The southern Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary planning.
Best Travel Time:
The best travel time for southern Xinjiang is generally similar to the rest of Xinjiang, with May to October being the golden period for tourism. During this time, the natural scenery in southern Xinjiang is most enchanting, especially in autumn, when the scenery is colorful and a paradise for photographers.
Must-Visit Attractions:
Kashgar Old Town: The intricate streets and alleys and the buildings at different heights resemble a labyrinth. The bazaar in the old town is a must-visit, where you can feel the rich Western Regions’ charm.
Baishahu Lake: The lake water, set against the sky, white sand, and snow-capped mountains, presents a unique blue color. Half of the lake is water and half is "desert", making it ideal for taking photos on sunny days.
Karakul Lake: A "black" lake that may bring some awe when first entering the plateau.
The盘龙 Ancient Road: The dark asphalt road resembles a coiled dragon, more like an ink painting, perfect for taking photos.
Muztagh Ata: Known as the "Father of Ice Mountains", it also has a romantic love story associated with it.
Taklamakan Desert: Experience the fun of desert exploration and feel the grandeur in the desolation.
Hu Yang Forest in Luntai: The world’s largest Hu Yang Forest, with golden Hu Yang trees offering the best viewing period from October 10th to October 30th.
Sample Itinerary Planning:
D1: Arrive in Kashgar and visit the Kashgar Old Town.
D2: Depart from Kashgar, visit Baishahu Lake and Karakul Lake, and arrive in Taxkorgan County in the evening.
D3: Depart from Taxkorgan County, visit the盘龙 Ancient Road and the Bandier Blue Lake, and return to Kashgar.
D4: Depart from Kashgar and head to the edge of the Taklamakan Desert to experience desert exploration, returning to Kashgar in the evening.
D5: Depart from Kashgar, visit the Hu Yang Forest in Luntai, and return to Kashgar or proceed to the next destination based on time.
The above itinerary is for reference only, and the specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. When planning a trip to southern Xinjiang, it is recommended to learn about the local weather, transportation, and accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth journey.