When traveling to southern Xinjiang, there are several recommended attractions and experiences:?
Firstly, Kashgar Old City is a place that cannot be missed. It is one of the largest earth-built architectural complexes in the world, combining the remnants of Han and Tang dynasties, ancient Rome, and modern Uyghur life. The labyrinthine city blocks, century-old traditional houses, and traditional customs still observed by local residents all make visitors feel like they are in an ancient and mysterious world. In addition, some scenes of the famous movie ‘The Kite Runner’ were filmed here, adding to its charm.?
Secondly, Bayanbulak Grassland is also a highlight of southern Xinjiang. This grassland has a flat terrain and abundant water and grass, making it a typical meadow grassland of grasses and one of the most important animal husbandry bases in Xinjiang. Here, you can admire the winding Kaidu River and the elegant and charming Swan Lake. The best time to visit Bayanbulak Grassland is from June to September each year, as it is colder during other times.?
Additionally, the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon is also a worthwhile attraction. It is located about 72 kilometers north of Kuqa County in Aksu Prefecture and is composed of reddish-brown mountains, locally known as Keziliya (meaning ‘red cliffs’ in Uyghur). The Grand Canyon combines grandeur, steepness, tranquility, quietness, and mystery, leaving all who visit in awe. Moreover, near the Grand Canyon, the A’ai Grottoes have been discovered, with remnants of murals inside adding to the historical and cultural heritage of the Grand Canyon.?
Of course, there are many other attractions in southern Xinjiang worth exploring, such as Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Lop Nor Village, Baisha Lake, and Panlong Ancient Road.?
Kanas Lake is famous for its beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons and its rich natural landscapes; Sayram Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountainous scenery; Lop Nor Village showcases the original lifestyle of one of the oldest ethnic groups in Xinjiang, the Lop people; Baisha Lake attracts tourists with its unique white sand and lake scenery; Panlong Ancient Road has become a popular destination for taking photos due to its winding road and magnificent scenery.?
In general, southern Xinjiang boasts rich and diverse tourism resources, with both natural scenery and cultural landscapes that captivate visitors and make them reluctant to leave. When planning your itinerary, you can choose suitable attractions to visit based on your interests and time. At the same time, you also need to pay attention to the local weather and traffic conditions to ensure a smooth trip.?