The best plan for traveling in southern Xinjiang includes choosing the right time and mode of transportation, planning a reasonable route, and selecting must-visit attractions.?
Firstly, the best time for self-drive travel in southern Xinjiang is from June to September, especially during the opening period of the Duku Highway. However, it is recommended to avoid the summer vacation peak to prevent high costs for flights, accommodation, and car rentals.?
In terms of transportation, you can choose self-drive travel, which combines the fun of driving with convenience. If you don’t want to drive yourself, chartering a car or carpooling are also good options for group travel, providing a driver and vehicle with the freedom to stop along the way.?
When planning your route, you can refer to the following suggestions:?
A classic 10-day route starts from Urumqi, passing through Kuitun, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Bayinbrook, Kuqa, Hotan, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, and finally returning to Kashgar Old Town. Along the way, you can enjoy the natural scenery and cultural landscapes of southern Xinjiang.?
Another 7-day route includes Urumqi, Korla, Tarim Populus euphratica Forest Park, Kuqa County, Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Kashgar Prefecture, and Panlong Ancient Road. This route will also allow you to appreciate the magnificent scenery and profound cultural heritage of southern Xinjiang.?
If you have more time, consider a 12-day round trip to explore the beautiful southern Xinjiang, starting from Urumqi and passing through Bosten Lake, Lop Nur Village, Tarim Populus euphratica Forest Park, Desert Highway, Hotan, Kashgar, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan, and finally returning to Urumqi. This route covers almost all the classic attractions in southern Xinjiang.?
In terms of attraction selection, the following are some must-visit destinations:?
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Steep and spectacular, with dark red mountains towering on both sides, it is an excellent representative of natural scenery.?
Lop Nur Village: You can experience the pristine beauty of the desert and Populus euphratica forests, and marvel at the wonders of nature.?
Kashgar Old Town: A city filled with exotic charm, it feels like traveling through multiple countries and is an excellent place to experience the human history and culture of southern Xinjiang.?
Baisha Lake and Panlong Ancient Road: Scenic and picturesque, they are must-visit attractions in southern Xinjiang.?
In summary, the best plan for traveling in southern Xinjiang requires comprehensive consideration of time, mode of transportation, route planning, attraction selection, and other aspects to ensure a pleasant and fulfilling journey.?