The travel guide for southern Xinjiang in early October mainly includes recommended scenic spots, itinerary planning, and practical tips.
I. Recommended Scenic Spots
Lop Nur Village: Integrating desert, Tarim River, poplar forests, lakes, entertainment, and folk customs, it is a very worthwhile attraction in southern Xinjiang. Here, you can taste the red willow grilled fish cooked by the Lop people and experience unique folk customs.
Wensu Grand Canyon: Known as the King of Canyons, it covers a large area. You can climb to the top of the canyon, overlook the entire canyon, and feel the grandeur of nature.
Bachu Red Sea Bay Scenic Area: An ecological scenic area integrating lakes, rivers, grasslands, wetlands, gobi, and poplar forests. In the golden autumn of October, the scenery under the poplar forests is bright and transparent, as if entering a secluded paradise.
Hetian Night Market: A top-notch place in China that gathers all the cuisine of Xinjiang, where you can taste the colorful dishes of Xinjiang.
White Sand Lake: A dazzling pearl on the Pamir Plateau, with half of it being a continuous desert and the other half being azure lake water, presenting a captivating scenery.
Karakul Lake: A high-mountain glacial erosion and moraine lake, with the majestic and mysterious Muztagh Ata reflecting in the water, creating a very charming scenery.
II. Itinerary Planning
Below is an example of an 8-day itinerary plan for southern Xinjiang:
Day 1: Various Locations – Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi – Passing by Dabancheng Wind Power Station – Passing by China’s Dead Sea Salt Lake – Korla
Day 3: Korla – Lop Nur Village – Kuqa王府 (王府 may refer to a mansion or palace) – Dangnang City – Kuqa (Ancient Qiuci Kingdom)
Day 4: Kuqa – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu
Day 5: Aksu – Kashgar Old City – Impression Ancient City Photo Session (including costume, makeup, and retouched negatives) – Stroll through the Ancient City
Day 6: Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake – Tahman Wetland Viewing Platform – Stone City – Taxkorgan County
Day 7: Taxkorgan County – Bandier Lake – Panlong Ancient Road – Tasha Ancient Road (Xuanzang’s Road) – Kashgar
Day 8: Kashgar – End your pleasant trip to southern Xinjiang and return to your warm home.
Of course, the specific itinerary plan can be adjusted according to personal interests and time.
III. Practical Tips
Clothing Preparation: The weather in Xinjiang in early October has started to get cooler, especially with a large temperature difference between morning and night. It is recommended to bring coats, down jackets, and other warm clothing.
Accommodation Reservation: If you want to stay in the scenic area and experience the local scenery, be sure to make reservations in advance, otherwise you may miss some special accommodations such as the log cabins in Kanas Hemu Village.
Food Experience: The cuisine in southern Xinjiang is very rich. Make sure not to miss food gathering places such as the Hetian Night Market, where you can taste various specialty dishes of Xinjiang.
Safety Tips: During your visit, please pay attention to personal safety, especially when climbing canyons, visiting historic sites, and other activities. Follow the regulations of the scenic area and do not take actions on your own.
I hope this travel guide for southern Xinjiang in early October can help you with your trip!