The travel guide for southern Xinjiang during the National Day holiday mainly covers transportation, weather and clothing, recommended attractions, and itinerary planning.
Firstly, in terms of transportation, it is recommended to fly to Kashgar, an important city in southern Xinjiang. Transportation within the city is convenient, with options such as buses or taxis. If you need to go to other counties or attractions, joining a small group tour is a good choice, as it allows for flexible itinerary arrangements and stops to admire scenery at any time.
Secondly, regarding the weather and clothing, the weather in southern Xinjiang in October is around 7°C-21°C, mainly sunny. During the day, shirts, long dresses, and knitwear can be worn, while coats, thin down jackets, or windbreakers are needed for warmth at night. By November, temperatures will drop to -1°C-10°C, and although it is still mainly sunny, more adequate warmth measures are required.
In terms of recommended attractions, Kashgar Old Town is a must-visit destination, with the ancient town displaying an even more quaint charm under the warm autumn sunshine. The Tarim Populus euphratica Forest turns yellow around October, forming a golden sea that is breathtakingly beautiful. Baisha Lake is surrounded by sand dunes, with water as green as jade, forming a sharp contrast with the golden desert. The盘龙 Ancient Road offers a magnificent view of the natural scenery along the way. In addition, the Lop Nor Village is also a desert oasis worth exploring.
Finally, regarding itinerary planning, here is a suggested 12-day itinerary for a circular tour of southern Xinjiang.
Day 1 to Day 2: Depart from Urumqi, pass through Bosten Lake to Korla, and then proceed to the Lop Nor Village.
Day 3 to Day 4: Visit the Tarim Populus euphratica Forest, Kuche王府, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, and other places.
Day 5 to Day 6: Travel to Kashgar, visit Kashgar Old Town and mosques, and then proceed to Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and other places.
Day 7 to Day 8: Visit the盘龙 Ancient Road, Bandier Blue Lake, and Mushtagh Glacier Park in Taxkorgan County, and then return to Kashgar.
Day 9 to Day 10: Head to Hotan, visit the night market, and then take the desert highway to Luntai to visit the Populus euphratica Forest.
Day 11 to Day 12: Return to Korla, pass through the Salt Lake, and return to Urumqi to end the trip.
In addition, tourists traveling in southern Xinjiang should also respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid offending local taboos. Meanwhile, due to the dry climate and intense UV rays in southern Xinjiang, it is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothes and sun-protective clothing, and apply sunscreen. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so appropriate warm clothing should also be brought according to the season.