The self-guided tour guide for southern Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel times, must-visit attractions, itinerary planning, and practical tips.?
Firstly, the best travel time for southern Xinjiang is usually between May and October. During this period, the weather is pleasant and the scenery is breathtaking. In May and June, you can enjoy the lush grasslands and wildflowers covering the mountains in the Yili region. In July and August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits are ripe, making it a great time to taste local delicacies. While in September and October, the Huyang forests in southern Xinjiang turn golden, creating a paradise for photographers.?
In southern Xinjiang, there are several must-visit attractions. Kashgar Old City is one of them, where it feels like stepping into the world of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’. You can catch the opening ceremony, stroll through the artisan streets, and enjoy rose milk tea at a century-old teahouse.?
In addition, the Pamir Plateau is also a must-visit attraction, with its breathtaking scenery of glaciers and blue lakes, and the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway is a must-drive route in one’s lifetime.?
There’s also Shache, a treasure trove of a small city missed by 90% of tourists, with its Yarkand Khan Palace and delicious food that are unforgettable.?
For itinerary planning, you can choose a 6-day southern Xinjiang loop tour or an 8-day in-depth tour. The 6-day loop allows you to explore glaciers, walk through Kashgar Old City, experience the scenery of the Pamir Plateau, and visit the Huyang Forest in Luntai to admire the most beautiful autumn colors during the golden autumn season.?
An 8-day in-depth tour offers a more immersive experience, including visits to Kashgar Old City and the Pamir Plateau, as well as Shache and the Taklamakan Desert, to experience the romance of a lonely star in the desert.?
Of course, you can also tailor the itinerary based on your own schedule and preferences.?
Lastly, here are some practical tips. When traveling in southern Xinjiang, always carry your ID card with you and keep it in an easily accessible place. Since Xinjiang time is 2 hours later than the mainland, be sure to adjust your schedule accordingly. Additionally, some areas in southern Xinjiang have high altitudes, which may cause altitude sickness, so it is recommended to prepare an oxygen cylinder beforehand. Also, the scenery along the way is equally beautiful, so don’t forget to take a look out the window.?
In summary, for a self-guided tour of southern Xinjiang, it is important to pay attention to the best travel times, must-visit attractions, itinerary planning, and practical tips to better enjoy the fun of traveling.?