Recommended 10-day travel guide for southern Xinjiang is as follows:
Itinerary Planning
Day 1: Take a one-day tour of Urumqi, exploring museums and the lively Grand Bazaar to feel the cultural atmosphere and unique customs of Xinjiang.
Day 2: Head to Flaming Mountain, Karez Wells, and Jiaohe Ancient City. Spend the night in Turpan to experience the charm of the ancient city.
Day 3: Visit Lop Nur Village and Shennu Lake. In the afternoon, head to the Taklamakan Desert and spend the night in Korla to feel the fantastic combination of desert and lake.
Day 4: Visit the Tarim Poplar Forest and Kuqa Wangfu. Spend the night in Kuqa to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the poplar forest and the solemn and gorgeous Wangfu.
Day 5: Visit the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains and spend the night in Aksu to appreciate the wonders of nature.
Day 6: Head to Kashgar Old City for a half-day tour, capturing the beautiful scenery of Kashgar. In the evening, you can stroll through Kashgar Night Market and taste local specialty snacks.
Day 7: Visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mustag Atash Glacier Park. Spend the night in Taxkorgan County to appreciate the magnificent scenery of plateau lakes and glaciers.
Day 8: Traverse the盘龙 Grotto Road, visit Bandier Lake, and return to Kashgar in the evening to experience the steepness and beauty of the盘龙 Grotto Road.
Day 9: You can choose to spend an extra day in Kashgar Old City, feeling the local culture at a slow pace, or visit nearby attractions such as Xiangfei Park.
Day 10: End your pleasant journey in southern Xinjiang and return to Urumqi, or return according to your flight schedule.
Precautions
Best Time: The best period for a self-drive tour in southern Xinjiang is from June to September, when the Duku Highway is open. However, it is recommended to avoid the peak summer vacation period to reduce costs.
Climate and Clothing: The climate in southern Xinjiang is changeable, with large temperature differences between morning and evening. It is recommended to stay warm and protect against sunburn.
Accommodation and Dining: Accommodation conditions in some areas of southern Xinjiang are limited. It is recommended to book in advance and understand local dining habits.
Safety and Driving: The roads are long and some sections may be rugged. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and drive carefully.
Through the above itinerary planning, you can fully appreciate the natural scenery and cultural charm of southern Xinjiang. During the trip, please be sure to pay attention to safety and environmental protection, respect local customs and habits, and enjoy an unforgettable journey to southern Xinjiang.