The travel guide secrets for visiting southern Xinjiang mainly include transportation options, itinerary planning, precautions, and must-see attractions.?
I. Transportation Options?
Airplane: Flying directly to Kashgar Airport is the preferred choice for quickly reaching southern Xinjiang, suitable for tourists with shorter vacations or who prioritize travel efficiency.?
Train: Taking the train from Urumqi to Kashgar, departing at night and arriving early the next morning, the hard sleeper ticket price is moderate and is a cost-effective choice.?
Chartered Car/Carpooling: These two methods are highly recommended. Chartered car services allow you to freely customize your itinerary and explore attractions at will; carpooling is more economical and allows you to meet like-minded travel companions.?
Self-driving: For tourists familiar with Xinjiang’s road conditions, self-driving is also a good choice, but be aware that long-distance driving can easily lead to fatigue, and the distances between attractions are relatively far.?
II. Itinerary Planning?
One-day Tour of Kashgar Old Town: Stroll through the Aiti Gar Square, taste the century-old teahouse, and experience the unique charm of Yangdong Bazaar.?
Kashgar to Tajik Autonomous County Route: Along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, overlook Mount Muztagh Ata, explore the Panlong Ancient Road and Bandir Blue Lake, etc.?
7-day Stunning Route in Southern Xinjiang: Starting from Urumqi, passing through Korla, and finally arriving in Kashgar, you can enjoy magnificent scenery and taste local cuisine along the way.?
III. Precautions?
Don’t Arrange Too Many Scenic Areas in One Day: To avoid compromising the experience, you should reasonably arrange your itinerary and set aside enough time to enjoy the trip.?
Choose a Familiar Tour Guide and Vehicle: This will make your accommodation, dining, and transportation more worry-free, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.?
Pay Attention to Warmth and Sunscreen: Xinjiang’s climate is changeable, with large diurnal temperature variations and intense ultraviolet rays. It is necessary to prepare appropriate clothing and sunscreen products.?
Obtain a Frontier Pass in Advance: Some scenic areas, such as the north shore of Baisha Lake, require a Frontier Pass for entry.?
IV. Must-see Attractions?
Kashgar Old Town: As a strategic hub on the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar Old Town is highly distinctive in architecture, culture, and other aspects.?
Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake: The beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains is a paradise for photographers.?
Panlong Ancient Road and Bandir Blue Lake: The unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes make people reluctant to leave.?
In summary, when traveling to southern Xinjiang, it is necessary to plan your itinerary in advance, choose a suitable mode of transportation, pay attention to various details during the journey, and try to visit the must-see attractions in southern Xinjiang to obtain the best travel experience.?