2019 Southern Xinjiang tourism, Southern Xinjiang tourist routes, recommended tourist routes in Southern Xinjiang, Xinjiang
Southern Xinjiang refers to the southern part of Xinjiang, bordered by the Tianshan Mountains. It includes the Tarim Basin and the Xinjiang section of the Kunlun Mountains. This is the central belt of the Eurasian continent with a dry climate throughout the year. China’s large Taklimakan Desert is located in Southern Xinjiang. The thousands of ancient cities, tombs, and Thousand Buddha Caves left along the southern and middle routes of the ancient Silk Road indicate its long and vicissitudinous history. However, due to climate change and human destruction, it has gradually become a desolate and sparsely populated area.
Southern Xinjiang has a vast territory with scattered attractions, so most tourists choose to rent a car for free-and-easy travel. Therefore, many travelers are inquiring about routes and itineraries for Southern Xinjiang. Now, let me recommend a free-and-easy car rental route for Southern Xinjiang to everyone.
The first day, Urumqi – Baluntai – Korla (City of Pears)
Pass through the Nanshan Pasture, the source of the Urumqi River – Glacier No.1, the Snow Lotus Base, cross the Shenglida Pass at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, and enter Southern Xinjiang. Overnight stay in Korla.
The next day, Korla – Luntai – Kuqa (the hometown of song and dance)
In the morning, you can visit the 26 Ancient Passes of China, experience the pear orchard atmosphere, taste Korla fragrant pears, and head to Kuqa after lunch. Overnight stay in Kuqa.
Day 3: Kuqa – Mysterious Grand Canyon – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Kuqa
After breakfast, visit the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, and pass through the Saltwater Ditch with strange rock formations, the pyramid-like Yadan landform, and the Red Sand Mountain resembling the Potala Palace, all of which are worth visiting. Overnight stay in Kuqa.
Day 4: Kuqa – Wensu – Aksu
Passing through mysterious ancient tomb clusters resembling castles
Day 5: Aksu – Kashgar
We will follow the edge of the Tarim Desert, passing through oases and gobies, to enter Atush, the hometown of figs, where you can taste the sweet figs. Overnight stay in Kashgar (A Xinjiang saying goes: If you come to Xinjiang without visiting Kashgar, it doesn’t count. Haha, this time we have truly come to Xinjiang in a real sense.)
Day 6: One-day sightseeing tour in Kashgar City
Day 7: Kashgar – Shufu – Tashkurgan
After breakfast, drive along the China-Pakistan Highway, passing through Shufu County, to visit Karakul Lake, a beautiful pearl on the Pamir Plateau (with a lake surface elevation of 3,663 meters and an area of 10 square kilometers). The majestic Mount Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Tobe Tagh are reflected in the water, creating a breathtaking scenery that makes people feel like they are in a fairyland.
Day 8: Tashkurgan – Khunjerab Pass – Kashgar
When driving along the China-Pakistan Highway to the Khunjerab Pass, you may encounter colorful Pakistani cargo truck convoys. Take photos beside the China-Pakistan boundary marker (China’s 7th boundary marker).
Day 9: Kashgar – Yingjisha – Yecheng (Hometown of Pomegranates) – Hotan (Hometown of Jade)
When passing through Yingjisha County, you can visit the factory that produces Yingjisha ethnic knives
Day 10: One-day sightseeing tour in Hotan City
After breakfast, visit Hetian Jade Street (It is recommended to only observe if you are not an expert in jade) and taste the unique Uyghur-style roasted eggs and reed leaf zongzi in Xinjiang.
Day 11: Hotan – Yutian – Minfeng – Tazhong
When driving through Yutian County, we can see a statue of Uncle Kurban shaking hands with Chairman Mao. If you observe closely, Chairman Mao’s big forehead, deep eye sockets, and high nose bridge can be seen from any angle.
Day 12: Tazhong – Korla
You can wake up early to capture the sunrise over the desert, which is also a spectacular sight. After passing through the desert highway, we will enter the world’s only Populus euphratica forest reserve. The Populus euphratica trees have various shapes and are commonly known as the Desert Hero Tree (living for a thousand years without dying, standing for a thousand years after death, and remaining intact for another thousand years after falling).
Day 13: Korla – Bosten Lake – Turpan (Hometown of Grapes)
Here, you can take photos of Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China. The lake stretches far and wide, with lotus flowers blooming, fish jumping, and birds singing, presenting a charming scenery reminiscent of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River. Overnight stay in Turpan.
Day 14: Turpan – Daban City – Urumqi
After breakfast, visit Kanerjing, Grape Valley, and Jiaohe Ancient City in Turpan. Return to Urumqi in the afternoon.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456