Southern Xinjiang in Xinjiang is a tourist destination full of mystery and charm, with vast grasslands, magnificent mountains, a long history and culture, as well as unique folk customs. Here is a detailed travel guide to southern Xinjiang:
Must-visit attractions
Kashgar:
Kashgar Old Town: Stroll through the alleys and feel the Uyghur customs and culture
Id Kah Mosque: The largest mosque in Xinjiang, with profound religious and cultural significance
Baishahu Lake: The magnificent scenery of the lake and white sand mountains, a paradise for photographers
Dragon Spiral Highway: A winding highway with over 600 turns, suitable for cycling and photography
Kuqa:
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Majestic scenery composed of reddish-brown mountain bodies, suitable for hiking and viewing
Kuqa王府 (王府 should be translated as ‘王府’ but in this context, it refers to a historical mansion or palace, so ‘Kuqa Mansion’ could be a more accurate translation for clarity): An excellent place to understand local history and culture
Aksu:
Wensu Grand Canyon: Spectacular red canyon landforms, a great place for hiking and photography
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: A treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art, with exquisite murals
Prefecture of Bayingol:
Bayinbuluke and Lop Nur Village: Experience the lifestyle of the Lop people, appreciate the magnificent scenery of the primitive Populus euphratica forest and the Taklamakan Desert
Tashkurgan County:
Located on the Pamir Plateau, the Stone City ruins and Tajik culture are experiences not to be missed
Best time to visit
April to May: Apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, and pear blossoms bloom competitively in southern Xinjiang
June to September: Fruit ripening season, suitable for tourists who love fruit
October to November: The limited season for the golden Populus euphratica forest, with spectacular scenery
December to March: Off-peak tourist season, with beautiful scenery and fewer people, prices are affordable
Transportation tips
Airplane: Kashgar, Aksu, and other places have airports, with direct flights or flights via Urumqi
Train: You can take a train from Urumqi to southern Xinjiang, and Kashgar has two train stations (Kashgar Station and Shule Station)
Self-driving or chartered car: Southern Xinjiang has a vast territory and attractions are far apart, so self-driving or chartering a car is the most flexible option
Lodging tips
Kashgar Old Town: You can choose local B&Bs, which are inexpensive and offer a good experience, allowing you to closely interact with local ethnic minorities
Kashgar City: There are many hotels, B&Bs, and youth hostels; choose according to your own circumstances
Tashkurgan County: A small county located on the border, with accommodation options available
Recommended itinerary
5-day southern Xinjiang travel guide:
D1: Kashgar – Baishahu Lake – Karakul Lake – Muji Volcano – Tashkurgan County
D2-D5: Visit Tashkurgan County, Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, and other attractions in sequence
Complete 10-day and 9-night southern Xinjiang travel guide:
Starting from Urumqi, passing through Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, Kashgar, and other places, take an in-depth tour of the major attractions in southern Xinjiang
The tourism resources in southern Xinjiang are diverse and abundant, whether it’s natural scenery or cultural landscapes, they all leave people lingering with nostalgia. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang!