From the perspective of traveling to southern Xinjiang, here are some key information and suggestions:?
The main attractions and routes for traveling in southern Xinjiang include the natural and cultural landscapes of Urumqi, Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, Kashi, and other places. There are various recommended routes to choose from based on personal interests and time arrangements.?
Southern Xinjiang, the southern part of Xinjiang, encompasses the Tarim Basin, the Xinjiang section of the Kunlun Mountains, and the Turpan Basin. The climate here is dry, and it is home to China’s largest desert, the Taklamakan Desert. Southern Xinjiang has been a multi-ethnic region since ancient times, with the arts and colorful customs of Han, Uyghur, Tajik, Kirgiz, and other ethnic groups forming a cultural landscape with strong ethnic characteristics. The tourist attractions in southern Xinjiang are mainly divided into three categories: desert and snow-capped mountains, ethnic customs (Uyghur, Tajik), and ancient Silk Road sites.?
For a specific travel route, you can choose the Grand Southern Xinjiang Loop, which mainly passes through cities such as Urumqi, Korla, Yuli County, Luntai, Kuqa, Aksu, Kashi, Tashkurgan, Hotan, Zepu, and Minfeng. This route offers a comprehensive experience of the natural and cultural landscapes of southern Xinjiang.?
Furthermore, you can choose specific itineraries such as an 8-day or 10-day tour of southern Xinjiang, which usually cover popular attractions like Kashi Old Town, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Panlong Ancient Road, and the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan.?
Regarding the best time to visit, southern Xinjiang offers scenic views throughout the four seasons, but different seasons are suitable for viewing different attractions. For example, March to April is ideal for enjoying the romantic apricot blossoms, May to June for the lonely smoke rising from the desert, July to September for the fruit feast, October to November for the golden autumn Hu Yang forest, and December to February for taking photos in Kashi Old Town.?
In terms of travel preparations, note that the weather in southern Xinjiang changes rapidly, so it is advisable to bring an umbrella and sunscreen items. Additionally, since the distances between attractions in southern Xinjiang can be far, stomach medicine and motion sickness pills are also necessary. Furthermore, depending on the season, bring appropriate clothing, such as thicker clothes or windbreakers.?
In general, traveling in southern Xinjiang is an unforgettable experience, with both natural and cultural landscapes worth exploring. When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to choose suitable routes and attractions based on personal interests and time arrangements, and make adequate preparations for the trip.?