A 13-day tour of southern Xinjiang can cover multiple famous attractions and unique experiences. Here is a recommended travel plan:?
Itinerary planning:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, the starting point of your journey to southern Xinjiang. You can take a short rest and prepare for the upcoming trip.?
Days 2-3: Depart from Urumqi and head to Dushanzi along the S101 National Defense Highway or directly. Begin your journey on the northern section of the Duku Highway to Nalati Grassland and feel the magnificent scenery of nature. Stay overnight in Nalati, and continue to visit and head to Bayanbulak the next day.?
Day 4: Depart from Bayanbulak and continue along the southern section of the Duku Highway to explore the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan. Then head to Kuqa and finally arrive in Aksu.?
Days 5-6: After visiting Aksu, head to Kashgar, an important city in southern Xinjiang with rich history and culture. Visit famous attractions such as Kashgar Old City and Id Kah Mosque, and apply for a Taxkorgan County border pass.?
Day 7: Depart from Kashgar and head to Taxkorgan County. On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake. Visit unique attractions in Taxkorgan County such as the Dragon’s Spine Road and Wachia Township.?
Day 8: Return to Kashgar from Taxkorgan County, and visit other attractions such as the Muji Caldera on the way.?
Days 9-10: Depart from Kashgar and head to Hotan, Kuqa, and other places to explore natural wonders such as the Desert Highway, Populus euphratica forests, and Grand Canyons.?
Days 11-12: Continue to visit famous attractions in southern Xinjiang, such as the Lop Nur Village and Flaming Mountain, and then return to Urumqi.?
Day 13: End your pleasant journey in southern Xinjiang in Urumqi. You can choose to continue exploring other regions of Xinjiang or return home.?
Highlights of the itinerary:?
Covered multiple famous attractions in southern Xinjiang, such as the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, Kashgar Old City, and the Dragon’s Spine Road in Taxkorgan County.?
Experienced the driving pleasure of unique highways such as the Duku Highway and Desert Highway.?
Experienced the multiculturalism of southern Xinjiang, including historical sites, folk customs, and more.?
Precautions:?
Some attractions require a border pass. Please apply for it in advance before departure.?
The best travel time for southern Xinjiang is relatively long, but the scenery varies by season. It is recommended to choose a suitable time to travel based on your preferences.?
Please pay attention to safety during the trip and abide by local regulations and customs.?
This itinerary can be appropriately adjusted according to personal preferences and schedule to ensure a pleasant and smooth trip.?