Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456
The ultimate dream of everyone with a Xinjiang complex is to visit southern Xinjiang, drive through the desert highway once, and set foot on the mysterious Pamir Plateau. Because we all know that the vast Xinjiang, which can only be traversed but never fully explored, will leave us with too many memories and concerns…
The desert, Gobi Desert, Tianshan Mountains, Kunlun Mountains, the lingering sound of camel bells, and the Silk Road eroded by wind and sand are poetic and picturesque. Passion, legends, mystery, vastness, remoteness, desolation, as well as countless richness, grandeur, beauty, and kinship, this is southern Xinjiang, where everything is unique.
Yes, this is southern Xinjiang. Its mystery and excitement, vastness and enthusiasm, need to be experienced slowly.
D1 Urumqi Gathering
We will all arrive in Urumqi today. According to the team leader’s text message notification, we will check in at the designated hotel. After check-in, you are free to do your own activities.
D2 Urumqi – Stone Forest – Hejing
After breakfast, we will depart for Hejing, passing by the first extraordinary mountain in Xinjiang, the Toksun Panji’er Stone Forest.
Its beauty and uniqueness will leave a lasting impression on those who have seen it. The Panji’er Stone Forest is scattered on the ridges and slopes of the Panjiertage Mountain, with an average altitude of 1,200 meters and a total area of about 1 square kilometer. The Stone Forest is located 55 kilometers southeast of the Toksun County and 10 kilometers from the Kerjian Town. The Stone Forest is a peak forest landform formed by dissolution and wind erosion, and is known as "Panjiertage", which means "mountain like a porous window" in Uyghur. After arriving in Hejing in the afternoon, we will check in.
D3 Hejing – Lop Nor Village – Korla
After breakfast, head to the Lop Nor Village, which covers an area of 72 square kilometers and has more than 20 households. It is one of the largest villages in western China. Belonging to Qiongkule Pasture, it is a secluded paradise inhabited by the Lop people. The road to the village is built on the Gobi Desert and feels "deserted". Upon reaching the entrance of the village, there is no trace of the bustling and noisy city. The gate is made of wood as a whole and is also known as the "Gate of Longevity", and the design of the gate has its own story. Inside the village are houses built with wood or straw, and the houses are not clustered but scattered. Around the houses are the most primitive toys left by Lop children, such as wooden horses and swings. The structure of each house is also completely different, giving people a very casual feeling. Afterward, head to Korla for accommodation.
D4 Korla – Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan – Kuqa Wangfu – Kuqa
After breakfast, head to Kuqa Grand Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in China and a national geological park. This canyon is a wonder of the world. The Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan is located in the Kiziliya Mountains at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. With red mountains, steep slopes, and a long, narrow canyon, it is wide like a plaza in some places and narrow enough to pass only sideways in others. With winding paths and echoing sounds, climbing to the top of the mountain allows you to fully appreciate the charm of being "mysterious, magical, majestic, ancient, and secluded". Afterward, drive to Kuqa Wangfu. "Kuqa Wangfu" is located in Kuqa County, Xinjiang. In 1759, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty specially dispatched Han Chinese craftsmen from the interior to build it in honor of the local Uyghur leader E’s contribution to assisting in suppressing the rebellion of the two Khojas. Stay the night in Kuqa.
D5 Kuqa – Wensu Grand Canyon – Alar
After breakfast, visit Wensu Grand Canyon. Wensu Grand Canyon is the most beautiful danxia geological wonder in western China and the largest halite karst geological attraction in China. Entering the scenic area is like entering a magnificent natural gallery. After billions of years of wind and rain erosion, it has formed steep cliffs, towering peaks, unique shapes, rugged and strange forms, intense colors, and a variety of spectacular landscapes. Stay the night in Alar and go out to search for delicious food together.
D6 Alar – Desert Highway – Hetian
After breakfast, leave Kuqa and head to Hetian, an important place in southern Xinjiang.
D7 Hetian – Zepu Jin Huyang Forest – Shache
Jin Huyang National Forest Park is located within the Yasidun Forest Farm, 36 kilometers southwest of Zepu County, situated on the upper edge of the Yarkant River alluvial fan. The scenic area covers an area of 40,000 mu, with a natural poplar forest area of up to 20,000 mu. In the distance are the majestic Kunlun Mountains, and at our feet, the tributaries of the Yarkant River rush ceaselessly, passing through the park. The snowy Kunlun Mountains and the Yarkant River have jointly nurtured this magical land. Jin Huyang National Forest Park boasts diverse vegetation types, with 489 hectares of continuous natural forests and a forest coverage rate of 76%. There are a total of 51 species of plants belonging to 39 genera and 27 families, including a large number of medicinal plants such as licorice, seabuckthorn, Chinese wolfberry, dodder, ephedra, and datura. Red willow can be seen everywhere, along with the precious medicinal herb Cistanche deserticola, known as the "ginseng of the desert", which grows on the red willow. There are also rare and delicious poplar mushrooms.
D8: Yarkand – Dawakun – Kashgar
After breakfast, head to Kashgar, passing through Gobi farmland and oases along the way. Arrive in Kashgar, an important town in southern Xinjiang. On the way, we will pass by Dawakun Desert. Dawakun Desert Tourist Scenic Area is 100 kilometers away from Kashgar City and adjacent to the 42nd Regiment of the Third Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. It was established in 2000 and approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of China as a Chinese desert scenery tourist scenic area in 2001. In the scenic area, sand and water are connected, and tourism projects such as desert exploration, camel exploration, and water entertainment are thrilling and exciting. After arriving in Kashgar, process the border defense certificate and check into the hotel. Then, you can go to a Uyghur restaurant in Kashgar by yourself to taste the most authentic Uyghur cuisine.
D9: Kashgar – Atush Tianmen – Kashgar Old Town – Kashgar
Today, we will spend the whole day exploring the Old Town of Kashgar; the first stop is Atush Tianmen. Atush Tianmen is an AA-level tourist attraction located in the southern pulse of the Western Tianshan Mountains, in the west of Shangatush Town, Atush City, 75 kilometers away from Atush City. The Tianmen forms a "π" shape, with a width of about 100 meters, a height of more than 500 meters, and a thickness that cannot be measured. The scenic spot is magnificent, steep, secluded, peaceful, and mysterious. The surface of the stone wall resembles a variety of murals. Afterward, we will gather and head to the Old Town of Kashgar to personally experience the home life of the Uyghur people. Walking through the alleys of the Gaotai Old Town, you can feel the transformation of time and space.
D10: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Mount Mushtag – Tajik Autonomous County
After breakfast, take a car to Karakul Lake, known as the "Black Lake". Along the way, you can enjoy the idyllic countryside scenery of Uyghurs in southern Xinjiang and feel the leisurely atmosphere of Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) in the depths of the desert. You can overlook Aoyitake Hongshan, known as the "Flaming Mountain of Southern Xinjiang", and take photos in front of Baisha River, known as the Flowing Sand River, and布伦口白砂山 (布伦口 White Sand Mountain) with its magnificent scenery. Occasionally, you may also see ancient post stations of the Silk Road along the way. Up close, admire the snow-capped peak of Mount Mushtag, the Father of Ice Mountains, with an altitude of 7,546 meters, and Karakul Lake, a plateau lake with ever-changing colors. The reflection of Mount Mushtag on the surface of Karakul Lake, and the majestic appearance of Kongur Tag at an altitude of 7,719 meters, shepherds driving yak herds, you can also ride horses or camels at your own expense for photos. Return to Tajik Autonomous County in due course to check in and rest.
D11: Tajik Autonomous County – Stone City – Golden Grass Beach – Kashgar (Disband)
After breakfast, head to Stone City. View Stone City and Golden Grass Beach from afar. Sunrise is one of the important historical landmarks on the Silk Road and also the most prominent cultural symbol of the Pamir Plateau.
Today is also the end of our trip. Everyone will leave Kashgar reluctantly according to their respective transportation schedules and return to their warm homes.
If you are more interested in Kashgar, you can stay there for another day by yourself.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456