The January travel guide for southern Xinjiang mainly includes preparations before departure, recommended attractions, and travel routes.
Preparations before departure
Clothing and equipment: The temperature in southern Xinjiang is relatively low in January, especially with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. It is recommended to bring sufficient warm clothing, such as down jackets, thermal underwear, windproof hats, scarves, gloves, etc., as well as non-slip and warm sports shoes. Additionally, due to the dry climate in southern Xinjiang, you should also bring skincare products such as moisturizing cream, lip balm, sunscreen, and hydrating face masks.
Document preparation: Carry your ID card. Some areas may also require a border defense certificate. Learn about your itinerary in advance and obtain the border defense certificate at your household registration location or places like Kashgar to avoid affecting your trip.
Essential Medicines: It is recommended to carry some essential medicines, such as cold medicine, painkillers, etc., just in case.
Recommended Attractions
Tuyugou Mazar Village: This is a mysterious Uyghur ancient village with earth-yellow houses scattered in the valley. The warm winter sunshine casts a golden glow over the entire village. Here, you can admire traditional Uyghur lifestyle scenes and feel the inheritance of ancient culture.
Tarim Populus euphratica Forest: In winter, the Populus euphratica Forest sheds its golden coat, revealing a different kind of tough beauty. White snow accumulates on the branches, contrasting with the blue sky, like an ink painting. Walking among them, you can feel the charm of nature.
Kashgar Old City: A living ancient city with a thousand-year history. The city lights up at night, bustling with activity. Walking through the alleys of the old city, you can admire a variety of handicrafts, taste aromatic food, and feel the strong Western Regions atmosphere.
Travel Routes
Travel routes in southern Xinjiang can be chosen based on personal time and interests. Below is a classic 10-day travel route in southern Xinjiang:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, arrange for airport/train station pickup, and check in at the hotel.
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi and head to the Salt Lake to admire the scenery. Then proceed to Tuyugou Mazar Village to feel the mystery and tranquility of the ancient village, and check in at Turpan in the evening.
Day 3: Depart from Turpan and head to the Village of Lop Nur People to experience the primitive life in the desert and admire the magnificent scenery of the Populus euphratica Forest. Arrive in Korla in the evening to check in at the hotel.
Day 4: Depart from Korla and visit the Tarim Populus euphratica Forest to feel the resilience and beauty of the trees. Then visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 of Kuqa) to understand the local history and culture, and check in at Kuqa in the evening.
Day 5: Depart from Kuqa and drive along the 139 Populus euphratica Secret Spot Highway to admire the scenery along the way. Experience the vastness of the desert at the Desert Gate and arrive in Wensu in the evening to check in at the hotel.
Day 6: Depart from Wensu and head to Wensu Grand Canyon to explore the wonders of nature. In the afternoon, drive to Bachu County to check in at the hotel.
Day 7: Depart from Bachu County and conduct a home visit at Guli’s family to deeply experience the life of a Uyghur family. Stroll through the alleys of Kashgar Old City in the evening to feel its charm and mystery, and check in at a hotel in Kashgar.
Day 8: Depart from Kashgar and head to Baisha Lake to enjoy the picturesque scenery. Then proceed to Karakul Lake to feel the tranquility and grandeur of the plateau lake. Walk on the Golden Grass Beach and observe the lifestyle of Tajik herdsmen. Arrive in Taxkorgan County in the evening to check in at the hotel.
Day 9: Depart from Taxkorgan County and drive along the盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road) to experience the winding road scenery. Stop by the Bandier Blue Lake to admire the beauty, and return to Kashgar in the evening to check in at the hotel.
Day 10: End the trip in Kashgar and arrange for transfer to the airport/train station.
Furthermore, based on personal preferences, you can also choose to visit Tianchi, Tianshan Tianchi International Ski Resort, Ancient Sea Hot Spring, and other places to experience ice and snow activities and relax in hot springs.
In summary, for a January travel guide in southern Xinjiang, it is necessary to fully prepare before departure and choose suitable attractions and travel routes to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.