For a two-day trip, a suggested itinerary is: On the first day, visit Iron Gate Pass and Tata Secret Realm, then stroll along the City of Pears Food Street in the evening; on the second day, visit one of the museums and the Dahekou area of Bosten Lake, and wrap up at Hongyan Square in the evening.

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