A self-guided tour in southern Xinjiang is an excellent experience for exploring natural beauty and cultural customs. The tourism routes in southern Xinjiang are diverse and can be flexibly chosen according to personal time and preferences. The recommended length of stay ranges from 5 to 9 days. Here are some specific travel suggestions and route planning:?
Firstly, the must-visit places in southern Xinjiang include Kashgar Old Town, Taxkorgan County and the Pamir Plateau, as well as Urumqi. Kashgar Old Town is compact and conveniently connected by transport, with taxi fares around 20 yuan. It blends the remnants of Han and Tang dynasties, ancient Rome, and modern Uyghur life, making it a great place to experience the local customs of southern Xinjiang.?
Taxkorgan County and the Pamir Plateau attract countless tourists with their magnificent scenery. You can choose to join a 2-day tour or travel with self-drive partners.?
In Urumqi, the sunset at Hongshan Park and the museum are must-visits, and it is also recommended to explore the city on foot or by bus.?
For tourists who want an in-depth experience of southern Xinjiang, they can choose a more comprehensive tourism route. For instance, starting from Kashgar Old Town, passing by Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Taxkorgan County, before heading to the Dragon Coiled Highway, Pandir Blue Lake, and other places, finally returning to Kashgar. This route covers multiple famous attractions in southern Xinjiang, allowing tourists to fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural charm of the region.?
Furthermore, there are some special tourism projects worth trying. For example, enjoying the lush grasslands of Bayinbuluke with its abundant water and grass, and feeling the charm of one of Xinjiang’s most important livestock bases.?
Or explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, a World Cultural Heritage site, to appreciate the historic mural art.?
For tourists who enjoy excitement, they can also challenge the Wacha Dragon Coiled Highway, known as the ‘Wrath of Tianshan’, to experience the thrill brought by the winding road.?
Before departure, it is advisable for tourists to make adequate preparations. Besides carrying necessary documents and clothing, they should also pay attention to sunscreen and prevention of altitude sickness. Meanwhile, since Xinjiang time is 2 hours later than the mainland, tourists need to adjust their biological clocks in advance.?
In addition, transportation in southern Xinjiang is relatively convenient, but the distances between some attractions are long. It is recommended that tourists reasonably arrange their itinerary to ensure a pleasant journey.?
Overall, a self-guided tour in southern Xinjiang is an unforgettable travel experience. Whether exploring the labyrinthine city blocks of Kashgar Old Town or admiring the magnificent scenery of the Pamir Plateau, tourists will find themselves reluctant to leave.?