Traveling to southern Xinjiang is an unforgettable experience. Here are some suggestions:
The highlights of traveling in southern Xinjiang include natural scenery, ethnic culture, historical relics, and other aspects. You can enjoy vast grasslands, magnificent mountains, and also deeply experience the customs of ethnic minorities such as Uyghurs and Tajiks, explore the ancient sites of the Silk Road, and feel the profoundness of history.
In southern Xinjiang, there are many must-visit attractions. For example, wandering through the alleys of Kashgar Old City allows you to feel the charm of the ancient city; the more than 600 turns on the Dragon’s Spine Road bring excitement and fun to driving; the journey across the Taklamakan Desert lets you experience the vastness and mystery of the desert; Populus euphratica forests embody the miracle of life, turning golden in autumn, extremely spectacular; the night on the Pamir Plateau, with rivers of stars flowing, is breathtakingly beautiful.
. In addition, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, Kuqa王府 (王府 can be translated as ‘王府 Mansion’ or omitted as it’s a specific location name), and other attractions are also not to be missed.
Regarding the best travel time for southern Xinjiang, June to September is the season when the Duku Highway is open and fruits are ripe, and it is also the best period for self-driving tours in southern Xinjiang. However, it is recommended to avoid the summer vacation peak to prevent excessively high costs for flights, accommodation, and car rentals.
. April to May is the season when apricot blossoms and peach blossoms are in full bloom, short but beautiful; while October to November is the best time to view Populus euphratica forests, golden and spectacular.
In terms of transportation, Kashgar Airport has direct flights to many major cities, and you can also take the train from Urumqi to southern Xinjiang. The public transportation system in Kashgar City is developed, and taking a taxi is also very convenient.
. In terms of accommodation, the homestays within Kashgar Old City are inexpensive, and you can also closely interact with local ethnic minorities to experience the exotic atmosphere of the border region.
Apart from sightseeing, the cuisine in southern Xinjiang is also a major highlight. Grilled meat, kebab, and pit-cooked meat are delicious; main courses such as pilaf and baked stuffed buns also have unique characteristics; there are also snacks like cow head meat and sheep stomach buns, making people drool with envy.
Finally, the itinerary in southern Xinjiang can be flexibly arranged according to personal time and preferences. You can choose different itinerary plans such as a 4-day tour, 6-day tour, etc., covering the essence of attractions in Kashgar, Taxkorgan, Kuqa, and other places.
. No matter which itinerary you choose, you can find your own unique experience in southern Xinjiang.