Brand New 16-Day Pure Travel Guide to Northern and Southern Xinjiang

【Introduction】: Northern and Southern Xinjiang each have their unique charm. Southern Xinjiang is known for its historical culture and desert landscapes, while Northern Xinjiang boasts natural scenery and grassland views. No matter which you choose, prepare in advance, respect local culture, and enjoy the journey. 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Home - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) - Fuyun Day 3: Fuyun - Kanas National Geopark - Five-Colored Beach - Burqin Day 4: Burqin - Kanas Three Bays - Fish Watching Pavilion - Kanas Lake - Hemu Village Day 5: Hemu Village - Hemu Sunrise - Cloud Peak - Urho Day 6: Urho - Ghost City - Bole Day 7: Bole - Sayram Lake Loop - Guozigou Bridge - Lavender Fields - Six Star Street - Yining Day 8: Yining - Self-drive to Ku’erdening - Nalati Day 9: Nalati - Nalati Grassland - Bayinbuluk - Bayin Day 10: Bayin - Duku Highway - Small and Big Dragon Pools - Kuqa Royal Palace - Kuqa Day 11: Kuqa - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aral Day 12: Aral - Desert Highway - Hotan Night Market - Hotan Day 13: Hotan - Yotkan Ancient City - Shache Royal Palace - Kashgar Old Town - Kashgar Day 14: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Golden Grassland - Stone City - Tashkurgan Day 15: Tashkurgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandier Blue Lake - Muztagh Ata - Kashgar Day 16: Kashgar - Home I. Northern Xinjiang Highlights 1. Kanas Lake - Features: Known as "Paradise on Earth," the lake is crystal clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests. - Highlights: Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, Fish Watching Pavilion. 2. Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) - Features: A high-altitude lake in the Tianshan Mountains, offering picturesque views with distinct seasonal scenery. - Highlights: Tianchi Lake, Bogda Peak, Queen Mother of the West Temple. 3. Ili River Valley - Features: Famous for its grasslands and flower fields, often referred to as "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall." - Highlights: Nalati Grassland, Huocheng Lavender Base, Guozigou Bridge. II. Southern Xinjiang Highlights 1. Kashgar Old Town - Features: A blend of history and lifestyle, with narrow streets full of exotic charm. - Highlights: Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb, Handicraft Market. 2. Taklamakan Desert - Features: China's largest desert, known for its vast dunes and the "Sea of Death." - Highlights: Desert Highway, Poplar Forest, Desert Adventures. 3. Pamir Plateau - Features: Known as the "Roof of the World," it features snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands. - Highlights: Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan Stone City. 4. Hotan - Features: Famous for jade and silk, with a rich cultural heritage. - Highlights: Hotan Jade Market, Niya Ruins, Grape Corridor. 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Big Plate Chicken + Baked Buns + Lamb Skewers + Pilaf + Whole Roasted Lamb 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Ctrip Four-Star Hotels + Classic Inns + Century-Old Wooden Houses 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Seven-seater business vans or luxury seven-seater business vehicles 🧡【Tips】: 1. Climate and Clothing - Southern Xinjiang: Dry climate, hot summers, cold winters. Bring sunscreen and warm clothing. - Northern Xinjiang: Large temperature differences between day and night, cool summers, cold winters. Prepare windproof and warm clothing. Tianchi Lake Kanas National Geopark Five-Colored Beach Kanas Scenic Area Hemu Scenic Area World Ghost City Sayram Lake Ku’erdening Scenic Area Guozigou Bridge Nalati Tourist Scenic Area Bayinbuluk Scenic Area Duku Highway Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon Yotkan Ancient City Kashgar Old Town White Sand Mountain - White Sand Lake Scenic Area Karakul Lake Scenic Area Panlong Ancient Road Bandier Blue Lake