Southern Xinjiang is a charming tourist destination in Xinjiang, attracting countless tourists with its unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here is a detailed introduction to traveling in southern Xinjiang:
I. The Best Time to Travel to Southern Xinjiang
The best time to travel to southern Xinjiang is mainly concentrated in several specific periods:
From May to June: During the New Year of ethnic minorities, there are colorful ethnic performances, allowing you to deeply experience the local cultural atmosphere
From July to September: The fruit-harvesting season, where you can taste the sweetness of Xinjiang’s special fruits
From October to November: The Populus euphratica forest enters its most beautiful season of the year, with a spectacular golden appearance, making it a paradise for photographers
II. Must-Visit Attractions in Southern Xinjiang
Southern Xinjiang has many scenic spots worth visiting. Here are some must-visit places:
Kashgar Old Town:
It is divided into the Eastern District and the Western District. The Eastern District has an opening ceremony, Hanbazar Food Street, etc., while the Western District has Western Region Princess Camel Team performances, Oil Painting Street, etc. Every corner is a good place for taking photos
You can participate in the opening ceremony in the Eastern District to feel the local cultural atmosphere, and in the evening, you can stroll along the Old Town Bar Street to experience a different atmosphere
White Sand Lake:
The lake water is clear and bottomless, surrounded by white sand mountains, making you feel like you are in a fairyland
The junction of the lake and white sand is an excellent spot for photography, and aerial photos taken by drones can produce breathtaking images
Muztagh Ata:
As a landmark attraction in southern Xinjiang, it attracts countless mountaineering enthusiasts with its majestic posture
You can stand on the peak and overlook the mountains, feeling the shocking sensation
Panlong Ancient Road:
It winds and twists like a huge dragon perched among the mountains. Driving on this ancient road allows you to experience the joy of driving while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way
The scenery along the way is breathtakingly beautiful, making it a paradise for aerial photographers
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves:
Visit the thousand-year-old Buddhist ruins and feel the weight of history and the precipitation of culture
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon:
Experience the wonders of nature and explore unknown natural wonders
III. Recommended Travel Itinerary for Southern Xinjiang
Here is a recommended itinerary for southern Xinjiang for reference:
Day 1: Arrival in Kashgar, free activities after airport pick-up.
Day 2: Kashgar – Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Exposition Park – Yotegan Ancient City – Hotan.
Day 3: Hotan – Kunlun Heavenly Road – Kunlun Sacred Place – Hotan Night Market.
Day 4: Hotan – Yulongkashi River – Crossing the Taklamakan Desert – Alar/Aksu.
Day 5: Alar/Aksu – Restan Street – Thousand Buddha Caves – Baicheng/Kuche.
Day 6: Baicheng/Kuche – Fiery Spring – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu.
Day 7: Aksu – Xiangfei Garden – Kashgar Old Town – Kashgar.
Day 8: Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Muji Volcanic Crater – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan County.
Day 9: Taxkorgan County -盘龙 Grotto Road – Bandier Blue Lake – Muztagh Glacier Park – Kashgar.
Day 10: Return trip from Kashgar, airport transfer
The tourist charm of southern Xinjiang is boundless, whether it is natural scenery or cultural heritage, it is worth exploring and experiencing personally. I hope this southern Xinjiang travel guide can provide useful reference for your trip.