There are multiple options for travel routes from Chengdu to southern Xinjiang. Below is a classic self-driving route with some reference suggestions for transportation and accommodation.?
Chengdu to southern Xinjiang self-driving route:?
Departure and first destination:?
Starting from Chengdu, the first destination can be Ruoergai, with overnight stays in Xiahe. If time allows, you can enjoy the natural scenery of Ruoergai.?
Heading to Xining and Qinghai Lake:?
Starting from Xiahe, proceed to Xining and stay overnight there. The next day, you can visit Qinghai Lake and experience the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lake.?
Crossing into Xinjiang:?
After passing Qinghai Lake, continue forward to Delingha and then Huatugou. This road segment is relatively long and can be divided into two days of travel, with overnight stays at Wusute Water Yadan. Afterward, cross the Altun Mountains to officially enter Ruoqiang, Xinjiang.?
Journey in southern Xinjiang:?
Starting from Ruoqiang, you can pass through the Lop Nur People’s Village and spend the night in Korla. Then proceed to Kuqa to visit the Hu Yanglin Forest Park and the Taklamakan Desert, and stay overnight in Kuqa.?
. Afterward, you can proceed to the Kashgar region, an important node in southern Xinjiang, to experience the local humanistic charm.?
Exploring around Kashgar:?
Starting from Kashgar, you can head to Taxkorgan County to visit the scenery of the Pamir Plateau, Baisha Lake, Muji Crater, and other attractions. Afterward, return to Kashgar for rest or continue exploring other attractions such as Gaotai Residential Area and Fabric Market.?
Return trip or continue exploring:?
Depending on time and interests, you can choose to fly back to Chengdu from Kashgar to end the trip, or continue exploring other areas of southern Xinjiang, such as Alar City and Yutian County.?
Transportation and accommodation suggestions:?
Transportation: For self-driving tours, be prepared with sufficient vehicle maintenance and driving knowledge to ensure driving safety. Some road segments may be relatively remote, so it is necessary to plan the route and fuel stops in advance. At the same time, you can also consider using public transportation such as trains on some road segments to reduce the driving burden.?
Accommodation: Book accommodation in advance according to the itinerary, and you can choose different types of accommodation such as youth hostels and hotels. In southern Xinjiang, some accommodations may be relatively simple, but the prices are relatively affordable. At the same time, you can also consider looking for homestays or family inns locally to experience a more authentic local life.?
This route covers multiple important attractions and unique landscapes in southern Xinjiang, but the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, be sure to pay attention to safety and environmental protection, and respect local customs and cultural traditions.?