The 10-day southern Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes multiple recommended travel routes, combining the attractions, culture, and tourist experiences of southern Xinjiang. Here is one of the more classic routes:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, pick up at the airport, and check into the hotel to prepare for the next journey.
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi, visit the Salt Lake and Tuyugou Mazhavillage, feel the Uyghur customs, and then head to Turpan to stay in locally-styled homestays.
Day 3: Visit Flaming Mountain, Karez Wells, and Jiaohe Ancient City in Turpan, or head to the Lop Nur Village and Shennu Lake to experience the beauty of the desert and lake, and spend the night in Korla.
Day 4: Head to Luntai to visit the Tarim Hu Yanglin Forest, and then visit the Kuqa王府. Spend the night in Kuqa. Alternatively, continue exploring attractions in Korla, such as the Taklamakan Desert.
Day 5: Visit the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon or Kuqa Grand Canyon, admire the wonders of nature, and spend the night in Aksu.
Day 6: Head to Kashgar for a half-day tour of Kashgar Old City, take photos of the beautiful scenery of Kashgar, and feel the unique cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.
Day 7: Depart from Kashgar and visit attractions such as White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mustag Atlas Glacier Park. Spend the night in Tashkurgan County to experience the tranquility and grandeur of the plateau.
Day 8: Cross the盘龙 Ancient Road, visit Bandier Lake, and then return to Kashgar or continue exploring other attractions in Tashkurgan County.
Day 9: Visit attractions in Kashgar City, such as Xiangfei Garden and mosques, to deeply feel the culture and history of Kashgar. Alternatively, depart from Kashgar and head to Hotan to visit the Hotan Night Market and Yulongkashi River.
Day 10: End the pleasant journey in southern Xinjiang and arrange airport transfer for return according to flight schedule.
In addition, the best time to visit southern Xinjiang is usually from June to September, when the Duku Highway is open, fruits and vegetables are ripe, and the scenery is pleasant. However, tourists should also choose the appropriate departure time according to their own schedules and preferences.
During the trip, you should also pay attention to the local weather, customs, and safety issues to ensure a pleasant journey.
Another 10-day southern Xinjiang travel route is planned as follows:
Day 1: Take a one-day tour of Urumqi, visiting the museum and Grand Bazaar.
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi and head to Kuitun.
Day 3: Depart from Kuitun, visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Bayanbulak Grassland, and proceed to Kuqa in the evening.
Day 4: Visit the Kuqa王府 and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
Day 5: Depart from Kuqa, cross the desert highway, and arrive in Hotan.
Day 6: Visit Hotan, and then proceed to Kashgar in the evening to stroll around the Kashgar Night Market.
Day 7: Depart from Kashgar and head to Tashkurgan County along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, enjoying the scenery of the Pamir Plateau.
Day 8: Visit the盘龙 Ancient Road in Tashkurgan County, and then return to Kashgar Old City.
Day 9: Take an in-depth tour of Kashgar Old City, or visit nearby attractions such as Hongqilapu (if open).
Day 10: End the trip and arrange airport transfer for return according to flight schedule.
This route also covers multiple classic attractions in southern Xinjiang, and tourists can make appropriate adjustments according to their interests and time.