Southern Xinjiang

The oasis belt around the Taklamakan Desert, with Kashgar Old Town, Kuqa Grand Canyon, Hotan jade and the Tarim poplar forests.

Southern Xinjiang refers to the area south of the Tianshan and around the Tarim Basin, including Bayingolin, Aksu, Kashgar, Kizilsu and Hotan. Core highlights: Kashgar Old Town and the Id Kah Mosque; the Pamir Plateau's Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata and the Stone City of Tashkurgan; the Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon, Kizil Caves and Kuqa Grand Palace in Kuqa; Wensu Grand Canyon in Aksu; the Tarim poplar forests and desert highway in Luntai; the Yurungkash River and night market in Hotan; the Yarkand Khanate Royal Tombs in Shache; and the gateway to the Loulan ruins in the direction of Lop Nur in Ruoqiang. Apricot blossoms in spring and poplar forests in autumn are the two big photography seasons. Distances in southern Xinjiang are great; the usual approach is to fly into Kashgar (3–5 days for Kashgar and the Pamirs) or take on the 10–15-day "round-Taklamakan" grand loop, and with the Hotan–Ruoqiang Railway complete, the railway ring around the Taklamakan has been closed. Some areas have frequent security checks, so carry your ID card and allow extra time. Food and culture are a major highlight of southern Xinjiang: Kashgar's samsa, tandoor-roasted meat and pilaf, Kuqa's big-plate chicken and Hotan's roast whole lamb each have their own flavor; Uyghur Muqam music, Dolan culture and handicraft bazaars give the trip more warmth.

Destinations

Itineraries