The southern Xinjiang region is a tourist destination full of exotic charm and natural beauty. Below is a detailed introduction to traveling in the southern Xinjiang region:?
I. Main Attractions?
Taklamakan Desert: You can experience the vastness and vicissitudes of the desert. It is recommended to travel by car or join a tour group, but be aware of the rugged roads and drive cautiously if self-driving. In the desert, you can choose to stay at a desert camp or a unique homestay to experience a different desert atmosphere.?
Pamir Plateau: Starting from Kashgar, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Red Canyon, the south shore of White Sand Lake, Taxkorgan County, and other places along the way. For accommodation, the Hongliuhua Snow Mountain View Homestay in Taxkorgan County is a good choice. White Sand Lake, Mount Muztag Ata, and Muji Volcanic Crater are all worth visiting for photos.?
Kashgar Old City: Divided into East and West districts, the East district is more commercial, while the West district is more suitable for photography. You can watch the opening ceremony, stroll through various bazaars, admire antiques, oil paintings, and the unique charm of the homestay street. Additionally, you can visit the century-old tea house for afternoon tea and famous attractions such as Id Kah Mosque.?
White Sand Lake: The lake water, white sand, and snow-capped mountains complement each other, presenting a unique blue color. It is one of the purest lakes in China. Here, you can immerse yourself in the picturesque lake and mountain scenery.?
Karakul Lake: A serene plateau lake reflecting the?
II. Unique Experiences?
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Tickets cost 41 yuan per person. You can choose to ride a camel or hike to experience the magnificent work of nature. However, please be careful and avoid exploring alone.?
Tarim Euphrates Populus Forest: You can experience the tenacity and beauty of the Populus euphratica. Tickets cost 40 yuan per person, the train ride is 100 yuan per person, and self-driving car tickets are 218 yuan per vehicle. Alternatively, you can visit the wild Populus euphratica forest, which is free and equally beautiful.?
Panlong Ancient Road: A must-visit place in Taxkorgan County, with unique scenery that is breathtaking. Suitable for skilled drivers, it is recommended to travel in groups.?
III. Food Recommendations?
The southern Xinjiang region offers a rich variety of cuisine, including grilled meat, skewered meat, hand-grabbed rice, grilled stuffed buns, and other meat and staple foods, as well as snacks like beef head and sheep stomach bundles. In Taxkorgan County, you can also taste delicious yak beef hot pot.?
IV. Best Time to Travel?
The southern Xinjiang region is suitable for tourism throughout the four seasons, but each season has its own characteristics. April to May is the season for apricot and peach blossoms; June to September is when fruits ripen; October to November is the best time to admire the Populus euphratica forest.?
In summary, the southern Xinjiang region attracts numerous tourists with its unique natural scenery and cultural charm. Whether it’s admiring the vastness of the desert, the grandeur of the plateau, or experiencing the exotic atmosphere of the ancient city, you can find a satisfactory answer in southern Xinjiang.?