Recommended Scenic Routes and Spots for a Southern Xinjiang Tour in October (National Day) Golden Autumn Photography
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456
When talking about Xinjiang, people’s minds immediately conjure up Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains, Turpan… Actually, these places are only half of Xinjiang – the representative attractions of Northern Xinjiang; and what are the scenic spots in Southern Xinjiang, the other half of Xinjiang? Most people may not be able to name them.
Southern Xinjiang, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Mount Muztagh Ata, Karakoram Highway… Moreover, Southern Xinjiang is the best choice to experience the cultural flavors of the Western Regions. The air here is always filled with the aroma of naan and roast meat, and the faces of people with Western Regions’ charm make people feel like they are in a foreign land… With so many reasons, it’s enough to pack your bags and set off for Southern Xinjiang, isn’t it?
I. What are the places in Southern Xinjiang that cannot be missed?
1. Kashgar
It is said that "You haven’t been to Xinjiang if you haven’t been to Kashgar". As the westernmost city in China, Kashgar borders the Pamir Plateau, the "roof of the world", to the west and is close to the Taklamakan Desert to the east. Many ancient ethnic groups once thrived here. Walking on the streets of Kashgar, you will mostly bump into Uyghurs wearing flower caps and scarves. The rhythm of hand drums and dobras playing to celebrate weddings occasionally echoes on the streets, … immersing people in exotic flavors.
6 Things You Must Do in Kashgar Old Town:
1. Watch the grand opening ceremony of the city gates (starting at 10:30 every day, lasting about 10 minutes)
2. Take a joyful group photo with the ubiquitous children in the old town;
3. Drink a pot of milk tea at a century-old tea house and overlook the bustling market downstairs;
4. Overlook the entire Kashgar Old Town from the Sky Garden on Areya Road;
Attigar Mosque
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves are recognized as the earliest-excavated grottoes in China. A total of 339 caves have been discovered, with more than 80 relatively well-preserved. There is no professional tour guide at this scenic area, so you can only take a cursory glance. Moreover, only six grottoes in the western valley are currently open to the public. The grotto scenic area is strictly managed, and visitors are required to enter in batches. Backpacks and cameras are not allowed inside, and photography is also prohibited within the grottoes.
Tarim River Poplar Forest
The Tarim Poplar Forest is located in the middle reaches of the Tarim River on the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. It is the largest original poplar forest park in Xinjiang. If you want to see the most beautiful poplar landscape in the easiest way, come here! The huge poplar trees will definitely amaze you. The most beautiful scenery here is between October 1st and October 20th, short but beautiful.
Mount Mushtag
Mount Mushtag is currently the only snow-capped mountain that can be commercially climbed. It is the threshold for domestic beginners to explore 7000-meter-high mountains. Its gentle western slope is a ski resort for outdoor enthusiasts. Without any equipment, tourists can also get close to the glacier, which is a very unique experience.
Karakuli Lake
Karakuli Lake is a magical lake that displays different colors under different lighting. The China-Pakistan Highway passes by the lakeside. Its greatest highlight is that the
Hongqilafu Port
Multiple Transportation Methods to Southern Xinjiang
1. Plane
Currently, there are flights to several larger cities in southern Xinjiang, including Kashgar, Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, and Hotan. Each destination has more than one flight per day, especially Kashgar, which has direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Jinan, and Zhengzhou. The flights between Kashgar and Urumqi are well worth taking. On clear days, you can enjoy the red Danxia landform.
2. Train
Kashgar is the terminal of the Southern Xinjiang Railway. There are 4 trains per day departing to Urumqi South Railway Station. The trains stop at Turpan, Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, and other stations along the way. You can disembark to visit these places and then continue your trip on the next train.
There are 2 trains per day from Kashgar to Hotan, passing through Aktau, Yingjisha, Shache, Yecheng, and others.
3. Chartered Car
The price of chartered cars in southern Xinjiang is slightly lower than that in northern Xinjiang. Generally speaking, a four-seat car costs about 500 yuan/day, and an SUV costs 800-1500 yuan/day.
4. Self-Drive
National Highways G314 and G315 are the main routes to enter Kashgar. The road conditions are satisfactory and are not easily affected by the climate. The scenery along the China-Pakistan Highway is even more spectacular. However, if it is your first time, for safety reasons, it is best not to drive yourself.
5. Tourist Coach
Departing from Urumqi to Kashgar, the entire journey is on the expressway, so taking a grand southern Xinjiang car tour without turning back will be very exciting. There are basically no mountain roads, and the straight expressways and smooth provincial roads are powerful guarantees for car travel in southern Xinjiang. It is recommended to join a Xinjiang pure-play tour group, with reliable drivers, comfortable experiences, and the ability to enjoy the scenery along the window.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456