The southern Xinjiang travel guide mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, modes of transportation, and travel suggestions.?
I. Best Travel Time?
The best travel time in southern Xinjiang varies by season, but generally speaking, March to April is suitable for apricot blossom viewing, May to June for desert scenery, July to September for a fruit feast, and October to November for golden poplar forests. From December to February, Kashgar Old Town is a great place for photo shoots, where you can enjoy the slow pace of life in the old town.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions?
The must-visit attractions in southern Xinjiang include Kashgar Old Town, White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, Stone City, and Panlong Ancient Road. Kashgar Old Town is one of the largest earthen building complexes in the world, and walking through it feels like traveling back in time to ancient Western Regions. White Sand Lake has bright blue water and unique sand dunes, making it a great place for photos. Karakul Lake reflects the majestic Muztagh Ata Mountain, creating a breathtaking scene. Stone City and Panlong Ancient Road attract numerous tourists with their unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes, respectively.?
III. Modes of Transportation?
The attractions in southern Xinjiang are scattered and far apart, so self-driving is not recommended unless you are particularly confident in your driving skills and sense of direction. You can choose to join a small group tour/carpooling or rent a car with a driver. In this way, the attraction routes, hotels, etc., will all be arranged for you, saving you time and effort. If you choose to rent a car and drive yourself, you need to be aware that the distances between attractions are far, and it is not recommended for drivers who are not skilled. At the same time, it is important to understand the destination’s temperature and weather conditions in advance and bring necessary items such as identification documents.?
IV. Travel Suggestions?
When traveling in southern Xinjiang, it is important to pay attention to sun protection and temperature differences. Southern Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays, so sunscreen products such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and hats are all necessary. At the same time, the temperature difference in southern Xinjiang is large, and the temperature during the day and at night can vary greatly. Therefore, warm clothing such as windbreakers and thermal underwear should also be packed. In addition, it is important to protect the ecological environment, not litter, and engage in civilized tourism.?