Recommended travel routes in Southern Xinjiang in 2025 include multiple essential routes, which can be chosen based on personal time and preferences:
Grand Circle Route in Southern Xinjiang:
This route covers the main attractions and cultural customs of Southern Xinjiang, usually requiring 13-17 days.
The route may include natural landscapes such as the Pamir Plateau, Kunlun Mountains, and Taklamakan Desert, as well as the Uyghur culture and Silk Road relics of cities like Kashgar and Hotan.
Specific attractions include Bosten Lake, Lop Nur Village of罗布 People, Taklamakan Desert, Hu Yanglin Park, the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a palace or mansion, but the direct translation may not convey the exact historical or cultural context), Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Kashgar Xiangfei Tomb, and others.
Self-Driving Travel Guide in Southern Xinjiang:
This is a detailed self-driving route starting from Urumqi, passing through the Duku Highway, Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, Bayanbulak, the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa, and other places.
The entire journey is expected to take 13 days, covering multiple must-see attractions in Southern Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mount Muztagh Ata.
10-Day Essential Route in Southern Xinjiang:
This route is suitable for tourists with relatively limited time, offering an in-depth 10-day exploration of Southern Xinjiang.
The route starts from Urumqi and passes through Kutun, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Bayanbulak, Kuqa, Hotan, Kashgar, and other places.
Tourists can experience special activities such as horse riding, crossing the Taklamakan Desert, and visiting the Kashgar Night Market.
When choosing a travel route in Southern Xinjiang, it is recommended to select based on personal interests and schedule. If you enjoy natural scenery and adventure, you can choose a route that includes attractions such as the Duku Highway and the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon; if you are interested in human history and ethnic customs, you can focus on the cultural heritage and folk activities of cities such as Kashgar and Hotan. Additionally, due to the vast territory of Southern Xinjiang and the long distances between attractions, it is recommended to plan and prepare your itinerary in advance to ensure a smooth journey.