The southern Xinjiang loop route is a charming travel route that covers abundant natural landscapes and human history. Here is a classic recommended southern Xinjiang loop travel route:
Urumqi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Duku Highway – Nalati Grassland – Nalati Town:
Departing from Urumqi, first visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon to feel its spectacular natural landscape.
Next, proceed along the Duku Highway, known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in Tianshan", to experience the amazing change of "seeing four seasons in one day, and different skies every ten li".
Arriving at Nalati Grassland, admire the beautiful grassland scenery, and rest in Nalati Town at night.
Nalati – Bayinbuluke – Daxiao Longchi Lakes – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon – Kuqa:
Departing from Nalati, head to Bayinbuluke, where there are vast grasslands and beautiful lakes.
Next, visit the Daxiao Longchi Lakes to experience the tranquility and beauty of the lakeside scenery.
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon is a place full of mystery, worth exploring.
Finally arriving in Kuqa, this city has a rich history and cultural heritage.
Kuqa – Baicheng Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu:
In Kuqa, you can visit the Baicheng Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to appreciate the charm of ancient Buddhist art.
Next, head to Wensu Grand Canyon to experience its steepness and grandeur.
Finally arriving in Aksu, this city is an important transportation hub in southern Xinjiang and also a great place to taste local cuisine.
Aksu – Dawkun Desert – Kashgar Old Town:
Departing from Aksu, head to Dawkun Desert to experience the vastness and desolation of the desert.
Upon arriving in Kashgar, visit Kashgar Old Town, which has a long history and unique Uyghur culture, making it a great place to understand the human history of southern Xinjiang.
Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Mount Muztagh Ata – Taxkorgan County:
Departing from Kashgar, visit scenic spots such as Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake along the way.
Next, head to Mount Muztagh Ata to experience the majesty and grandeur of the snowy mountains.
Finally arriving in Taxkorgan County, where there is unique Tajik culture and beautiful natural scenery.
Taxkorgan County – Dragon Coiled Highway – Stone City – Jin Grass Beach – Taxkorgan County (or continue onward to other destinations):
In Taxkorgan County, you can visit attractions such as the盘龙古道 (Dragon Coiled Highway) and Stone City.
Jin Grass Beach is a great place to appreciate natural scenery.
Afterwards, you can choose to stay in Taxkorgan County or proceed to other destinations such as Hotan and Zepu.
In addition, the itinerary can be flexibly combined and adjusted according to the number of travel days and points of interest. The southern Xinjiang loop route not only covers magnificent natural scenery but also incorporates rich human history elements, providing an unforgettable travel experience. During the trip, tourists are advised to take precautions against sunburn, keep their belongings safe, and respect local customs and cultural traditions.