Traveling in southern Xinjiang is an excellent experience for exploring nature and culture. Southern Xinjiang, namely the southern part of Xinjiang, encompasses the Tarim Basin, the Kunlun Mountains (Xinjiang section), and Turpan Basin. It is suitable for tourism throughout the year, with summer and autumn being the best seasons.
In southern Xinjiang, you can experience the unique geographical features of the Eurasian hinterland, where the climate is dry throughout the year and is home to China’s largest desert, the Taklamakan Desert.
The tourist attractions in southern Xinjiang are diverse, encompassing magnificent natural scenery such as Bosten Lake, Taklamakan Desert, and Populus euphratica Forest Park.
It also has historical and culturally rich landscapes such as Kashgar Old Town, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, and Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a prince’s residence, here specifically the residence of a historical figure in Kuqa).
For tourists who enjoy self-drive tours, southern Xinjiang offers multiple exciting self-drive routes. You can choose to depart from Urumqi, passing by Bosten Lake, Korla, Lop Nur Village, and other places, to feel the harmony of deserts, lakes, and oases.
Alternatively, you can choose to visit Kashgar Old Town to deeply experience the local customs and traditions of the Uyghurs and taste local delicacies such as baked stuffed buns and meat cooked in a缸子 (a traditional cooking vessel).
Furthermore, southern Xinjiang boasts many other attractions worth visiting, such as Wensu Grand Canyon, Panlong Ancient Road, and Baisha Lake.
The self-drive adventure through Wensu Grand Canyon is breathtaking, with the winding Panlong Ancient Road resembling a majestic dragon, while the clear waters of Baisha Lake reflect the blue sky, white clouds, and snowy mountains, creating a scene of great beauty.
In general, traveling in southern Xinjiang not only allows you to experience the grandeur and mystery of nature but also provides deep insights into the culture and lifestyle of ethnic minorities such as the Uyghurs. Whether you prefer natural scenery or cultural history, southern Xinjiang can fulfill your travel needs and bring you a memorable travel experience.