The main attractions and itinerary for tourism in southern Xinjiang include the Old Town of Kashgar, Panlong Gully (Pánlóng Gǔdào), Taklamakan Desert, Populus euphratica Forest, Pamir Plateau, etc., with a recommended itinerary duration of 8 to 10 days.
Southern Xinjiang refers to the southern part of Xinjiang, encompassing the Tarim Basin, the Xinjiang section of the Kunlun Mountains, and the Turpan Basin. It boasts diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural history. Here are the main attractions recommended for tourism in southern Xinjiang:
Old Town of Kashgar: China’s ‘most exotic’ ancient city, where you can stroll through the alleys and feel the historical charm of the ancient city.
Panlong Gully (Pánlóng Gǔdào): China’s most artistically designed highway with over 600 curves, offering a thrilling driving experience.
Taklamakan Desert: The world’s second-largest shifting desert, where you can cross the desert and feel its magnificent scenery.
Populus euphratica Forest: Experience the miracle of life described in textbooks and admire the resilience and beauty of Populus euphratica trees.
Pamir Plateau: The southern route of the ancient Silk Road, where you can witness the flowing starry river at night and explore attractions such as Karakul Lake, a plateau lake.
In addition, southern Xinjiang has numerous attractions worth visiting, such as the Lop Nur Village, the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, the Wensu Grand Canyon, Baisha Lake, and Mount Muztagata.
For itinerary planning, you can choose an in-depth tour lasting from 8 to 10 days. For example, you can depart from Urumqi, passing through Korla, Yuli County, Luntai, Kuqa, Aksu, and other places, ultimately arriving in Kashgar, and then visiting nearby attractions such as Taxkorgan County and the盘龙 Gully (Pánlóng Gǔdào). Alternatively, you can start and end your tour in Kashgar, taking a circular route to experience the diverse scenery of southern Xinjiang.
In terms of transportation, Kashgar Airport offers direct flights to multiple domestic metropolises, and you can also take a train from Urumqi to southern Xinjiang. Within southern Xinjiang, Kashgar has a developed public transportation system, and taking a taxi is also very convenient.
For accommodation, you can choose to stay in a homestay within the Old Town of Kashgar to experience the exotic atmosphere of the border area, or you can choose different types of accommodation such as hotels, homestays, or youth hostels in downtown Kashgar.
In short, southern Xinjiang is a charming tourist destination worth exploring for its natural landscapes and cultural history.