Kashgar in Xinjiang belongs to southern Xinjiang. When traveling, one can choose to visit the different characteristics of southern or northern Xinjiang according to personal preferences.
Southern Xinjiang, represented by Kashgar, is mainly characterized by its profound historical and cultural heritage and unique plateau scenery. The ancient city of Kashgar has witnessed thousands of years of historical precipitation and is full of Western Regions charm. Visitors can experience desert exploration here, such as driving off-road vehicles across China’s largest desert, the Taklamakan Desert, to feel its vastness. In addition, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves are a treasure trove of Buddhist art, witnessing the glory of Buddhism in ancient Western Regions.
Kashgar’s geographical features are also extremely unique. Located in the westernmost part of Xinjiang, it is surrounded by the Kunlun Mountains, the Pamir Plateau, the Tianshan Mountains, and the Taklamakan Desert, forming an oasis nestled between mountains and waters and serving as an important supply point on the Silk Road.
In contrast, northern Xinjiang is dominated by natural landscapes, which are the best gifts nature has given to people. Northern Xinjiang boasts alpine lakes such as Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, and Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, with waters as clear as a mirror and picturesque surroundings. In addition, there are dreamlike grassland paradises, such as the Xiata and Nalati grasslands, among many others, where grasslands meet forests, forming beautiful paintings. The geological wonders of northern Xinjiang are also worth exploring, such as the unique wind-erosion landforms of the Devil City, showcasing the magnificent workmanship of nature.
Regarding the best time to visit, southern Xinjiang is suitable all year round, but each season offers different scenic beauty. For example, from March to April, one can go to Kashgar to see apricot blossoms that turn the entire mountain village pink; from July to September, one can experience the fragrance of fruits and vegetables; and in October, one can visit Tarim to see the千年不倒的胡杨林 (the千年-old poplar forest that never falls).
The best time to visit northern Xinjiang is mostly concentrated in summer and autumn, especially from June to August, which is the most beautiful season in Ili, where grasslands, lakes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and flower seas complement each other beautifully.
In general, whether one chooses Kashgar in southern Xinjiang or other regions in northern Xinjiang, one can find one’s own unique beauty on this vast land of Xinjiang.