Traveling in southern Xinjiang in July is an excellent experience combining natural beauty and human exploration. At this time, the climate in southern Xinjiang is cool and pleasant, making it very suitable for sightseeing. Here are some recommended attractions and travel routes:
Must-visit Attractions in Southern Xinjiang
Lopnur People Village: Known as an oasis in the desert, it is the residence of the mysterious Lop people. Visitors can experience the magnificent scenery of the Taklamakan Desert here, feeling the grandeur of lonely smoke in the desert and the sunset over the long river.
Kashgar Old Town: It is the most well-preserved maze-like old city street in the Western Regions style in China, full of a long history and exotic customs. Visitors can walk through the winding alleys, admiring colorful windows, tiles, and intricately carved wooden doors.
Mount Muztagh Ata: Known as the ‘Father of Snow Mountains’, its magnificent snowy scenery is enchanting. Visitors can take a walk by the lake, feel the peaceful atmosphere, and overlook the majestic figure of Mount Muztagh Ata.
Panlong Ancient Road: This highway is famous for its winding route and magnificent scenery, making it a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts. Visitors can drive on this highway and experience the wonderful feeling of ‘the end of life’s detours, from now on a smooth path’.
Recommended Travel Route
D1: Depart from Urumqi, visit the Lopnur People Village, and overnight stay in Korla.
D2: Depart from Korla, visit the Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest (an Internet-famous small train with different seasons’ scenery), and overnight stay in Kuqa.
D3: Depart from Kuqa, visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (a thousand-year-old grotto and a treasure trove of mural art) and Wensu Grand Canyon (a breathtaking ancient rock salt geological wonder), and overnight stay in Aksu.
D4: Depart from Aksu, visit Kashgar Old Town to experience the Western Regions’ customs, and overnight stay in Kashgar.
D5: Depart from Kashgar, visit Baisha Lake, Jincao Beach, and Stone City. These scenic spots are a perfect combination of nature and humanity. Overnight stay in Taxkorgan County.
D6: Depart from Taxkorgan County, visit the Internet-famous盘龙 Guandao (a winding road) and Karakul Lake (a lake surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks), and then return.
Travel Tips
Although the temperature in southern Xinjiang is relatively high in July, due to geographical differences, the diurnal temperature variation is large. It is recommended that visitors bring appropriate clothing to cope with temperature changes.
The scenic spots in southern Xinjiang are relatively scattered. It is recommended that visitors plan their itinerary in advance and arrange their time reasonably.
During the tour, please respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Through this tourist route, visitors can fully appreciate the natural scenery and cultural charm of southern Xinjiang, feeling the uniqueness of Xinjiang.