For traveling in Xinjiang, we recommend the must-see attractions and free-and-easy travel routes for self-guided tours in Southern Xinjiang.
Southern Xinjiang is vast in territory and boasts numerous scenic spots, covering an area larger than Northern Xinjiang. It is said that "One hasn’t truly been to Xinjiang until they’ve been to Kashgar, and one doesn’t know the mystery of Xinjiang until they’ve been to Hotan." Southern Xinjiang is mainly composed of the Tarim Basin, with the Tianshan Mountains to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamir Plateau to the west. The basin contains the Taklamakan Desert. Those who want an easy trip can join a tour group, while those who want to challenge themselves can choose to travel freely.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456
Grassland scenery of the Pamir Plateau in Kashgar Prefecture
Besides its unique natural scenery, Southern Xinjiang also boasts fascinating historical and cultural attractions, displaying a myriad of customs. The integration of over a dozen ethnic groups has enriched the connotation and depth of Southern Xinjiang. The human culture and folk customs here are very different from other parts of China that you may be familiar with.
China’s largest inland freshwater lake – Bosten Lake Scenic Area (5A Scenic Area)
Anciently known as West Sea and Dunhongpu, Bosten Lake is a fault-formed lake located in the southeast of the Yanqi Basin, between the counties of Hetian and Bohu. With a lake surface elevation of 1048 meters, it is the terminal of the Kaidu River and the source of the Kongque River, serving as a natural large-scale regulatory reservoir. The water area is vast and misty; in the small lake area in the southwest, the river channels wind through reeds and blooming lotus flowers, with birds singing and fish jumping, presenting a scenery reminiscent of a water town in the south of the Yangtze River, hence its nickname of "The Pearl of the Western Frontier".
China’s largest Populus euphratica Forest Park – Jinhuyang Scenic Area (5A Scenic Area)
Located on the west side of Zepu County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, close to the banks of the Yarkant River, it is a beautiful desert oasis. It is most famous for its tens of thousands of acres of natural Populus euphratica forests. A picturesque lakeside garden has been built around the lake and trees in the oasis, making it one of the most famous scenic areas in Kashgar Prefecture.
Every autumn, the golden poplar leaves cover an area of ten thousand hectares, creating a spectacular sight. The yellow leaves falling to the ground and the Yarkant River form the most beautiful golden yellow landscape.
Kashgar Old Town Scenic Area (5A Scenic Area)
Entering the labyrinthine city blocks with unique features, you can personally experience this unique medieval heritage and take in the typical Uyghur folk customs. Approach the historic and culturally rich Kashgar Old Town scenic area. There are 12 key cultural relics protection units within the scenic area, distributed in ancient streets and alleys with a history of two thousand years. The alleys are winding and rugged, with earth houses standing in rows at irregular intervals. Unique ‘over-street buildings’, ‘half-street buildings’, and ‘suspended buildings’ stand uniquely in each ancient alley. The Qingxi gurgling ancient spring ‘Nine Dragon Spring’ with a history of a thousand years is also a great place for you to explore the historical changes of Kashgar and experience the connotation of ethnic cultures.
China’s largest desert: Taklamakan Desert
One of China’s five most beautiful deserts, located in the Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang. The entire desert stretches about 1,000 kilometers east to west and more than 400 kilometers north to south, making it the largest desert in China and the second-largest in the world after the Sahara Desert. It is also known as the ‘Taklamakan Desert’ and is the world’s second-largest shifting desert, with the largest area of drifting sand.
China’s largest alpine grassland: Bayanbulak Grassland
Rated by Chinese National Geography as one of China’s six most beautiful marsh wetlands. It has a vast territory with abundant water and grass, and the endless green grasslands are enchanting. Bayanbulak is located in the mountainous basin in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains, northwest of Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is one of the most important animal husbandry bases in Xinjiang.
The sacred mountain sanctuary and grassland scenery of the Pamir Plateau
The Pamir Plateau is a place where the ancient Silk Road passed. ‘Pamir’ means ‘roof of the world’ in Tajik. The plateau is at an altitude of 4,000 meters to 7,700 meters and has many peaks. The Pamir Plateau was known as ‘Congling’ (Onion Ridge) in ancient China during the Han Dynasty, named after the wild onions or verdant cliffs.
One of the first batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves enjoys the reputation of being one of China’s
Southern Xinjiang tourism encompasses the unique mountains, snow peaks, and glacial landscapes of the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, as well as the alluvial plain oases, grasslands, mountains, rivers, and lakes of the Kunlun Mountains, Tianshan Mountains, and the Altun Mountains. There are also seasonally changing landscapes with exotic colors, such as the autumn hues of the poplar trees in late autumn, the striking contrast between snow and desert in deep winter, and the primitive forests and vast green grasslands in the Yili River Valley in central Tianshan in summer. Choosing to travel to Southern Xinjiang offers a richer diversity, originality, and connotation, and the insights gained during the journey can be even more soul-stirring.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456