There are many great places to visit in Southern Xinjiang. Here are some recommended attractions:
1. Kashgar Old City:
Kashgar Old City is one of the landmark attractions in Southern Xinjiang, with unique architectural styles and rich historical culture. You can start your visit from the East Gate, feel the commercial atmosphere of the ancient city, and watch the opening ceremony. The high-platform residences, rainbow staircase, and hanging gardens within the ancient city are all great places for taking photos.
In addition, the cuisine in the ancient city should not be missed, such as baked stuffed buns and meat cooked in a缸子 (a traditional cooking vessel), which will satisfy your taste buds.
2. Panlong Ancient Road:
Panlong Ancient Road is famous for its winding and spiraling shape and is known as a paradise for self-drive enthusiasts. This ancient road has over 600 S-bends, which are both a challenge and a delight for self-driving. The scenery along the way is magnificent, and viewpoints such as Long Huitou and Shuixiu are excellent spots for taking photos.
3. Baisha Lake:
Baisha Lake is famous for its clear lake water and beautiful surrounding natural scenery. The color of the lake water changes with the seasons, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking view. It is recommended to take photos on the north shore heading towards the Muji Volcano, where you can capture wetlands, lawns, lake water, and distant mountains.
4. Wensu Grand Canyon:
Wensu Grand Canyon attracts tourists with its unique landforms and magnificent scenery. You can drive through the canyon yourself and experience a shocking visual experience. The wooden walkway from Valley 4 to Valley 3 is the highlight, perfect for taking photos, and you can also see snow-capped mountains.
5. Tarim Populus euphratica Forest:
Tarim Populus euphratica Forest is one of the most representative Populus euphratica forests in Xinjiang. Whether in terms of area or quantity, it is the best in the Tarim River basin. Riding in a shuttle bus through the Populus euphratica forest is like walking through a golden jungle, feeling the passage of time and the charm of nature.
6. 139 Secret Populus euphratica Highway:
This 139-kilometer-long highway connects the most beautiful scenery along the Tarim River and is known as the ‘Golden Corridor’. The highway runs along the south bank of the Tarim River in Xayar County and is the main distribution area of Populus euphratica forests in the county. Here, you can feel the desolation and vicissitudes of the Taklamakan Desert, the wildness and romance of the Tarim River, as well as the brilliance and affection of 4 million mu (about 666,667 hectares) of Populus euphratica forests.
In addition, Southern Xinjiang boasts numerous scenic spots worth visiting, such as Mount Mushtag, the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, and the Red Stone Forest in Kazil in Bachu County. Whether you prefer natural scenery or historical culture, Southern Xinjiang can fulfill your travel needs.