There are multiple options for travel routes in southern Xinjiang from Urumqi. The following is a classic 10-day travel route that covers multiple essential attractions in southern Xinjiang: **
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi to begin the journey in southern Xinjiang.
Day 2: Head to Kuitun to prepare for the next part of the journey.
Day 3: Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and then proceed to Bayinbuluke. Riding horses outside the scenic area along the Duku Highway can be a more affordable experience.
Day 4: Explore Bayinbuluke Grassland and Tianshan Grand Canyon, and then head to Kuqa.
Day 5: Visit Kuqa王府 (王府 should be translated as ‘王府’ but in this context, it refers to Kuqa王府, a historical site, so it remains as is) and the historic Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to feel the historical culture of southern Xinjiang.
Day 6: Cross the Desert Highway to experience the grandeur of the Taklamakan Desert.
Day 7: Arrive in Kashgar city, and in the evening, you can stroll through the lively Kashgar Night Market and taste local cuisine.
Day 8: Head to Tashkurgan County along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to admire the magnificent scenery of the Pamir Plateau, passing through multiple natural landscapes such as the Kizil Su Glacier Park, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Mount Mushtag.
Day 9: Visit the Panlong Ancient Road, and then you can choose to return to Kashgar Old Town via the same route or continue to Datong Town and then to Yarkant. If time permits, it is recommended to stay in Kashgar Old Town for an additional two days to deeply experience the local cultural atmosphere.
Day 10: Free activities in Kashgar Old Town, ending this unforgettable journey in southern Xinjiang.
In addition, there are many other attractions and routes worth visiting in southern Xinjiang, such as the 17-day southern Xinjiang Grand Circle Route, which allows you to traverse deserts and oases and experience richer natural scenery and cultural landscapes.
. Tourists can choose a travel route that suits them based on their own time and interests.
When planning the itinerary, it is recommended to consider the best travel time. Generally, June to September is the best period for self-driving tours in southern Xinjiang. During this time, the Duku Highway is open, the road conditions are good, and you can enjoy the most beautiful natural scenery in southern Xinjiang.
. Meanwhile, tourists also need to pay attention to arranging their itinerary reasonably to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.