The September travel guide to southern Xinjiang mainly includes itinerary planning, must-visit attractions, and practical tips.
1. Itinerary Planning
The travel itinerary for southern Xinjiang in September can be arranged to be both rich and compact. Here is a recommended 9-day, 8-night exploration guide to southern Xinjiang.
D1: Urumqi Airport Pickup
D2: Urumqi – North-South Xinjiang Boundary Gangou Canyon – Lop Nur Village – Korla
D3: Korla – Tarim Populus euphratica Forest Park – Kuqa Palace – Kuqa
D4: Kuqa – Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon – 359th Brigade Culture – Alar
D5: Alar – Taklamakan Desert Highway – Hotan Night Market – Hotan
D6: Hotan – Yingjisha Pottery Village – Kashi Old Town – Old Town Photo Session – Kashi
D7: Kashi – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan County
D8: Tashkurgan County – Golden Grass Beach and Stone City – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandir Blue Lake – Tahman Wetland – Tree Hole Highway – Kashi
D9: Kashi – Airport/Train Station Transfer
In addition, you can also choose a longer 16-day Grand Circle tour itinerary that covers multiple famous attractions in both southern and northern Xinjiang.
2. Must-visit Attractions
Southern Xinjiang has many desirable attractions, and here are some must-visit places.
Kashi Old Town: Experience the rich Western Regions atmosphere, stroll through the old streets, and experience a unique cultural atmosphere.
Baisha Lake: Appreciate the unique scenery of half desert and half lake, and feel the awe-inspiring workmanship of nature.
Karakul Lake: Snow-capped mountains reflected in the azure lake water create a breathtaking view, making it a paradise for photographers.
Golden Grass Beach and Stone City: The golden grass beach below the Stone City has a unique charm, a perfect combination of history and nature.
Panlong Ancient Road: With 600 S-bends, it challenges driving skills while also offering stunning scenery to admire.
Populus euphratica Forest: In autumn, the Populus euphratica forest turns golden, and one cannot fully appreciate the grandeur of Xinjiang’s scenery without seeing it.
Sayram Lake: Known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains, blue sky, and white clouds, creating a breathtaking beauty.
3. Practical Tips
Best travel time: September is autumn in Xinjiang, with warm but not scorching weather, especially suitable for traveling to highland areas. The daytime temperature is around 20°C, and it cools down slightly at night. It is recommended to wear lightweight autumn clothing.
Self-drive tour: A self-drive tour of southern Xinjiang is more flexible and convenient, allowing you to stop anytime to admire the beautiful scenery along the way. If you feel lonely traveling alone, you can choose to travel with companions.
Local cuisine: During your trip to southern Xinjiang, don’t forget to try the local cuisine, such as roasted whole sheep and hand-grabbed rice, to experience the rich ethnic flavor.
Safety first: The terrain in southern Xinjiang is complex, and some road sections may be steep. Be sure to pay attention to safety when driving. At the same time, also be mindful of local customs and traditions, and respect the local cultural heritage.
I hope this September travel guide to southern Xinjiang can provide useful reference for your trip.