The recommended 13-day itinerary for southern Xinjiang is as follows:
Day 1: Arrive in Kashgar, process the border defense certificate, and visit Xiangfei Garden to feel the initial charm of southern Xinjiang.
Day 2: Take an in-depth tour of the ancient city of Kashgar and immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere.
On this day, you can also choose to visit the ancient city of Kashgar, Id Kah Mosque, and other landmark attractions.
Day 3: Head to Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, enjoying natural beauties such as Red Canyon and Baisha Lake on the way.
On this day, you can also visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and others.
Day 4: Visit the Pamir Tourism Zone in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County and challenge the famous Dragon Coiled Highway.
Day 5: Return to Kashgar, with the option to visit the Muji Volcano on the way.
Or choose to visit Yarkand to explore the Yarkand Khan Tomb.
Day 6: Depending on the choices made the previous day, you can either continue your journey in Yarkand or head to Hotan to visit the Golden Lake Populus euphratica National Forest Park.
Day 7: Cross the desert highway to experience the unique desert scenery and arrive in Aral.
On this day, you can also choose to visit the Luantai Populus euphratica Forest.
Day 8: Depending on the itinerary, you can either continue exploring Hotan or head to Kuqa to explore the 139-kilometer-long Populus euphratica scenic self-driving road.
Day 9: Visit the Kuqa Grand Canyon to feel the magnificent workmanship of nature and the profoundness of history.
Day 10: Head to Aksu to explore the Wensu Tomur Grand Canyon and admire the magnificent scenery of nature.
Or choose to visit the Tomur Grand Canyon and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
Day 11: Depending on the choices made in the previous days, you can either continue exploring Aksu or return to Kashgar to experience the charm of the ancient city of Kashgar again.
On this day, you can also choose to visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a prince’s mansion) and Kuqa Grand Mosque.
Day 12: Head to Bosten Lake to enjoy the lake scenery and mountains, then return to Urumqi to conclude your journey in southern Xinjiang with a perfect ending.
Or choose to visit the Bag Cloth Alley, Camel Performance Troupe, and other unique attractions in Kashgar.
Day 13: End your pleasant journey in southern Xinjiang in Urumqi, with a private car transfer to the airport/station, bidding farewell to this beautiful land.
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions and unique experiences in southern Xinjiang, but the specific itinerary can be adjusted appropriately according to personal interests and time.