Recommendations for traveling in southern Xinjiang include the following places:
Kashgar:
Kashgar Old Town: Known as the ‘most exotic’ old town, it feels like being in Central Asia, where you can feel the rich Central Asian flavor and Uyghur culture
Baisha Lake: The scenery at the junction of the lake water and white sand is extremely beautiful, making it an excellent location for taking photos
Mount Muztagh Ata: Known as the ‘Father of Glaciers’, with nearby glaciers and snowy peaks and other natural landscapes
Karakul Lake: Located at the foot of Mount Muztagh Ata, the lake water is clear, like blue tears, beautifully enchanting
Kuqa:
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Composed of reddish-brown mountain bodies, it integrates majesty, danger, quietness, serenity, and mystery. The natural landscape formed by erosion from millions of years of wind and rain and mountain torrents is breathtaking
Kuqa Wangfu: A historical mansion worth visiting
Aksu:
Wensu Grand Canyon: The experience of driving through the canyon is very impressive, as if you are in an exotic planet
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: The relics of the ancient country of Qiuci, known as the ‘Second Dunhuang in China’, have extremely high historical and cultural value
Bazhou:
Bayinbuluk Grassland: The second largest grassland in China, with a total of 63 peaks and 74 passes standing among the mountains. It is a great place to enjoy the grassland scenery and experience the life of herdsmen
Lop Nor Village: The Lop people are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The pristine desert and stunning Huyang forest landscape here make people feel like they are in a paradise away from the world
Huyang Forest in Luntai: It has 90% of the world’s Huyang forests and is the largest Huyang forest in the world. The golden Huyang forest in autumn is very spectacular
In addition, there are many other scenic spots worth visiting in southern Xinjiang, such as the盘龙 Ancient Road, Bandier Blue Lake, Aoyitake, and Kartiemir Volcano Group
. During the trip, you can also taste local delicacies such as baked steamed buns, baked naan, and kettle meat, experiencing the unique flavor of southern Xinjiang