Visiting southern Xinjiang, you can experience rich natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. Here are some specific recommendations:?
Must-Visit Attractions?
Kashgar Old Town: The human touch here is strong, as if you can smell the warmth in the local customs. It is the best choice for experiencing Xinjiang culture?
Baisha Lake: When the weather is clear, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky on the water. It is serene and beautiful, making it an excellent spot for photos?
Mount Muztagh Ata: Known as the ‘Father of Glaciers’, it is one of the most enchanting sights on the Pamir Plateau, vast and magnificent?
Taklamakan Desert: China’s largest desert, resembling a sea of gold. Crossing the desert is a memorable experience?
Panlong Ancient Road: A road with 600 S-shaped curves, symbolizing ‘today I have traveled all the detours in life, from now on life will be smooth sailing’. The driving experience is full of passion?
Transportation Guide?
Kashgar Airport: It offers direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Jinan, Zhengzhou, and other cities, providing convenient transportation?
Train: You can take a train from Urumqi to southern Xinjiang. Kashgar has two train stations: Kashgar Station and Shule Station?
Urban Transportation: Kashgar’s public transportation system is developed, and taking taxis is also convenient. The bus fare is 1 to 2 yuan?
Lodging Tips?
Kashgar Old Town: You can choose local B&Bs. They are inexpensive and allow you to interact closely with local ethnic minorities, experiencing the exotic charm of the borderland?
Downtown Kashgar: There are many hotels, B&Bs, and youth hostels. You can choose according to your needs?
Recommended Travel Routes?
4-Day Mystical Kashgar Tour: This includes classic attractions such as Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake, Glacier Park, and Panlong Ancient Road, suitable for tourists who want an in-depth experience of southern Xinjiang’s scenery?
10-Day Southern Xinjiang Self-Drive Highlight Route: Starting from Urumqi, this route passes through Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Bayanbulak Grassland, Taklamakan Desert, Kashgar Old Town, and other places, offering a comprehensive exploration of southern Xinjiang?
Precautions?
Plateau Weather: Some attractions in southern Xinjiang are at high altitudes with rapidly changing weather. Be sure to stay warm and prevent altitude sickness?
Shopping and Photography: When shopping at Kashgar Grand Bazaar, don’t go overboard with buying; control yourself. And be mindful not to take photos casually at religious places such as mosques?
Border Defense Certificate: If you plan to visit border areas such as Taxkorgan County, remember to apply for a Border Defense Certificate at Kashgar International Self-Drive Car and Landlord Center?
I hope this travel guide for southern Xinjiang can help you and wish you a pleasant journey!?