Southern Xinjiang is a charming tourist destination in Xinjiang, attracting tourists with its unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here are some suggestions for visiting southern Xinjiang:?
Best Travel Time?
May-June: Ethnic minorities’ New Year, with colorful ethnic performances?
July-September: Fruits are ripe, and you can taste sweet and delicious local fruits?
October-November: The Populus euphratica forest enters its most beautiful season of the year, which is the best time to view it?
Recommended Travel Route?
There are diverse travel routes in southern Xinjiang, which can be chosen according to your time and preferences. Here is a recommended 10-day tour route?
D1: Arrival in Kashgar?
D2: Kashgar – Yarkand Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park – Yotgan Ancient City – Hotan?
D3: Hotan – Kunlun Heavenly Road – Kunlun Holy Place – Hotan Night Market?
D4: Hotan – Yulongkashi River – Crossing the Taklamakan Desert – Alar/Aksu?
D5: Alar/Aksu – Restan Street – Thousand Buddha Caves – Bachu/Kuche?
D6: Bachu/Kuche – Fiery Spring – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu?
D7: Aksu – Xiangfei Garden – Kashgar Old City – Kashgar?
D8: Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Muji Crater – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan County?
D9: Taxkorgan County – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandier Blue Lake – Muztagh Glacier Park – Kashgar?
D10: Return trip from Kashgar?
Must-visit Attractions?
Karakul Lake: With beautiful lake scenery, it is stunning. You can overlook the magnificent view of Muztagh Ata?
Muztagh Ata: A magnificent mountain peak that makes people feel refreshed. Although the scenic area facilities are currently not perfect, the view from afar is already breathtaking?
Panlong Ancient Road: A must-pass road in Taxkorgan County with unique scenery, suitable for skilled drivers to challenge?
Kashgar Old City: Divided into the East District and West District, the East District has an opening ceremony, Hanbazar Food Street, etc., while the West District has a Western Princess Camel Troop Performance, Oil Painting Street, etc. Every corner is a good place for photos?
Taklamakan Desert: Feel the vastness and vicissitudes of the desert. You can choose to self-drive or join a tour group to experience a different desert ambiance?
Food Recommendations?
In Kashgar Old City, you can taste naan from your grandfather’s grandfather’s father, tea and desserts from the century-old tea house, and other specialty foods?
The night market in Hotan is also a must-visit food paradise where you can taste various authentic local snacks?
Precautions?
Some scenic spots in southern Xinjiang are at high altitudes. Be cautious of altitude sickness?
There is a large temperature difference in desert areas. Bring enough water, sunscreen, and thick clothes?
Be safe while self-driving, especially when crossing deserts and mountains?
I hope these suggestions can help you plan an unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang!?