The number of days for traveling in southern Xinjiang is recommended to be determined based on personal time and travel plans, but generally speaking, an itinerary of more than 7 days can provide a comprehensive experience of the scenery and culture of southern Xinjiang. Here are some specific suggestions:
Short-term Experience: If time is limited, you can choose a short-term itinerary of 4-5 days to initially experience the local customs and the magnificent scenery of the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang.
In-depth Travel: If you want to gain a deeper understanding of southern Xinjiang, it is recommended to arrange an itinerary of more than 7 days. This will not only allow you to visit the main attractions of southern Xinjiang but also give you more time to experience the local culture and lifestyle. For example, you can choose to depart from Urumqi, passing through Bosten Lake, Korla, the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, the Kuqa王府 (王府 can be translated as ‘王府 Palace’ but here it’s kept as is for context), Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Aksu, Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and finally returning to Kashgar through the Dragon’s Spiral Highway. Such an itinerary takes approximately 7 days.
Combined Travel of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: If you have more time, such as more than 15 days, you can consider combining a trip to both northern and southern Xinjiang. This way, you can not only appreciate the unique scenery of southern Xinjiang but also experience the magnificent scenery of northern Xinjiang, gaining a richer travel experience.
In summary, the number of days for traveling in southern Xinjiang varies from person to person, but an itinerary of more than 7 days can usually provide a comprehensive experience of the charm of southern Xinjiang. When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to make reasonable arrangements according to your own interests and time to ensure that you can fully visit the attractions while enjoying the fun of traveling.