The boutique tourist route from Xi’an to southern Xinjiang is recommended to be taken by self-drive, passing through multiple famous attractions to fully experience the natural scenery and cultural charm of southern Xinjiang. Here is a detailed itinerary suggestion:?
Departure and first stop:?
Starting from Xi’an, you can first travel west along Lianhuo Expressway (G30), which is the main route for self-drive travel. The scenery along the way is magnificent, offering views of the loess plateau.?
Sightseeing within Gansu Province:?
When passing through Gansu Province, you can make a brief stop in Lanzhou to visit the Yellow River Scenic Area and experience the charm of Lanzhou. Lanzhou is an important node city on the Silk Road with a rich historical culture.?
Entering Xinjiang:?
Continue forward and upon entering Xinjiang, you can first head to Hami to visit the Dahaidao scenic area and experience its unique natural scenery. Hami is the eastern gateway to Xinjiang and an important stop on the ancient Silk Road.?
Journey to southern Xinjiang:?
Starting from Hami, you can head to Turpan, famous for attractions such as Grape Valley and Flaming Mountain. It’s a great place to experience Xinjiang’s ethnic customs and taste local cuisine.?
Next, you can head to Kashgar, an important city in southern Xinjiang with a profound Uyghur cultural heritage. Visit famous attractions such as Kashgar Old Town and Id Kah Mosque.?
Hotan is also a must-visit destination, famous for its jade culture. You can visit the Hotan jade market to experience the warmth and beauty of jade.?
Suggestions for return trip:?
After visiting the main attractions in southern Xinjiang, you can choose to return to Xi’an via the same route or adjust the itinerary based on time and interest, passing through other cities for sightseeing.?
Precautions:?
Before self-drive travel, please ensure the vehicle is in good condition and prepare necessary driving tools and emergency items.?
Learn about the weather conditions and road information along the way in advance to adjust the itinerary in a timely manner.?
Respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary trouble.?
This route covers multiple famous scenic spots and cities in southern Xinjiang, fully displaying the natural scenery and cultural characteristics of southern Xinjiang. During the trip, you can also flexibly adjust the itinerary according to personal interests and preferences, enjoying the freedom and fun of self-drive travel.?