The travel guide for southern Xinjiang mainly includes aspects such as transportation, itinerary planning, scenic spot recommendations, culinary experiences, and precautions.
I. Transportation
Airplane: Flying directly from Urumqi to Kashgar Airport is a convenient option for quickly arriving in southern Xinjiang, suitable for tourists with shorter vacations or who prioritize travel efficiency.
Train: Taking the train from Urumqi to southern Xinjiang, with Kashgar as the final destination, although time-consuming, offers spectacular scenery along the way, suitable for tourists who enjoy slowly admiring the beauty.
Chartered/Shared Car: Southern Xinjiang has numerous scenic spots, and traveling by chartered or shared car is convenient, allowing for flexible itinerary arrangements and is relatively easier than self-driving.
II. Itinerary Planning
Recommended Itinerary: A 6-day southern Xinjiang loop, starting from Urumqi and ending in Kashgar, with opportunities to explore glaciers, stroll through Kashgar Old Town, and admire the scenery of the Pamir Plateau.
Another Option: A 7-day in-depth tour of southern Xinjiang, starting from Urumqi and passing through places like Korla, ultimately arriving in Kashgar, to deeply experience the natural scenery and cultural customs of southern Xinjiang.
III. Scenic Spot Recommendations
Kashgar Old Town: With intricate streets and alleys, and buildings at various heights, it is an excellent place to experience the exotic charm of southern Xinjiang.
White Sand Lake: The lake water appears uniquely blue against the backdrop of the sky, white sand, and snowy mountains, ideal for photography.
Karakul Lake: A “black” lake that may provide a shocking visual experience when first entering the plateau.
Zonglong Ancient Road: The dark asphalt road resembles a coiled dragon, perfect for taking photos and checking in.
Other scenic spots: Stone City Golden Grass Beach, Bandir Blue Lake, Glacier Park, etc., each have their unique characteristics and are worth visiting.
Kashgar Night Market: The Uyghur-style
Hotan Night Market: Rich in culinary delights, it gathers various ethnic minority cuisines and locally unique fruits, melons, grilled fish, etc.
V. Precautions
Altitude sickness: Taxkorgan County and the Pamir Plateau are at high altitudes, and altitude sickness may occur. It is recommended to prepare oxygen tanks in advance.
Border Defense Permit: To visit border areas such as Taxkorgan County, you must obtain a Border Defense Permit.
Respect local customs: In various regions of southern Xinjiang, it is necessary to respect local customs and religious practices.
In summary, the travel guide for southern Xinjiang covers various aspects such as transportation, itinerary planning, scenic spot recommendations, culinary experiences, and precautions. We hope it provides useful references for your journey to southern Xinjiang.