There are several recommended itineraries for traveling to southern Xinjiang, among which the classic 8-day southern Xinjiang loop tour is highly praised. This itinerary covers many of southern Xinjiang’s highlights and has a reasonable schedule, allowing for both an in-depth experience of local culture and a full appreciation of natural scenery. Below is the specific arrangement and introduction of attractions for this itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and head to Kuitun to prepare for the upcoming itinerary.
Day 2: Departing from Kuitun, visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and then proceed along the Duku Highway to Bayanbulak. The Duku Highway is known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in the Tianshan Mountains," with diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, making it an excellent choice for self-driving tours.
Day 3: Admire the beauty of the grasslands in Bayanbulak, then head to Tianshan Grand Canyon, and finally arrive in Kuqa. Kuqa is an important city in southern Xinjiang, rich in historical and cultural heritage.
Day 4: Visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a prince’s mansion, but specifically for Kuqa, it might refer to a historic site or mansion related to the local aristocracy), experiencing the glorious history of ancient royalty. Afterward, explore Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to appreciate the charm of ancient Buddhist art.
Day 5: Head to Aksu, enjoying the magnificent natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Aksu, visit local attractions, such as Wensu Grand Canyon.
Day 6: Departing from Aksu, cross the Taklamakan Desert Highway and arrive in Hotan. The Taklamakan Desert is China’s largest desert, and crossing it will be an unforgettable experience.
Day 7: After visiting Hotan, head to Kashgar. Kashgar is a famous city in southern Xinjiang, rich in ethnic culture and historical relics. In the evening, you can stroll through Kashgar Night Market and taste local cuisine.
Day 8: Explore Kashgar city, including famous attractions such as Kashgar Old Town and Id Kah Mosque. Afterward, you can end your delightful southern Xinjiang journey or choose to stay in Kashgar for a few more days to deeply experience the local cultural atmosphere.
In addition, depending on time and budget, other southern Xinjiang travel itineraries can be chosen, such as a 7-day tour, a 9-day or 13-day southern Xinjiang loop tour, etc.
. These itineraries also cover many of southern Xinjiang’s highlights, each with its own unique characteristics, and can be selected according to personal preferences and needs.
In general, the best itinerary for southern Xinjiang varies from person to person, but the 8-day southern Xinjiang loop tour is undoubtedly a recommended option. It not only allows you to appreciate the beauty of southern Xinjiang’s natural scenery but also deeply experience the local cultural heritage and ethnic customs.