When traveling to southern Xinjiang, there are multiple exciting routes to choose from. The following is a recommended 10-day essential route covering many classic attractions in southern Xinjiang: **
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi to begin your journey to southern Xinjiang.
Day 2: Urumqi – Kuitun. Enjoy the scenery along the way and prepare for the upcoming itinerary.
Day 3: Kuitun – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Bayinbuluke. The spectacular scenery of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon should not be missed, and Bayinbuluke is a great place to enjoy nature. After leaving the scenic area, continue along the Duku Highway and experience the joy of horseback riding.
Day 4: Bayinbuluke Town – Bayinbuluke Grassland – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa. On this day, you will venture deep into the grassland and canyon to feel the wonders of nature.
Day 5: Visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a nobleman’s residence, here specifically the Kuqa Prince’s Mansion) to learn about the local history and culture, and then proceed to Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to explore the treasures of ancient art.
Day 6: Kuqa – Hotan. Take the desert highway and cross the Taklamakan Desert to experience the excitement and desolate beauty of desert driving.
Day 7: Hotan – Kashgar City. In the evening, you can stroll through Kashgar Night Market, taste local cuisine, and experience the charm of the Uyghur people.
Day 8: Kashgar City – China-Pakistan Friendship Highway – Tashkurgan County. Along the way, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Pamir Plateau, passing through famous attractions such as the Kezhou Glacier Park, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mount Mushtag.
Day 9: Tashkurgan County -盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road) – Kashgar Old Town. If you do not want to return via the same route, you can take the Panlong Ancient Road to Datong Town, then to Yarkand, and finally return to Kashgar Old Town.
Day 10: Spend two more days exploring Kashgar Old Town and soak in the local culture at a slower pace. You can visit famous attractions such as Xiangfei Garden and mosques.
In addition, there are many other scenic spots and routes in southern Xinjiang worth visiting, such as Bosten Lake, Lop Nur Village, and the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon.
. Visitors can flexibly arrange their itinerary according to their interests and time to enjoy the unique charm of southern Xinjiang.
When choosing a route, it is advisable to consider factors such as road conditions, weather, and personal physical strength to ensure a pleasant and safe journey. Meanwhile, you can also refer to local travel guides or consult travel agencies to obtain more practical travel information.