Travel Guide to Southern Xinjiang
Southern Xinjiang, a mysterious and ancient place, located south of the Tianshan Mountains and north of the Kunlun Mountains, boasts vast Gobi deserts, unique folk customs, and honest and enthusiastic people, making it a place where one forgets to leave. Here is a detailed travel guide to Southern Xinjiang to help you better plan your trip.
I. Best Travel Time
April to May: Apricot, peach, and pear blossoms bloom competitively in southern Xinjiang, creating a breathtaking beauty.
June to September: Fruit harvest season. Friends who love fruits shouldn’t miss it.
October to November: The limited season for the golden Populus euphratica forest. The vast Populus euphratica forest is breathtakingly spectacular.
December to March: Off-season for tourism in southern Xinjiang, with beautiful scenery and fewer crowds, and cheaper prices.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Kashgar
Kashgar Old Town
White Sand Lake
Karakul Lake
Dragon Spiral Highway
Mount Muztagh Ata
Pamir Plateau Tourist Area
Kuqa
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
Kuqa王府 (王府 should be translated as ‘王府’ in Chinese but kept as is here for context)
Aksu
Wensu Grand Canyon
Dolang Tribe
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture
Bayanbulak Grasslands
Lop Nur Village
Bosten Lake
Luntai Populus euphratica Forest
III. Travel Equipment
Sunscreen: Sunscreen lotion, moisturizing toner, hand cream, sunglasses, scarf
Medication: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, band-aids
Clothing: Summer clothes, thick outerwear, sunscreen clothes, rain jacket (for warmth at night), lightweight down jacket (for warmth at night), thermal pants and socks (for warmth at night), comfortable shoes
Documents: ID card, driver’s license, student ID (some places offer half-price discounts), border defense certificate (required for Tajik Autonomous County)
IV. Food Recommendations
Grilled mutton skewers
Pilaf
Naren (a type of Kazakh dish)
Laghman noodles
Grilled meat
Roasted stuffed bun
Nang stuffed with meat
Roast whole sheep
Big plate chicken
Yili horse sausage
Smoked horse meat
Yogurt lumps
Milk tea, etc.
V. Ways to Travel
Self-Driving Tour: Suitable for those with ample funds and not in a rush. However, it’s more expensive, and you need to take care of your own food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
Package Tour: Economical and practical. Joining a reliable local tour group means you don’t have to worry about anything.
Carpooling/Chartered Tour: The degree of freedom is comparable to self-driving, with the ability to stop whenever you want. It’s slightly more expensive but allows for a relaxed and high-quality experience.
VI. Itinerary Recommendations
Here is a recommended southern Xinjiang Grand Circle itinerary for your reference:
D1: A one-day tour of Kashgar Old Town, stroll around Etiar Square, savor the century-old tea house, and experience the unique charm of Yangdong Bazaar.
D2: Depart from Kashgar, follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, visit White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake, and take in a distant view of Mount Muztagh Ata.
D3: Depart from Tajik Autonomous County, cross the Wakhan Corridor, visit the盘龙 Ancient Road and Bandir Blue Lake, and return to Tajik Autonomous County.
D4: Depart from Tajik Autonomous County, visit Golden Grass Beach and Stone City, and explore Mount Muztagh Ata.
Of course, you can also flexibly adjust your itinerary according to your schedule and preferences.
VII. Precautions
When shopping at Kashgar Grand Bazaar, don’t go on a spending spree; keep your spending under control.
When taking photos at a mosque, please be mindful and avoid taking pictures casually.
Some areas in southern Xinjiang are at high altitudes with rapidly changing weather. Please keep warm and prevent altitude sickness.
If you’re going to Tajik Autonomous County, remember to apply for a border defense certificate at the Kashgar International Self-Drive Car & Landlord Center, and it’s best to bring an oxygen bag.
I hope this southern Xinjiang travel guide can help you better plan your itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang!