Explore the Poplar Desert and Uncover Ancient Cities

🌊【8-Day In-Depth Tour of Southern Xinjiang】 🏜️【Itinerary Overview】 This is a comprehensive loop connecting the core highlights of Southern Xinjiang: starting from Urumqi, the "throat of the Western Regions," and traversing Bazhou, Aksu, and Kashgar. You'll discover China's largest inland lake, the world's top poplar forests, mysterious Yadan canyons, and finally reach the "Roof of the World"—the Pamir Plateau. Over 8 days, you'll cross deserts, oases, snow-capped mountains, and highlands, with daily drives of 5-7 hours, immersing yourself in the rugged yet gentle beauty of Southern Xinjiang. 🌟【Daily Itinerary｜What to Do? Where to Stay?】 Day 1: Urumqi → Bosten Lake → Korla ✅ Northwest's Largest Inland Lake: - Bosten Lake: Take a boat ride on the "Western Sea" (Lotus World/White Egret Island Scenic Area). Lotus blooms from June to August, and reeds turn golden in October. Drone photography recommended for the "lake embracing sand, sand embracing lake" spectacle. - Overnight in Korla: Stroll along the Peacock River at night and savor local specialties like "Lop Nor Grilled Fish" and "Nang Pit Barbecue." Day 2: Korla → Lop Nur Village → Luntai ✅ Primitive Desert Tribe: - Lop Nur Village: Visit the last desert fishing and hunting tribe, ride desert off-road vehicles (150 RMB/person), and explore the confluence of "China's largest desert, Taklamakan," and "the longest inland river, Tarim River." - Hidden Gem: Capture reflections of poplar trees at sunset (golden from September to November, rugged and ancient in other seasons). 🏡 Accommodation: Luntai County, convenient for exploring poplar forests the next day. Day 3: Luntai → Tarim Poplar Forest → Kuqa ✅ World's Largest Poplar Forest: - Tarim Poplar Forest Park: Ride a vintage train through 300,000 acres of poplar trees (best from October to November, tickets 45 RMB + shuttle 30 RMB). Climb a 24-meter observation tower for a panoramic view of the "golden ocean." - Hidden Photography Spot: Drive along G217 National Highway (Desert Highway) for wild poplar trees, perfect for road trip shots. Day 4: Kuqa → Tianshan Mysterious Canyon → Flaming Spring → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Kuqa ✅ Silk Road Culture and Natural Wonders: - Tianshan Mysterious Canyon: Hike through red Danxia canyons (tickets 41 RMB). At noon, sunlight streams through the "Skyline," creating stunning light and shadow effects. - Flaming Spring: A lesser-known hot spring (10 km from the canyon), with natural 38°C sulfur water. Bring swimwear for a "desert soak." - Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: China's earliest Buddhist grottoes (300 years older than Mogao Caves, tickets 70 RMB, reservation required, photography prohibited). 💡 Tips: Round-trip from Kuqa to attractions takes about 2.5 hours. Start early to avoid the midday heat. Day 5: Kuqa → Kuqa Royal Palace → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu ✅ Explore Ancient Royal Residences and "Earth's Scars": - Kuqa Royal Palace: Visit the residence of the last king (tickets 55 RMB), watch Twelve Muqam performances, and learn about Uyghur royal history. - Wensu Grand Canyon: A "Chinese Colorado" more spectacular than Antelope Canyon. Self-driving allowed (high-clearance vehicles preferred, tickets 36 RMB + shuttle 30 RMB). Capture Yadan wonders like "Root of Life" and "Golden Kiss." 🏡 Accommodation: Aksu City, try "Xinjiang's Best Nang" (Awati County Nang Industrial Park). Day 6: Aksu → Kashgar Old Town (Travel Photography) → Kashgar ✅ The Vibrant Atmosphere of a Thousand-Year-Old City: - Kashgar Old Town: Visit century-old tea houses (popular "Grandpa's Tea House") in the morning, and take travel photos in the afternoon (in front of Id Kah Mosque, colorful alleys, ethnic costume rentals 80-150 RMB/set). - Night Market Must-Try: Grilled goose eggs (stuffed with lamb fat), pigeon soup with nang, handmade ice cream (Guli's Home). ⚠️ Note: Some areas of the old town require ID for entry. Respect local customs (ask for permission before taking photos). Day 7: Kashgar → White Sand Lake → Karakul Lake → Tashkorgan Wetlands → Tashkorgan ✅ Pamir Plateau Adventure: - White Sand Lake: "Blue Silk" along G314 National Highway, with clear reflections of Muztagh Ata Peak (free, drones prohibited). - Karakul Lake: At the foot of "Father of Glaciers," Muztagh Ata Peak. Stay in lakeside yurts (basic conditions, prepare for cold). Capture starry skies and sunrise over golden peaks (sunrise around 8:30 AM, sunset at 9:30 PM). - Tashkorgan Wetlands: Golden meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains in September-October, ideal for photographing herders on horseback. Day 8: Tashkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Muztagh Glacier Park → Kashgar ✅ Ultimate Highland Scenery: - Panlong Ancient Road: "600 bends in the sky," with a sign reading "After today's twists and turns, life's path will be smooth." Drone photography recommended. - Bandir Blue Lake: Pamir's "Blue Gem," with emerald green waters due to minerals. Walk along wooden paths (2 km) to the best viewing spot. - Muztagh Glacier Park: Get close to ancient glaciers (tickets 160 RMB, horseback glacier tour 300 RMB/person, wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness). ⚠️ Note: Tashkorgan's altitude is 3,200 meters. Avoid strenuous activities and bring oxygen bottles (available in Kashgar). 📸【Seasonal Guide to Southern Xinjiang】 Season Core Highlights Recommended Experiences April-May Pamir apricot blossoms, Korla pear blossoms Tashkorgan Dathong Village for wild apricot blossoms, birdwatching at Bosten Lake June-August Desert oasis escape, Kashgar Old Town night market Stream trekking in Wensu Grand Canyon, shopping at Kashgar Old Town Bazaar September-November Golden poplars, Pamir autumn snow Photography in Tarim Poplar Forest, snow-capped mountain views on Panlong Ancient Road December-March Pamir winter scenery, Kuqa winter fishing Glacier hiking on Muztagh Ata Peak, cultural experiences in Lop Nur Village 🧳【Pre-Travel Checklist】 1. Documents: - Border Pass: Required for Tashkorgan (apply in Kashgar with ID, takes 10 minutes, valid for 3 months). - ID Card: Mandatory for all attractions, hotels, and checkpoints. Carry it at all times. 2. Clothing: - Pamir Plateau: Even in summer, bring a windbreaker (20°C+ temperature difference between day and night), sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen (strong UV rays). - Old Town Photography: Prepare bright long dresses (red/yellow preferred) with ethnic scarves and earrings. 3. Transportation: - Recommended to rent a car/join a tour (some areas have no signal, speed limits of 30-60 km/h from Tashkorgan to Kashgar). - Tashkorgan Accommodation: Book in advance during peak season (July-October). Limited facilities (most lack air conditioning). 4. Safety: - Southern Xinjiang is safe. Respect minority customs (e.g., remove shoes in mosques, avoid discussing religion casually). - Altitude Sickness: Avoid alcohol before staying in Tashkorgan, move slowly, and bring glucose oral solution. 🍽️【Southern Xinjiang Food Highlights】 - Korla: Roast whole lamb (pre-order, crispy outside, tender inside), pepper chicken (spicy and numbing) - Kuqa: Giant nang (larger than a face, 5 RMB/piece), kvass (fermented honey drink) - Kashgar: Pot meat (lamb soup with nang), baked buns (onion and lamb filling) - Tashkorgan: Yak hotpot (highland yak meat, rich broth) ⚠️【Avoiding Pitfalls】 - Scenic Area Costs: Negotiate prices for camel rides/off-road vehicles in Lop Nur Village (reference: camel 80 RMB/round, off-road vehicle 300 RMB/car). Buy dried fruits in Kashgar Old Town at stores with clear pricing; bargaining is acceptable. - Border Pass Application: Kashgar Administrative Service Center operates Monday-Friday 9:30 AM-7:30 PM, weekends only in the morning. Bring original ID, no photo needed. - Travel Time: Southern Xinjiang is vast, with long daily drives. Prepare motion sickness medicine and neck pillows. Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference from mainland China; lunch at 2 PM and dinner after 8 PM are common. 🌟【Why Choose This Route?】 ✅ Unlock Three Major Southern Xinjiang Landscapes: ✔️ Nature: Tarim Poplar Forest (world's largest original poplar forest), Wensu Grand Canyon (China's most visually striking Yadan), Pamir Plateau (geographical center of the Asian continent) ✔️ Culture: Kashgar Old Town (a living thousand-year-old Western Region capital), Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (Silk Road Buddhist art treasure), Lop Nur Village (living fossil of desert fishing culture) ✅ In-Depth Slow Travel Design: - Two full days in Pamir: Avoid rushed "same-day round trips to Kashgar," stay in Tashkorgan to experience highland starry skies and morning mist. - Double Poplar Forest Experience: Scenic train ride + wild poplar trees along highways, combining classic and niche perspectives. Southern Xinjiang is a feast of contrasts—deserts and oases coexist, ancient cities and modernity intertwine, desolation and vitality merge. If you're tired of cookie-cutter destinations, this journey will take you beyond textbooks, into the sands of Taklamakan and under the stars of Pamir, to truly understand the grandeur and tenderness of this land. 💬 Interactive Topic: Which moment in Southern Xinjiang would you most want to capture? Is it the golden peaks of Pamir at sunrise or the vibrant alleys of Kashgar Old Town? Share your travel dreams in the comments! 👉 Follow me for more niche Xinjiang travel tips!