1. Things to Know before You Go
Have you ever seen such a land, Southern Xinjiang, while the Central Plains inscribed its solemn history upon bronze ritual vessels, Southern Xinjiang splashed the Silk Road with its most saturated hues—carved by the scorching sun of the Taklamakan Desert and the snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Plateau. Once the Western Realm echoing with camel bells of the Han and Tang dynasties, the desert winds that once carried the spices of the Silk Road now power wind turbines to illuminate distant cities.
Today, Southern Xinjiang is also staging a dialogue between heritage and modernity on the map of the "Belt and Road" initiative. Once sculpted by wind and sand, this vast land—occupying one-sixth of China's territory—now reshapes time and space amid drone-patrolled cotton fields and the Digital Silk Road. You might set out on a morning hike through apricot-blossomed valleys and probably receive a drone-delivered coffee from a tech-savvy herder. And yet, the soul-stirring poplar forests etch their unique mark upon the timeline with their tenacity and breathtaking interplay of light and shadow.
Southern Xinjiang, where tradition shakes hands with the future, which is why it attracts countless tourists all over the world every year.
2. Why is Southern Xinjiang so Special?
Geographical Location: The Crossroads of Eastern and Western Civilizations
Located in south of the Tianshan Mountains, southern Xinjiang borders six countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was a core passage of the ancient Silk Road and remains a key node for the China-Europe Railway Express today. Additionally, it boasts the world’s second-largest mobile desert, the Taklamakan Desert, the Muztagh Ata Peak (“Father of Icebergs”) in the Pamir Plateau, and Karakul Lake, thus forming a three-dimensional landscape of “desert-snow mountain-oasis”. A single journey allows you to experience diverse adventures such as desert off-roading, glacier trekking, and oasis exploration, with a geographic concentration far exceeding ordinary destinations.
Exotic Ambiance: A Living Cultural Museum
The 2,000-year-old Kashgar Old Town preserves traditional labyrinthine Uyghur streets and carved wooden window architecture, so visitors can easily immerse in its charm.
As China’s only settlement of Caucasian ethnic groups (the Tajik people), tourists can immerse themselves in rich folk activities like eagle dance performances and traditional sheep grabbing events, ultimately experiencing the unique charm of a “living fossil of Central Asian culture”.
Other immersive experiences include listening to muqam in century-old tea houses and learning to hand-make nang bread at Hotan Night Market, which may offer you a deep dive into the unique local culture.
Cuisine: The Soul of Western Regions Flavors
The shiny and fragrant hand-pulled rice, crispy and juicy roasted buns, and rich and warming casserole meat can delight your taste buds.
In addition, Xinjiang fried rice noodles, blending Guizhou-style spiciness with local techniques, have become a “taste bud bomb”-level street food.
With a feast of authentic dishes costing only CNY 30/person on average, and the “fruit freedom” here—such as pomegranates, Hami melons, and watermelons—being affordable and delicious, all these will leave you with unforgettable memories of the cuisine.
Festivals: A Fantastic Co-Play of Tradition and Modernity
During specific festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival, the dragon boat races on Kashgar’s East Lake will combine with drone performances, which will be held in the desert oasis of Moyu County each yera, all of them will provide you spectacular visual experiences.
In addition, the bustling bazaar together with the city-wide singing and dancing performances during the Eid al-Adha(古尔邦节 ) leave an indelible mark in your memory, which enables you to fully soak in the sparks of multicultural collision (such as intangible cultural heritage markets + electronic music festivals).
3. The Tangible Benefits Bring to Tourists
Natural Landscapes
The region in Southern Xinjiang boasts diverse natural wonders: the Tianshan Mountains, Taklamakan Desert, and Tarim River. By late spring, grasslands turn emerald, wildflowers bloom, rivers flow freely, and lakes shimmer with clarity. Visitors witness majestic snow-capped peaks, vast deserts, lush pastures, and pristine azure skies—immersing in nature’s grandeur.
Historical & Cultural Riches
As a cradle of Xinjiang’s history, Southern Xinjiang preserves ancient relics like the Loulan Ruins(楼兰古城), Ruins of Jiaohe(交河故城), and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves(孜尔千佛洞). These sites offer serene, awe-inspiring encounters with millennia-old civilizations, which may deepen your understanding of the region’s heritage.
Ethnic Traditions
Regarded as the home to Uyghur, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and other ethnic groups, Southern Xinjiang celebrates vibrant festivals during this season. You can witness Eid al-Fitr (Uyghur), Nowruz (Kyrgyz), and other festivities. When you appreciate the dynamic folk dances, music, and enjoy the culinary delights like hand-pulled laghman and fragrant pilaf, you are more likely to be captivated in the rich cultural tapestry.
Cost Advantages
May to September is the off season for tourism in Southern Xinjiang. Accommodations, dining, and transportation costs drop significantly. The first-time visitors may enjoy high-quality services at reduced rates, which in turn to optimize your budget without compromising experiences.
4. How to Get to Southern Xinjiang
Air Travel (Fastest Option)
Direct Domestic Flights (Kashi (KHG) Airport): It Offers direct flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanjing.
New Routes: Aksu Airport now operates direct flights to 18 cities (e.g., Chongqing, Xi'an, Zhengzhou) during the summer-autumn season.Also, Hami Airport has offerred 13 new destinations outside Xinjiang (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).
Transit Options: Connect via Ürümqi (2-hour flight to major Southern Xinjiang cities).
Alternative hubs: Xi'an or Chengdu.
Train (Economical & In-Depth)
Main Routes(Ürümqi → Kashi): Direct trains (12–24 hours), passing through Korla, Kuqa, and Akso.
Special Trains:The "Silver-Hair Special Tourist Train" from Changsha traverses the Taklamakan Desert loop (via Qinghai-Tibet, Golmud-Korla, and Hotan-Ruoqiang railways), linking key sights across Xinjiang.
Self-Drive/Chartered Car (Flexible)
Entry Highways: Traditional route: G30 Expressway; Northern shortcut(Beijing-Ürümqi Expressway) for shortens distance by 1,300 km.
Scenic Drives: Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway (open June–Oct), Taxkorgan Valley Road (Tashkurgan–Sariqol), and the winding Panlong Ancient Road.
Charter Services: CNY 600–900/day for 5-seat SUV (off-peak); CNY 1,500+/day (peak season), so it is recommended the local drivers who are familiar with terrain.
Flexible option: Rent in Ürümqi/Kashi with cross-city drop-off.
Long-Distance Bus (Immersive Experience)
Key Routes: Ürümqi → Kashi (≈18 hours).
Best for: Budget travelers seeking cultural immersion in route.
Efficient Itinerary Design
"Fly + Chartered Car": Fly into Kashi/Aksu, then charter regionally.
Train transfer: Use overnight train + next-day tour to save time
5. Highlights of Southern Xinjiang
5.1 Ancient Cities & Historical Relics
Kashgar Old Town 喀什古城
Features: World's largest surviving raw-earth architecture complex with warren-like alleys preserving millennial Silk Road charm. Daily opening ceremony (eagle flute + drum performances), folk singing at Century-Old Teahouse, live artisan demonstrations in copper/carpet bazaars.
Must-See: Id Kah Mosque (Xinjiang's largest Islamic sanctuary) and Gaotai Residence night views (cliffside illuminated "castle").
Night market specialties: Roasted pigeon, yogurt-glazed rice dumplings.
Tashkurgan Stone Fortress 塔县石头城遗址
Features: Tang Dynasty military outpost on the Pamir Plateau, traversed by monk Xuanzang. Sunrise over ruins against the Muztagh Ata peak creates dramatic interplay of light and shadow.
Kizil Caves 克孜尔石窟
Features: China's earliest Buddhist grottoes (3rd century AD), housing 10,000㎡ of murals blending Hellenistic and Gandharan artistic styles.
5.2 Alpine Wonders & Glacial Lakes
Pamir Plateau (Tashkurgan County) 帕米尔高原（塔什库尔干县）
Key Landscapes: Muztagh Ata (7,546m) with "Father of Glaciers", you can hike in No. 4 Glacier.
Karakul Lake: Mirror lake perfectly reflecting Muztagh Ata; horseback riding in Kyrgyz pastures.
White Sand Lake: Turquoise waters framed by silver dunes; prime viewing spot along G314 Highway.
Tianshan Grand Canyon (Kuqa) 天山神秘大峡谷（库车）
Features: 5-km labyrinth of rust-red Danxia formations sculpted by water erosion over millennia, hiding Tang Dynasty Buddhist caves with murals.
5.3 Desert Adventures & Ecological Corridors
Taklamakan Desert Experiences 塔克拉玛干沙漠体验
N39° Desert Base (Makit County): Professional off-road site offering camel rides, sandboarding, stargazing campsites; venue for China Rally Championship.
Desert Highways with Luntai-Minqin (522km): World's longest road crossing shifting sands, flanked by drip-irrigated greenery.
Yuli-Qiemo (Tarim River route): You can witness poplar forests thriving among dunes.
Lop Village (Yuli County) 罗布人村寨（尉犁县）
Features: Last fishing tribe of Lop Nor, where is the confluence of Tarim River, desert, and poplar forests, and you can experience dugout canoe fishing.
Tarim Poplar Forest Park (Luntai) 塔里木胡杨林公园（轮台）
Best Season: Late October–early November for gold-leafed poplars against desert light.
5.4 Wetlands & Agrarian Heritage
Bosten Lake (Bohu County) 博斯腾湖（博湖县）
Highlights: As China's largest freshwater inland lake, you can witness the bird migrations in June and take part in the "West Sea's Largest Pot" fish banquet, also the Golden Sand Beach rivals seaside resorts.
Karez Canals (Turpan-Hami corridor) 坎儿井
Features: Hailed as the ancient underground irrigation marvel, you can explore well shafts + tunnels, which showcase the oasis farming ingenuity.
5.5 Seasonal Spectacles
Tashkurgan Apricot Blossoms (March–April) 塔县杏花沟（3-4月）
Wild century-old trees bloom across Pamir valleys, which contrasts with Tajik villages.
Shaya Poplar Avenue (October–November) 沙雅139胡杨秘境公路（10-11月）
Photogenic backroad tracing Tarim River's south bank, which is lined with secluded poplar groves.
6. Recommended Itineraries for Exploring Southern Xinjiang
6.1 Short Essence Itineraries (7-10 Days)
Route 1: Pamir Cultural Loop (7 Days)
Itinerary: Kashgar → White Sand Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan County (Stone City/Panlong Ancient Road) → Shache → Hotan → Desert Highway → Return to Kashgar
Highlights:
Kashgar Old Town Opening Ceremony + Muqam performance in century-old tea houses
Taking photos along the 75-km winding Panlong Ancient Road
Experiencing roasted eggs and Kumaiqi nang pit meat at Hotan Night Market
Suitable for: First-time visitors with tight schedules
Route 2: Populus Euphratica Secret Realm Deep Tour (8 Days)
Itinerary: Korla → Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest Park → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Alar → Desert Highway → Hotan → Kashgar
Best Season: Late October – Early November (golden period of populus euphratica)
Core Experiences:
Riding a retro small train through the golden forest in Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest
Off-roading and sand dune bashing at N39° Base on the Tarim Desert Highway
6.2 Classic Grand Loop (9-15 Days)
Route: Southern Xinjiang Panorama + Pamirs Plateau Crossing
Itinerary:
Kashgar (2 days) →Pamir Plateau (Taxkorgan County for 3 days: Muztagh Glacier/White Sand Lake) →Shache (Yarkand Khan Palace, 1 day) →Hotan (jade hunting at Yulong Kashgar River) →Minfeng → Crossing Taklamakan Desert Highway (1 day) →Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest (1 day) →Kuqa (canyons/palace) → Aksu → Return to Kashgar
Core Highlights:
Light trekking at Muztagh No. 4 Glacier in the Pamirs Plateau
Taking photos along the full 522-km Desert Highway (Luntai-Minfeng section)
"One-Line Sky" wonder at Kuqa Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
Tips: Rent an SUV in Kashgar (≈CNY 900/day) for flexible segmented self-driving
6.3 Theme-Specific Itineraries
Silver-Haired Special Train Tour (19 Days)
Itinerary: Changsha → Qinghai Lake → Golmud-Korla Railway → Taklamakan Desert-ring Railway → Kashgar → Duku Highway → Urumqi
Features:
Panoramic experience of the world’s first desert-ring railway (Qinghai-Tibet + Golmud-Korla + Hotan-Ruoqiang Railways)
Full-course sleeper train + local off-road transfers to reduce fatigue
Photography Enthusiasts Itinerary (10 Days)
Focus Points:
Kashgar Old Town (night views of Gaotai Folk Houses + Zhiren Bazaar cultural documentary)
Pamir River Valley (centuries-old wild apricot blossoms in March-April + Tajik villages)
Shaya 139 Populus Euphratica Highway (less-crowded populus area)
Seasonal Reference: Best in May-June/September-October; to exercise caution in July-August (desert temperatures exceed 40℃)
Transportation Mix:
Preferred: Fly to Kashgar + local chartered car (SUV off-season CNY 600-900/day)
Train option: "Overnight" schedules (e.g., Urumqi-Kashgar, saving accommodation costs)
7. What to See and Eat in Southern Xinjiang
7.1 Cultural Banquet
Kashgar Old Town Immersion
Opening Ceremony: Daily at 10:30 AM at the East Gate, featuring eagle-bone flutes and hand drums awakening the ancient Silk Road spirit.
Century-Old Teahouse: Sip Uyghur rose tea on the terrace, savor walnut naan while listening to live Muqam performances.
Artisan Workshops: Watch copper smiths craft teapots in Copper Lane or commission handmade Yengisar knives.
Ethnic Festivities & Arts
Tajik Wedding: Witness eagle dances and buzkashi (goat-grabbing ritual) on the Pamir Plateau (Local guide required for access).
Dolan Maixirepu: Raw, rhythmic dances in Makit County—a UNESCO intangible heritage.
Shache Twelve Muqam: Immersive show "Encounter Kashgar", reviving Silk Road musical traditions.
7.2 Natural Wonders
Pamir Plateau Secrets
Muztagh Ata Glacier Trek: Touch the ice tongue of Glacier No. 4 at 4,600m; photograph ethereal blue ice caves.
White Sand Lake Mirage: Capture silver dunes mirrored in turquoise waters along G314 Highway, glittering under midday sun.
Panlong Ancient Road: Drone over 75km of hairpin bends; summit viewpoint frames the iconic sign "All Winding Roads Conquered Today".
Desert & Poplar Romance
N39° Desert Adventure in Makit County: Camel rides over crescent dunes or adrenaline-pumping dune bashing.
Golden Poplar Spectacle
Ride vintage trains through Tarim Poplar Forest (Late October–early November).
Drive Shaya Highway 139 for crowd-free shots of poplars embracing the Tarim River.
7.3 Culinary Adventures
Night Market Delights
Hotan Night Bazaar: Roasted eggs with molten yolks + cumin, also paired with yogurt-zongzi.
Kashgar Han Bazaar: Lamb skewers from "Blue Ram" stall + honey kvass; please don’t miss grilled pigeon.
Local Specialties
Kuqa Baked Buns: Flaky lamb pastries at Alim Dumpling House, served with herbal-infused tea.
Tashkurgan Yak Hotpot: Fresh highland slices in fiery broth, perfect for chilly nights.
7.4 Seasonal Highlights
Eid al-Adha in June: Thousand-strong Sama dance at Kashgar’s Tuancheng Square, helicopter tours over Bachu Red Sea or Shaya Desert Rally.
Pamir Apricot Blossoms (Mar–Apr): Sip milk tea with Tajik elders under century-old trees in Tarr Village.
October Poplar Photography: Capture camel caravans in dawn mist at Luntai Poplar Forest.
8. Best Time to Go
The best times to visit southern Xinjiang are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October).
Spring (March-May)
In spring, southern Xinjiang bursts with blooming apricot, peach, and pomegranate flowers, making it the perfect season for flower viewing and photography. Apricot blossoms in the Pamir Plateau are in full bloom, while the Taklamakan Desert experiences milder temperatures and fewer crowds, which is ideal for photography enthusiasts and cultural lovers. Additionally, spring brings less wind and sand in southern Xinjiang, making it suitable for outdoor activities and exploration.
Autumn (September-October)
Autumn paints southern Xinjiang in golden hues with stunning populus euphratica forests. From late September to mid-October, the populus euphratica forests in southern Xinjiang reach their best viewing period, with the golden forests along the Tarim River basin offering magnificent scenery under cool weather, perfect for outdoor activities and photography. Moreover, autumn is the fruit harvest season, so visitors can savor a variety of fresh fruits and enjoy the unique experience.
9. Useful Travel Tips
Climate & Attire
June-August Heat Alert: Desert temperatures exceed 40°C and the ultraviolet (UV) intensity is 2.3 times the national average, so it is required to prepare SPF 50+ sunscreen + physical protection (long sleeves/face covering).
Diurnal Temperature Swings: Pamir Plateau (3,000m+): Night temperatures plummet—please pack windbreakers/light down jackets.
Kashgar areas: Summer wear for daytime + jackets for mornings/evenings.
Comments & Navigation
Signal Coverage: Sometimes, desert highways and Pamir zones (e.g., Tashkurgan-Shache Ancient Road) lack signal in certain areas, thus the preparation for downloading Baidu Maps offline for emergency is necessary.
Payment Preparation: 98% merchants accept mobile payments, but cash is necessity in pastures/desert camps.
Transport & Safety (Private Car Hire)
Off-season: CNY 600-900/day (5-seat SUV);
Peak season: CNY 1,500+, so you need to take priority to the local drivers (expertise in sandstorms/frozen roads) .
10. The Possible Benefits of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour
Assisting you to enjoy a time-saving and convenient visit in Southern Xinjiang, we highly recommend you travel with us Yes! CN Tour.
Guided tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places you visit.Therefore, joining a guided tour offers a hassle-free, enriching, and socially engaging way to explore the world. It’s an excellent choice for those who value convenience, expert insights, and the camaraderie of group travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, a guided tour can provide a memorable and rewarding experience.
What's more, our local experienced drivers will serve you wholeheartedly from the beginning you arrive in the airport of tourism destinations to the last moment you want to leave, we focus on each detail and make tailor-made itineraries based on your group size, physical conditions and budgets. What you need to do is to concentrate on the highlights in the scenic spots.
Most importantly, traveling with a group and a professional guide can provide an added sense of security, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations, our tour guides are well-prepared to handle emergencies, and being part of a group reduces the risks associated with solo travel, so please don't hesitate to contact with us to create a more unforgettable journey.
