Travel Guide to Southern Xinjiang
Southern Xinjiang, this mysterious and vast land, boasts magnificent natural scenery, rich historical culture, and unique folk customs. Here is a detailed travel guide to southern Xinjiang to help you embark on an unforgettable journey.
I. Best Travel Time
May-June: During the ethnic minority New Year, there are colorful ethnic performances, which is a great time to experience local culture.
July-September: Fruits are ripe and delicious, especially grapes, Hami melons, and other fruits that should not be missed.
October-November: The poplar forest enters its most beautiful season of the year. The golden leaves contrast beautifully with the blue sky 1.
II. Transportation
Airplane: Departing from Urumqi, flying directly to Kashgar Airport is a fast and convenient option to reach southern Xinjiang 2.
High-speed Rail/Train: Take the high-speed rail or train departing from Urumqi South Railway Station. Enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way and finally arrive in southern Xinjiang cities such as Kashgar. Although it takes a long time, the beautiful scenery outside the window is definitely worth it 2.
III. Recommended Routes
10-day Highlight Route:
Day1: Departure from Urumqi
Day2: Urumqi – Kuitun
Day3: Kuitun – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Bayanbulak
Day4: Bayanbulak Town – Bayanbulak Grassland – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa
Day5: Visit Kuqa王府 and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
Day6: Kuqa – Hotan (Take the desert highway and cross the Taklamakan Desert)
Day7: Hotan – Kashgar City (You can visit Kashgar Night Market in the evening)
Day8: Kashgar City – China-Pakistan Friendship Highway – Tashkurgan County (Enjoy the scenery of the Pamir Plateau)
Day9: Tashkurgan County -盘龙 Ancient Road – Kashgar Old Town
Day10: Kashgar Old Town (You can visit Xiangfei Garden, Mosque, etc.) 3
Another 10-day Circular Route:
D1: Arrival in Kashgar
D2: Kashgar – Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Exposition Park – Yotgan Ancient City – Hotan
D3: Hotan – Kunlun Heavenly Road – Kunlun Holy Land – Hotan Night Market
D4: Hotan – Yulongkashi River – Crossing the Taklamakan Desert – Alar/Aksu
D5: Alar/Aksu – Restan Street – Thousand Buddha Caves – Baicheng/Kuqa
D6: Baicheng/Kuqa – Fiery Spring – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu
D7: Aksu – Xiangfei Garden – Kashgar Old Town – Kashgar
D8: Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Muji Volcano Crater – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan County
D9: Tashkurgan County -盘龙 Ancient Road – Bandier Blue Lake – Muztagh Ata Glacier Park – Kashgar
D10: Return to Kashgar 1
IV. Must-visit Attractions
Dushanzi Grand Canyon: The magnificent scenery protected by fences is breathtaking 4.
Bayanbulak Grassland: It is lush green in summer and golden yellow in autumn, with a pleasant climate, making it a great place to relax and unwind 4.
Kuqa王府: Colorful and an excellent spot for photo-taking. You can glimpse the former glory of the王爷’s family 45.
Old Town of Kashgar: Distinctive architectural features,