Traveling from Urumqi (Wushi) to southern Xinjiang is an exploratory journey full of history, culture, and natural scenery. It is recommended to depart from Urumqi, pass through the Duku Highway, visit multiple famous attractions in southern Xinjiang, and finally return to Urumqi. The entire trip takes about 8 to 10 days. Here is a detailed travel planning suggestion:?
Departure and Initial Itinerary?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and head towards Bee Town along the Duku Highway, with a total distance of about 450km. The Duku Highway is famous for its scenic beauty throughout the four seasons and is a must-visit highway in Xinjiang.?
In the next few days, you can visit scenic spots such as Tangbula Grassland, Bayinbuluke Grassland, and the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, which are representatives of the natural scenery of southern Xinjiang.?
Middle Section of the Trip and Characteristics of Southern Xinjiang?
In Kuqa, you can visit Kuqa Grand Mosque to feel the religious cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang. Afterward, head to Wensu Grand Canyon to experience the wonders of nature.?
Continuing south, after passing through the desert highway, you will arrive in Hotan. Hotan attracts tourists with its rich historical and cultural heritage and unique geographical features.?
Special Recommendation: On the way from Hotan to Kashgar, you can visit Yecheng (the starting point of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway) to experience the charm of the starting point of the Xinjiang-Tibet route.?
Kashgar and Surroundings?
Upon arrival in Kashgar, be sure to visit Kashgar Old Town, an important area to understand the human history of southern Xinjiang. The Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar Old Town is a famous attraction, and all roads lead to this mosque.?
The night market in Kashgar is also an experience not to be missed, where you can taste local delicacies such as baked buns, pilaf, and pomegranate juice.?
If time permits, you can also depart from Kashgar to visit the Pamir Plateau and Tajik Autonomous County, experiencing the plateau scenery and the human landscape of the Tajik people.?
Return Trip and Summary?
After visiting the main attractions in southern Xinjiang, you can choose a suitable mode of transportation to return to Urumqi. The entire trip takes about 8 to 10 days, depending on your travel speed and interests.?
A trip to southern Xinjiang is not only an exploration of natural scenery but also an in-depth understanding of Xinjiang’s profound historical and cultural heritage. Starting from Urumqi, you will appreciate the unique charm of southern Xinjiang and gain an unforgettable travel experience.?
During your trip, please note that the temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, and you need to prepare thick clothes even in summer; at the same time, southern Xinjiang is dry, so you need to prepare moisturizing skincare products, etc.?
. I hope these suggestions will help you plan a perfect trip to southern Xinjiang!?