Southern Xinjiang travel guides mainly include travel tips, must-visit attractions, and recommended itineraries.
Travel Tips:
Carry identification documents such as ID cards and driver’s licenses with you to ensure you can find them quickly when needed
At the Bazaar market, don’t miss out on the various flavors of Nang, which are delicious companions on the journey
Travel light and reduce luggage to make the trip easier
Taxkorgan County and the Pamir Plateau are at high altitudes, and altitude sickness may occur. It is recommended to prepare oxygen tanks in advance
The winds in southern Xinjiang are strong, so remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Respect local culture and ask for permission before taking photos
Adjust your schedule as needed, as Xinjiang time is 2 hours later than mainland China
Must-visit attractions:
Winding Ancient Road: Over 600 S-bends, experiencing the twists and beauty of life
Muztagh Glacier Park: Experience the magic and cold silence of nature
Baisha Lake: The lake shines like a sapphire
Pamir Plateau: As if entering a fairy tale world
Kashgar Old Town: Full of exotic charm, as if transported back to One Thousand and One Nights
Taklamakan Desert: Experience the endless fun of the desert
Shaya Hu Yang Forest: Golden Hu Yang trees cover the land, and the lakes in the desert are miracles of nature
Recommended Itinerary:
A recommended 6-day southern Xinjiang loop itinerary starts from Urumqi and ends in Kashgar, with stops to explore glaciers, stroll through Kashgar Old Town, admire the scenery of the Pamir Plateau, as well as view the golden Hu Yang (Populus euphratica) trees, and visit attractions such as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway and Winding Ancient Road
Another 14-day southern Xinjiang pure-play itinerary is more detailed, starting from Urumqi and passing through Bosten Lake, Kuqa王府 (王府 can be translated as王府 Palace but since it’s a specific location, it’s kept as is for clarity), Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Wensu Grand Canyon, Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Golden Grass Beach, Stone City,盘龙古道 (translated as Winding Ancient Road), Mount Muztagh, among other attractions, ultimately ending the trip in Hotan
The above information is for reference only. Specific itinerary and attraction selections should be adjusted according to personal interests and schedule.