Recommended boutique tour routes in southern Xinjiang are as follows:
A classic 10-day self-drive tour route in southern Xinjiang:
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi to embark on a journey to southern Xinjiang.
Day 2: Travel from Urumqi to Kuitun to prepare for the next leg of the journey.
Day 3: Departing from Kuitun, visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, then head to Bayanbulak. Note that horse riding within the scenic area may not be cost-effective; there are more economical horse riding options along the Duku Highway outside the scenic area.
Day 4: Venture into the Bayanbulak Grasslands to admire the grandeur of the Tianshan Grand Canyon, then proceed to Kuqa.
Day 5: Visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 should be translated as ‘Royal Palace’) to feel its historical depth, then explore Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to appreciate the charm of ancient art.
Day 6: Cross the Desert Highway to experience the vastness of the Taklamakan Desert and arrive in Hotan.
Day 7: Travel from Hotan to Kashgar City, and in the evening, visit Kashgar Night Market to taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine.
Day 8: Departing from Kashgar, follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Pamir Plateau, passing through multiple natural landscapes and glacier parks, ultimately arriving in Tashkurgan County.
Day 9: Visit the Panlong Ancient Road to appreciate its unique mountain road design, then return to Kashgar Old Town to experience its charm.
Day 10: Spend an extra day in Kashgar Old Town to leisurely experience the local cultural atmosphere and visit famous attractions such as Xiangfei Garden.
In addition, there are other southern Xinjiang tour routes of different durations to choose from, such as a 6-day route starting and ending in Kashgar or a 12-day southern Xinjiang circular route, allowing tourists to select based on their time and preferences.
. The tourist attractions in southern Xinjiang are rich and diverse, including deserts, snow-capped mountains, ethnic customs, and ancient Silk Road sites, each filled with unique charm.
This 10-day self-drive tour route in southern Xinjiang covers multiple essential scenic spots, fully displaying the natural scenery and cultural characteristics of southern Xinjiang. Of course, there is more than just this one route for southern Xinjiang tourism, and tourists can choose and adjust according to their actual situation and interests.