There can be multiple arrangements for a twelve-day tour of southern Xinjiang. Here is a recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Gather in Urumqi
Tourists gather in Urumqi to prepare for the trip to southern Xinjiang. You can stroll around the urban area of Urumqi to feel the unique charm of this city.
Day 2: Urumqi – Anjihai Grand Canyon – Dushanzi
Depart from Urumqi and head to Anjihai Grand Canyon to enjoy the spectacular canyon scenery. Then proceed to Dushanzi to visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and feel the awe-inspiring work of nature.
Day 3: Dushanzi – Nalati Grassland – Bayanbulak Grassland
Drive to Nalati Grassland to experience its vastness and grandeur. Then continue to Bayanbulak Grassland to enjoy the sunset scenery there.
Day 4: Bayanbulak – Kuqa
Passing through attractions such as the Large and Small Dragon Lakes and the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, finally arrive in Kuqa. In Kuqa, you can visit Kuqa Palace and Restan Road, which are historical and cultural sites.
Day 5: Kuqa – Wensu Grand Canyon – Kashgar
Head to Wensu Grand Canyon to explore the mysteries of the canyon. Then drive to Kashgar, where you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery on the way.
Day 6: Kashgar City Tour
Visit within Kashgar city, where you can visit famous attractions such as Kashgar Old City and Fragrant Concubine Garden to feel the unique charm of Kashgar. Additionally, on Sundays, you can visit Kashgar’s Livestock Bazaar to experience the local street life.
Day 7: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Mount Muztagh Ata – Taxkorgan County
This is a very classic route, where tourists can enjoy the stunning scenery of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and also take in a distant view of Mount Muztagh Ata. Afterward, head to Taxkorgan County to experience the customs of the Tajik ethnic group.
Day 8: Taxkorgan County – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandier Blue Lake – Yarkand
Visit the盘龙 Panlong Ancient Road and experience its unique curves and grandeur. Then head to Bandier Blue Lake to enjoy the lakeside scenery. Finally, drive to Yarkand to prepare for the next day’s itinerary.
Day 9: Yarkand – Hotan
Depart from Yarkand and head to Hotan, where you can enjoy the intertwined scenery of the desert and oasis on the way. After arriving in Hotan, visit the Hotan Jade Transaction Center to learn about jade culture.
Day 10: Hotan – Minfeng
Drive to Minfeng, passing through the Taklamakan Desert on the way, and experience the vastness and mystery of the desert.
Day 11: Minfeng – Luntai – Lop Nur Grand Canyon – Lop Nur Village
Depart from Minfeng and head to Luntai, where you can enjoy the magnificent desert scenery on the way. Afterward, visit the Lop Nur Grand Canyon and Lop Nur Village to learn about the legendary stories of Lop Nur and the unique lifestyle of the Lop people.
Day 12: Lop Nur Village – Korla – Urumqi
Depart from the Lop Nur Village and head to Korla, then drive back to Urumqi. End this unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang.
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and distinctive cultures in southern Xinjiang. Tourists can make appropriate adjustments according to their interests and time. During the trip, please pay attention to safety, protect the environment, and respect local customs and habits.