Summer travel in southern Xinjiang is an excellent experience to explore the beauty of nature and humanity. Here are some recommended tour routes and attractions for you to reference when planning your itinerary.
Classic 6-day tour route:
Day 1: Depart from Kashi, visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and arrive in Taxkorgan County in the evening to feel the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lakes.
Day 2: Depart from Taxkorgan County, traverse the Panlong Ancient Road, visit Bandier Blue Lake and Tahman Viewing Platform, and return to Kashi in the evening to experience the winding and spectacular Panlong Ancient Road.
Day 3: Depart from Kashi, visit Yingjisha Earthen Pottery and Knife Village, and arrive in Hotan in the evening to learn about Uyghur traditional handicrafts.
Day 4: Depart from Hotan, visit Yotegan Ancient City, traverse the Desert Highway, and arrive in Alar to feel the rich history of the ancient city and the vastness of the desert.
Day 5: Depart from Alar, visit the 359th Brigade Memorial Hall and Wensu Grand Canyon, and arrive in Aksu in the evening to learn about red history and natural wonders.
Day 6: Depart from Aksu, visit the Dolan Tribe, and return to Kashi in the evening to experience the unique charm of the Dolan Tribe.
7-day tour route recommendation:
On the first day, depart from Urumqi, with Bosten Lake as the first destination, and then proceed to Korla to start your journey in southern Xinjiang.
In the following days, visit attractions such as Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Kuche王府 (王府 should be translated as ‘Royal Palace’ or omitted if it refers to a specific place name not widely known in English), and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in sequence to experience the natural scenery and historical relics of southern Xinjiang.
In Kashi, you can visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and traverse the Panlong Ancient Road to experience the magnificent scenery and unique customs of southern Xinjiang.
Must-see attractions:
Baisha Lake: The lake and mountains are as beautiful as a painting, making it a paradise for photographers. The blue lake water and desert complement each other beautifully.
Kashi Ancient City: Stroll through the long corridors of history, feel the richness of Silk Road culture, and take ethnic portraits filled with exotic charm.
Panlong Ancient Road: With over 600 bends, the scenery along the way is picturesque. After experiencing this road, you’ll feel that life is open and smooth.
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Wensu Grand Canyon: Explore the wonders of nature and feel the depth and grandeur of the canyons.
In addition, the best time to visit southern Xinjiang is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is breathtaking, making it a paradise for travel enthusiasts.
. When planning your itinerary, you can also consider incorporating some special activities, such as tasting local cuisine and participating in ethnic festivals, to gain a deeper understanding of the customs and traditions of southern Xinjiang.