The classic tourist route from Ruoqiang, Hotan, and Kashgar starts in Ruoqiang, crosses the Gobi Desert Highway, passes through Minfeng to reach Hotan, and then continues to Kashgar. Here is a detailed route planning and attraction recommendation:
Ruoqiang to Hotan:
Departing from Ruoqiang, proceed along the magnificent Gobi Desert Highway, traversing vast desert landscapes.
Along the way, you can admire the golden sand dunes and occasionally spot wild animals like sand lizards.
After arriving in Hotan, you can visit the Round City, where the streets are intricately laid out and the architecture is full of exotic charm, making it perfect for taking photos and experiencing local culture.
In addition, the Hotan Museum and the Yotegan Ancient City are also worth visiting attractions, providing an in-depth understanding of the local history and culture.
Hotan to Kashgar:
Departing from Hotan, continue towards Kashgar.
On the way, you can pass through Shache, where there are ethnic cultural villages such as the Knife Village and the Pottery Village, allowing you to experience the cultural charm of ethnic minorities.
After arriving in Kashgar, you can visit Kashgar Old City to experience the charm of this千年-old city.
Attractions within Kashgar Old City include Mamat’s Old House, the Edles Silk Museum, the Iron Industry Commune, and the Old Town Comprehensive Governance Exhibition Hall, providing an in-depth understanding of Kashgar’s history and culture.
Tours around Kashgar:
While in Kashgar, you can also head to Taxkorgan County, where you can enjoy natural landscapes like the Oytag Glacier along the way.
Attractions such as the Golden Grass Beach and the Panlong Ancient Road in Taxkorgan County are also not to be missed.
If you have enough time, you can also consider visiting lesser-known attractions such as the Mugixiang Volcano and the Eighteen Arhats Snow Peak.
In addition, based on personal interests and schedules, you can also choose other different routes and attractions to visit. For example, you can opt for the Pamir Plateau self-driving route starting and ending in Kashgar, which offers both plateau scenery and a low risk of altitude sickness.
Or choose a longer travel route, such as a 7-day or 9-day in-depth tour, to fully experience the natural scenery and cultural ambiance of southern Xinjiang.
In general, the tourist routes in Ruoqiang, Hotan, and Kashgar are diverse and can be selected according to personal preferences and schedules. During the trip, you can not only admire the magnificent natural landscapes but also gain a deep understanding of the local history and culture.