The self-drive travel guide for southern Xinjiang mainly includes best travel time, must-visit attractions, and route planning:
I. Best Travel Time
The best travel time for southern Xinjiang varies depending on the season and attraction. From late March to mid-April, apricot blossoms bloom on the Pamir Plateau, making it an excellent time to admire their beauty.
In autumn, especially from October to November, southern Xinjiang presents picturesque autumn scenery. Places like Tarim Poplar Forest, Kashgar Old Town, and Pamir Plateau are popular autumn tourist destinations.
II. Must-visit Attractions
Southern Xinjiang has many attractions worth visiting, including but not limited to:
Pamir Plateau: Enjoy the apricot blossom festival, magnificent snow-capped mountains, and lake scenery, such as Karakul Lake and Mount Muztagh.
Kashgar Old Town: Feel the Islamic cultural characteristics of the maze-like urban blocks and visit attractions like Id Kah Mosque and Xiangfei Garden.
Tarim Poplar Forest: In autumn, the poplar forest turns into a mesmerizing golden color, making it a paradise for photographers.
Dragon Coiled Highway: Experience the thrill and excitement of over 600 S-bends while enjoying the magnificent scenery of Mount Kunlun.
III. Route Planning
Below is a recommended self-drive travel route for southern Xinjiang:
Day 1-2: Depart from Urumqi and head to Kashgar, with possible stops at Bosten Lake and Korla along the way.
Day 3-4: Take an in-depth tour of Kashgar, visiting attractions like Kashgar Old Town,Cattle and Sheep Bazaar, and Gaotai Residential Area.
Day 5-6: Head to Taxkorgan County to visit attractions such as the Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, and Mushtagh Glacier Park, and experience the thrill of the盘龙 (Dragon Coiled) Highway.
Day 7-8: Return to Kashgar, and on the way, you can visit places like the Shache王府 (王府 is a historical mansion, but here it might refer to a tourist attraction related to the Shache area) and Hetian Night Market to experience the folk customs of southern Xinjiang.
Subsequent itinerary: Depending on time and interest, you can choose to continue exploring other attractions in southern Xinjiang, such as Lop Nur Village and Tarim Poplar Forest.
During self-drive travel, please pay attention to sunscreen, warmth, and environmental protection. Meanwhile, plan your itinerary reasonably to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.