There are multiple options for travel routes from Zhengzhou to southern Xinjiang. Here is a classic route recommendation**:
Departure and Arrival:
Day 1: Starting from Zhengzhou, you can choose to fly directly to Kashgar, or follow the self-drive travel plan and pass through multiple cities before arriving in Kashgar. Upon arrival, you can feel the unique charm of this city, stroll on the lively streets, and experience the local customs and traditions.
In-depth Tour of Southern Xinjiang:
From Day 2 to Day 11: The following itinerary will cover multiple famous attractions in southern Xinjiang. Including natural landscapes such as Aytake Iceberg Park, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Glacier Park No. 4 at Mount Muztagh Ata, as well as cultural landscapes such as the Palace of Shache, Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, and Xiaodao Village. In addition, you will cross the Desert Highway, visit the核桃 Wang Tree in Hotan, and explore the ancient city of Yotgan. In Alar, you can explore the Wensu Grand Canyon; in Aksu, you can visit the Xiangfei Garden and Gaotai Residential Area. Finally, you will also visit the Red Valley in Wuqia, visit mosques, the ancient city of Kashgar, and the Kashgar Museum, etc.
Return Journey:
Day 11 or later: Set off on the return journey with full memories. You can choose to fly directly back to Zhengzhou, or follow the self-drive travel plan and return along the way, enjoying different scenery.
In addition, southern Xinjiang is rich in tourism resources, and you can choose other routes or attractions to visit according to your personal preferences and schedule. For example, you can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Loulan, visit Bosten Lake, and the Grape Valley in Turpan, etc.
When planning your itinerary, it is advisable to learn about the local weather, transportation, accommodation, and other conditions in advance, and make reasonable arrangements for your time to ensure a pleasant journey. Meanwhile, pay attention to protecting the local environment and cultural heritage, and achieve civilized tourism.