[Aim] Ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., poses a serious threat to ecology and tourism industry in the Yili River valley in Xinjiang. In this study, we screened herbicides at various concentrations to determine the optimum combination for controlling A. artemisiifolia in mid-May along the forest belt of National Highway 218 and the optimal concentration of 21% aminopyralid AS for use in mid-July to provide standard guidance for controlling A. artemisiifolia.[Method] A field plot experiment was conducted using two concentrations of eight herbicides, which were applied at 12 leaf stage of (6.20±0.13) cm tall A. artemisiifolia after 7, 14, 30, and 45 d. In a second experiment, five concentrations of 21% aminopyralid AS were applied to approximately 20 leaf stage of (16.26±0.68) cm tall A. artemisiifolia stand. The plant and fresh weight control effects were evaluated to compare the tested herbicides and their dosages.[Result] Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that in mid-May, application of 75% saflufenacil and glyphosate WG at 900 and 1350 g·hm^-2 had the highest control effects on ragweed, followed by 30% glyphosate AS at 5250 and 6750 g·hm^-2; 48% triclopyr EC at 4170 and 6255 g·hm^-2; and 21% aminopyralid AS at 300 and 375 g·hm^-2. The lowest effects were observed for 20% mesotrione SC at 637.5 and 750 g·hm^-2. In mid-July, 21% aminopyralid AS at 600 g·hm^-2 had the highest control effects, causing 69.7% mortality and 93.4% mass loss, respectively, after 45 d. The second highest effects were observed for 21% aminopyralid AS at 450 and 525 g·hm^-2, which were 47.8%, 86.4%, and 51.7%, 91.5%, respectively, after 45 d.[Conclusion] Based on a comprehensive consideration of the treatment effects, cost, ingredients, environmental effect, and other factors, the following applications are recommended for controlling A. artemisiifolia along the forest belt:75% saflufenacil and glyphosate WG at 900 g·hm^-2; 30% glyphosate AS at 5250 g·hm^-2; 48% triclopyr EC at 4170 g·hm^-2; or 21% aminopyralid AS at 300 g·hm^-2 in mid-May and 21% aminopyralid AS at 525 g·hm^-2 in mid-July. However, mid-May is a much more appropriate time to control A. artemisiifolia owing to the lower concentration required for control and more convenient agricultural operation.