There are multiple different self-drive or group tour routes to choose from for a panoramic tour of southern Xinjiang. One classic self-drive route is as follows**:?
Departing from Urumqi:?
On the first day, depart from Urumqi and optionally pass by West Sea Bosten Lake to admire the reeds and seagulls, then spend the night in Korla or Yuli.?
Exploring the Desert Oasis:?
On the second day, head to the "Desert Oasis" Lop Nor Village to deeply experience tribal culture, then spend the night in Luntai.?
Visiting the Populus euphratica Forest:?
On the third day, depart from Luntai to visit the spectacular "Thousand-mile Populus euphratica Gallery" Luntai Populus euphratica Forest, and pass by the Tarim River, before spending the night in Kuqa.?
Danxia and Canyon:?
On the fourth day, depart from Kuqa to visit the Danxia geological wonders and Wensu Grand Canyon, then spend the night in Aksu or Alar.?
Crossing the Desert:?
On the fifth day, cross the Alar Desert Highway, known as the "Sea of Death", arrive at Yotegan Ancient City, and then spend the night in Hotan.?
Culture and History:?
On the sixth day, depart from Hotan to visit the Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, then arrive in Kashgar to obtain a permit and spend the night there.?
Plateau Scenery:?
On the seventh day, depart from Kashgar to visit the beautiful Baisha Lake, Mustag Atlas Glacier Park, and the historic Stone City Golden Grass Beach, then spend the night in Taxkorgan County.?
Challenging the Panlong Ancient Road:?
On the eighth day, depart from Taxkorgan County to challenge the winding Panlong Ancient Road. You can also visit Bandier Lake, Tree Tunnel Highway, and Kalakul Lake, before spending another night in Kashgar.?
Kashgar City Tour:?
On the ninth day, the itinerary ends in Kashgar city, where you can visit famous attractions such as the city-opening ceremony, mosques, the old town, and century-old tea houses.?
In addition, southern Xinjiang also boasts famous self-drive routes such as the Duku Highway, as well as special routes featuring ancient cities, Thousand Buddha Caves, desert highways, Populus euphratica forests, and many other elements, allowing tourists to choose based on their personal preferences and schedules.?
. For middle-aged and elderly tourists, they can also choose to join a group tour such as the "Silver Hair Special Train" to enjoy a more worry-free and comfortable travel experience.?