Traveling in southern Xinjiang, you can experience rich natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. Here are some suggestions to help you plan an unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang:
1. Best Travel Time
The best travel time for southern Xinjiang is from April to November. From April to May, apricot and peach blossoms bloom,短暂而美丽； From June to September is the fruit ripening season, where you can taste the unique fruits of Xinjiang; From October to November, the golden Populus euphratica forest in late autumn is spectacular and a paradise for photographers.
2. Must-visit Attractions Recommendations
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: Explore the thousand-year-old Buddhist site and feel the profoundness of history and the charm of culture.
Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon: Billions of years of wind and rain erosion have formed rare natural wonders in arid land, making it an excellent destination for exploration and photography.
Taklamakan Desert: Experience the vastness and vicissitudes of the desert, try the desert camel cart, and enjoy a unique desert journey.
Kashgar Old Town: China’s "most exotic" ancient town. Walking through the alleys of the ancient town, you can deeply understand the local culture and lifestyle.
Baisha Lake: Pure white sand meets the ultimate blue lake, forming a beautiful picture and an excellent location for photos.
Panlong Ancient Road: The most artistically designed highway in China, with over 600 turns. Those prone to carsickness should be prepared, but the scenery along the way is absolutely worth it.
3. Food Recommendations
The cuisine in southern Xinjiang is rich and diverse, and must not be missed. You can taste grilled meat, skewered meat, pit-cooked meat, meat cooked in a pot, mutton soaked in bread, chicken with potatoes, and other meat dishes, as well as pilaf, grilled stuffed buns, and thin-skinned stuffed buns. Additionally, there are various snacks such as cow head meat, sheep stomach stuffed with rice, stuffed noodles with lungs, and stuffed rice sausage, which are all specialty foods of southern Xinjiang.
4. Itinerary Recommendations
You can choose different itineraries based on your time and preferences. Here are two recommended itineraries:
7-day Southern Xinjiang Tour: Starting from Urumqi, passing through Lop Nur Village, Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa, Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake, and other places, finally returning to Kashgar for free activities. This itinerary covers multiple classic attractions in southern Xinjiang and is suitable for tourists with more time.
13-day Southern Xinjiang Loop Route: Starting from Urumqi, passing through Lop Nur Village, Tarim Huyang Forest National Park, Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kashgar Old Town, Taklamakan Desert Highway, and other places, finally returning to Urumqi. This itinerary is more comprehensive and allows you to deeply experience the natural scenery and cultural customs of southern Xinjiang.
5. Tips
There is a large temperature difference between desert and plateau areas in southern Xinjiang, so remember to bring thick clothes and sunscreen products.
The air is dry in desert areas, so be sure to replenish water and carry enough water and food with you.
The air is thin in the plateau area, so be careful of altitude sickness and avoid vigorous exercise.
Some attractions in southern Xinjiang are relatively remote, so it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and choose a suitable mode of transportation.
Hope these suggestions can help you plan an unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang!