There are multiple ways to arrange travel routes in Southern Xinjiang. Here are a few classic routes for reference:
Core Route One:
Departing from Urumqi: The first destination can be Kuitun, then visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and proceed along the Duku Highway to Bayanbulak to enjoy the beauty of the grassland. Afterwards, head to Kuqa to visit the Kuqa王府 and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. Then cross the desert highway to reach Hotan, and proceed to Kashgar city for a tour, and in the evening, you can visit the Kashgar Night Market. Finally, you can follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to Tashkurgan County to enjoy the scenery of the Pamir Plateau, passing by the Kexiu Glacier Park, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Mount Mushtag, and other attractions.
Core Route Two:
Departing from Urumqi: Pass through Bosten Lake, Korla, Lop Nur Village of罗布人 (an ethnic group), Luntai, and visit the Tarim Hu Yanglin (Poplar Forest) Park. Then cross the desert highway, head to Hotan, and arrive in Kashgar. In Kashgar, you can visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Kongur Tagh Nine Peaks, Tahman Wetland, and other attractions, and finally proceed to Tashkurgan. After returning to Kashgar, you can head to Aksu and visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Kuqa王府, and other attractions, and finally return to Urumqi.
Core Route Three (7-day trip):
Departing from Urumqi: The first destination is Bosten Lake, then proceed to Korla. The second day, explore the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan and arrive in Kuqa. The third day, visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a royal palace or mansion) and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. The fourth day, head to Aksu and visit the Old Town of Kashgar. The fifth day, departing from Kashgar, visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and arrive in Taxkorgan County. The sixth day, cross the Dragon’s Coil Ancient Road and return to Kashgar. The seventh day is a free day in Kashgar to end the trip.
In addition, there is also an 8-day Southern Xinjiang Circular Route:
Starting from Urumqi, pass through Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland, and other places, and finally arrive in Kashgar. In Kashgar, you can visit the Old Town of Kashgar, and after obtaining a border defense certificate, proceed to Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Mount Mushtag, and other attractions. Then visit the Dragon’s Coil Ancient Road, Stone City, Golden Grass Beach, etc., and finally return to Kashgar to end the trip.
The above routes cover the main attractions and distinctive landscapes of Southern Xinjiang, and can be selected based on personal time and preferences. When planning the itinerary, it is recommended to consider factors such as season, weather, traffic conditions, and accommodation reservations to ensure a smooth journey.