December Southern Xinjiang Travel Guide: Explore the Mysterious Western Regions and Experience Unique Customs
In December, when the northern regions are covered with snow, southern Xinjiang attracts countless tourists with its unique natural scenery and cultural charm. Below is a detailed travel guide for southern Xinjiang in December, helping you enjoy this mysterious land.
I. Weather and Clothing Suggestions
In southern Xinjiang in December, the temperature is low, but there are many sunny days. The daytime temperature generally ranges from -1°C to 10°C. It is recommended to wear coats, jackets, and other warm clothing; at night, it is even more important to stay warm, and down jackets are a good choice
. Meanwhile, due to the strong winds and sandstorms in southern Xinjiang, it is recommended to bring scarves, hats, and other accessories to protect against wind and sand.
II. Transportation Guide
Airplane: You can choose to fly to Urumqi or Kashgar Airport, where Kashgar Airport has direct flights to many major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.
Train: You can directly take a train from Urumqi to Kashgar, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Western Regions along the way.
Chartered/Shared Car: This method is recommended as it is convenient and flexible, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way and feel the natural atmosphere.
III. Must-visit Attractions
Kashi Old Town: Free admission. It is full of rich Western Regions’ flavor and is an excellent place to experience southern Xinjiang’s culture.
White Sand Lake: Ticket price is 40 yuan per person. The spectacular scenery of half desert and half lake is breathtaking.
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: Ticket price is 70 yuan per person. As an important site on the Silk Road, it contains rich history and culture.
Karakul Lake: Ticket price is 44 yuan per person. The beauty of snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake is like a fairyland on earth.
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Ticket price is 50 yuan per person. It is a secret realm of red cliffs and a paradise for adventure lovers.
IV. Special Experiences
Lop Nor Village: Learn about the unique culture and lifestyle of the Lop people and admire the magnificent scenery intertwined with desert, river, and Populus euphratica.
Tarim Populus euphratica Forest: The Populus euphratica Forest in winter has a unique scenery, with golden leaves and white snow contrasting against each other, like a fairy tale world.
Kuqa王府 (王府 can be translated as王府 Palace or王府 Mansion): Experience the heaviness of history and feel the aristocratic atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.
V. Itinerary Recommendations
D1: Arrive in Urumqi, go to the hotel to rest, and prepare for the next journey.
D2: Urumqi – Salt Lake – Tuyugou Mazavillage – Maimaiti’s Yard – Turpan, feel the purity and tranquility of Salt Lake and explore the ancient traditional style of the Uyghur people.
D3: Turpan – Lop Nor Village – Korla, experience the unique culture of the Lop people and enjoy the desert scenery.
D4: Korla – Tarim Populus euphratica Forest – Kuqa王府 (王府 can be translated as王府 Palace or王府 Mansion) – Resitan Street – Kuqa, admire the winter scenery of the Populus euphratica Forest and experience the ethnic characteristics of Kuqa.
D5: Kuqa – 139 Populus euphratica Secret Scenic Route – Desert Gate – Wensu, traverse the Populus euphratica Secret Scenic Route and feel the majesty and grandeur of the desert.
D6: Wensu – Wensu Grand Canyon – Bachu, explore the unique landform of the Wensu Grand Canyon and experience the unique charm of Bachu.
(Subsequent itinerary can be arranged according to personal time and preferences)
VI. Precautions
Climate: There is a large temperature difference in southern Xinjiang. It is recommended to bring enough warm clothing.
Health: Be cautious when traveling and avoid strenuous activities. If necessary, you can carry an oxygen cylinder.
Border Defense Permit: If you are heading to the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County area, make sure to obtain a Border Defense Permit.
Diet: Healthy eating is crucial. It is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits and maintain adequate water intake.
Respect customs: Please politely ask for permission before taking photos to avoid possible conflicts.
With the above guide, I believe you can have an unforgettable travel experience in southern Xinjiang in December. The mystery and beauty of southern Xinjiang are waiting for your exploration and discovery.