Tashkurgan Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Pamirs Plateau Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Touring Southern Xinjiang | Heading to the Pamir Plateau | Pamir always needs to be seen once
Some places, just hearing the name makes people love it, and Pamir is one of them. This land carries the snow-capped Muztagh, Gongger Jiubie Peak; it has Karakul Lake, White Sand Lake; there are Wakhan Corridor, Hongqirafu Port, and all these are centered on Tashkurgan, this border county town at the junction of three countries in western China.
In terms of scenery, honestly, I think it may be slightly inferior to the Tibetan plateau landscape, but in a geographical sense, this is a place that must be visited once in a lifetime. And the Taerman Wetland is the place I think can best showcase the scenery of Pamir.
Here, the blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains, rivers and grasslands are perfectly integrated, presenting the most authentic plateau landscape. It is hard to find another picture that can simultaneously display snow-capped glaciers, red ridges, green pastures and gurgling streams. Each layer is a unique landscape and landform, but together they elevate this stunning scenery again. Southern Xinjiang is mostly desert, with a dry climate, and the Pamir Plateau is the same, but the Taerman Wetland is a rare plateau pasture.
Muztagh Peak, known as the father of glaciers, has very developed glaciers. The huge ice tongues scatter down from the mountain, and the distant snow-capped mountains are Gongger Peak and Gongger Jiubie Peak, which are also the highest peaks on the west side of the Kunlun Mountains.
"Today I have walked all the detours, and from now on my life is smooth", this sentence is absolutely a textbook-level tourism slogan. Whether my future is smooth, I don't know, but in Pamir, I have indeed walked a lot of detours these days.
There are many other places worth checking in, such as the Apricot Flower Village in Datong Township, the signboard of the Wakhan Corridor, the Bandir Blue Lake on the Panlong Back Tower County Road, etc. But I think all the attractions are more meaningful because they are all part of the Pamir Plateau. Pamir is always worth exploring.
If you haven't been to Southern Xinjiang, you won't know the beauty of Xinjiang - the Pamir Plateau
The mysterious Pamir. If you haven't been to Xinjiang, you won't know the vastness of China; if you haven't been to Southern Xinjiang, you won't know the beauty of Xinjiang.
Southern Xinjiang is not only a place to see culture, but also scenery. Southern Xinjiang has the White Sand Lake, which is half white sand and half lake, the majestic Gongger Peak and Jiubie Peak, the Muztagh Peak known as the 'Father of Ice Mountains', the rugged Panlong Ancient Road, the Bandir Blue Lake, the Yarkand River, and the exotic Kashgar Old City.
The snow mountains of the Pamir Plateau are so close that they seem to be within reach, and the emerald-like lakes change with the weather and angle at any time, everything is so beautiful that it makes people intoxicated ☺️
This winter, come to Southern Xinjiang for a visit.
Xinjiang Muztag Peak | It is finally arrived at the Pamirs
is finally arrived in the Pamirs, the westernmost border of the Chinese border, is also the southernmost coordinates of this Xinjiang road trip.
The car is driving in the borderland, walking in the thin air of the Pamirs, sleeping night under the Muztag Peak, suddenly feels that those who have been quiet for thousands of years, it seems that they have never been clean The land has happened.
Only plateaus, snow mountains, lake glaciers,
into eternity.
Tips
Southern Xinjiang Self-Driving Grand Loop Travel Guide!
👍Most recommended: Southern Xinjiang Self-Driving Loop Travel Guide!
🌟Highlights:
Route highlights: Cover all Southern Xinjiang attractions in one go:
✅ Explore the "Roof of the World" - Pamir Plateau,
✅ Mount Muztagh Ata--known as the Father of Icebergs
✅ Taxkorgan--the westernmost and most awesome county in China
✅ Karakul Lake--a plateau lake at the foot of the "Father of Icebergs"
✅ Taklamakan Desert--China's largest desert, the world's second-largest shifting sand desert
✅ Check in at the popular road--Panglong Ancient Path--over 600 S-shaped bends that will make you "question life"
✅ Xiangfei Tomb--the tomb of Qianlong Emperor's beloved consort "Xiangfei"
✅ Red Flag Lapu Port--China-Pakistan border marker
✅ Kucha's Last Prince's Mansion--Kucha Prince's Mansion
🗓Itinerary:
D1, Yinchuan City → Ejina Banner (Travel distance 768km)
D2, Ejina Banner → Jingxin Expressway → Hami City (Travel distance 692km)
D3, Hami City → Jiaohe Ancient City-Turpan (Travel distance 400km)
D4, Turpan → via Bosten Lake-Kucha (Travel distance 640km)
D5, Kucha → Kucha Prince's Mansion-Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains-Aksu (Travel distance 260km)
D6, Aksu → Xiangfei Garden-Kashgar (Travel distance 460km)
D7, Kashgar → Kashgar Old City-Century-old Teahouse → Kashgar (Travel distance 0km)
D8, Kashgar → White Sand Lake-Muztagh Ata Glacier → Taxkorgan (Travel distance 290km)
D9, Taxkorgan → Wakhan Corridor-Panglong Ancient Path → Taxkorgan (Travel distance 280km)
D10, Taxkorgan → Karakul Lake → Kashgar (Travel distance 290km)
D11, Kashgar → Yarkand → Hotan (Travel distance 480km)
D12, Hotan → Desert Highway → Qiemo County (Travel distance 570km)
D13, Qiemo County → Loulan Museum → Mangya City (Travel distance 642km)
D14, Mangya City → Emerald Lake-Oil Town → Dunhuang (Travel distance 548km)
D15, Dunhuang City → Sculpture of the Son of the Earth → Zhangye City (Travel distance 590km)
D16, Zhangye City → Wuwei-Crossing Tengger Desert Highway-Yinchuan City (Travel distance 680km)
🧳Pre-trip Preparation:
1. Weather conditions: local temperature, recommended clothing for spring, summer, and autumn, suitable driving shoes, travel shoes
2. Text materials: carry ID card, driver's license, vehicle registration, road maintenance fees and purchase tax, vehicle use tax, route map, credit card, notebook and pen, apply for border pass in advance
3. Daily necessities: mobile phone, rain gear, lighting equipment, insulated water bottle and tableware, photographic equipment, toiletries
4. Medicines: bandages, adhesive bandages, antiseptic solution, anti-inflammatory drugs, heatstroke prevention, motion sickness medicine, mosquito repellent, etc.;
5. Self-prepared snacks: drinking water, functional beverages, self-heating rice, beef jerky, snacks, etc.
6. Vehicle spare parts: a complete set of on-board tools, spare tires, spark plugs, tow ropes, buckets, etc.
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Panlong Ancient Path Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
8-Day Tour of Southern Xinjiang
Kashgar: A millennium-old city sleeping in the desert sands.
One hasn't truly been to Xinjiang without visiting Kashgar, a statement full of vigor that is still written on the walls of the ancient city to this day. Here, you can experience the local customs and the warmth of the Uyghur people, as well as taste the unique cuisine of Xinjiang! The famous Handarwaza Food Street is located in the East District. All are delicious Xinjiang foods, from yogurt shaved ice to yogurt zongzi, from spicy lamb trotters to grilled kebabs, Kashgar is also the city with the latest sunset~ The sun still shines warmly at 9:30 pm as you stroll through the ancient city~ Aimlessly wandering through the Kashgar ancient city, which is like a maze, every window, every door, every alley, and every shop is full of exotic charm~
:
Day 1: From all over the country to Kashgar
Day 2: Kashgar - Kashgar Ancient City - Id Kah Mosque - Hundred-Year-Old Teahouse
Day 3: Kashgar - White Sand Mountain - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Tashkurgan
Day 4: Taxkorgan County - Panlong Ancient Path - Kangxiwa Village - Bandier Lake - Almaliq Village - Taxkorgan County
Day 5: Tashkurgan - Golden Beach - Stone City - Oytag Glacier Park - Kashgar
Day 6: Kashgar - Shache Royal Mansion - Yerqiang Khan Mausoleum - Shache
Day 7: Shache - Yingjisha Pottery Village - Kashgar
Day 8: Kashgar - Back to all over the country
Talk about the strength you have after returning from Xinjiang
I miss the forests and grasslands hidden in the scrolls - Qiaxi
I miss the last tear of the Atlantic - Sayram Lake
I miss the self-driving paradise - Panlong Ancient Road
I miss the mysterious valley at the Wuqia border - Red Valley
I miss the fairyland on the Pamir Plateau - Baisha Lake
I miss the last ray of sunlight of the motherland - the Western Extremity
In the deep night where the horses roam freely
I miss every piece of land in the great Northwest
I want to experience your four seasons
Feel your glaciers, rivers, forests, grasslands
South Xinjiang Travel Guide | A trip worth taking, don't miss these beautiful itineraries
South Xinjiang, as the southern part of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, is famous for its unique natural scenery and rich ethnic customs.
🌟Main attractions introduction:
Kashgar Old City: An ancient city full of Islamic style and Uyghur ethnic customs, with attractions like the Ga'er Old Town and Id Kah Mosque.
Taxkorgan (Tashkurgan): Located on the Pamir Plateau, it features ancient city ruins called Stone City, as well as natural landscapes like White Sand Lake and White Sand Mountain.
Muztagh Ata and Karakul Lake: Known as the 'Father of Glaciers', Muztagh Ata, and the profound Karakul Lake.
Panlong Ancient Path: Located in Wacha Township of Taxkorgan, a spectacular ancient path in the Kunlun Mountains.
Tashkurgan Ancient Path: An ancient path from Taxkorgan to Shache County, with beautiful scenery along the way.
Shache County: The ancient kingdom of Shache, the terminal of the southern Silk Road, famous for silk and music.
Taklamakan Desert: The world's second-largest desert, the golden season for crossing the desert is from late October to mid-November.
🗓Best time to travel:
- The natural scenery of South Xinjiang is most beautiful in autumn, especially in mid-October when the poplar trees turn yellow. It is recommended to travel at the end of October to avoid the National Day and Poplar Festival.
🗓Specific itinerary:
Day 1: Fly to Kashgar, stay in the city, and visit Ga'er Old Street at night.
Day 2: Head to Karakul Lake, visit White Sand Lake and White Sand Mountain, and stay overnight in a Kyrgyz guesthouse.
Day 3: Go to Taxkorgan, visit Stone City, and stay overnight in Taxkorgan.
Day 4: Leave Taxkorgan, pass through Ararat Grassland, take the Panlong Ancient Path, and stay overnight in Tashkurgan Tajik Township.
Day 5: Cross the Tashkurgan Ancient Path to reach Shache County, and stay overnight there.
Day 6: Explore the Taklamakan Desert and return to stay in Shache County.
Day 7: Head to Kashgar city to continue exploring the ancient city of Kashgar.
Day 8: Leave Kashgar and return.
📝Tips:
Xinjiang is vast, and car rides may be long, so those who get carsick should prepare motion sickness medicine.
Security checks in Xinjiang are strict; carry your ID card with you.
There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang; bring enough warm clothing and pay attention to sun protection.
It is not recommended for visitors from other places to drive themselves due to strict speed limits and enforcement; it is better to take a local's car.
Network signals are good in most areas, but may be slightly poor at high altitudes or uninhabited areas.
🏨Accommodation strategy
- You can choose to stay in an RV throughout the trip, which is economical and convenient, and you won't miss the essential attractions.
Other suggestions:
- If you want to deeply explore South Xinjiang, you may need half a month to experience the local bazaars and cultural customs.
11-Day 10-Night Travel Guide for Southern Xinjiang
If you can only visit Xinjiang once, you might as well start with Southern Xinjiang. Here, you'll find not only the rich Western Region culture but also the magnificent Pamir Plateau landscapes. In the desert live the centuries-old Loulan people, the grand canyons boast Danxia landforms, blue lakes lie at the foot of snow-capped mountains, and ancient paths carry the history of the Silk Road....
Experience the old times in Kashgar - Kashgar Old Town
Travel through China's most dangerous and magnificent road - Karakoram Highway
A pure canvas interwoven with white sand and blue lake - Baisar Lake
The path once taken by Xuanzang on his return from the West - Tashkurgan Ancient Path
Reflecting the towering peaks like a mirror - Karakul Lake
The winding Kunlun dragon - Panlong Ancient Path
Recommended 11-Day Itinerary for Southern Xinjiang
D1: Various places → Urumqi
D2: Urumqi → Bosten Lake → Hoshul
D3: Hoshul → Loulan Village → Kuqa
D4: Kuqa → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu
D5: Aksu → Desert Highway → Jiaohe Ancient City → Hotan
D6: Hotan → Zepu Poplar Forest → Yarkant King's Palace → Yarkant
D7: Yarkant → Kashgar Old Town → Kashgar
D8: Kashgar → Oytag Glacier Park → Baisar Lake → Taxkorgan
D9: Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Path → Bandier Blue Lake → Jinhua Beach Stone City → Karakul Lake → Kashgar
D10: Kashgar → Shell Mountain → China's Westernmost Point → Kashgar
D11: Kashgar → Airport drop-off
【tips】
The temperature difference between morning and evening in Southern Xinjiang is significant, so be ready to add or remove clothing as needed.
The weather in Southern Xinjiang is drier compared to Northern Xinjiang, so always stay hydrated!
Long travel distances by car, so buy snacks or dry food and water in advance. The sandy roads in Wensu Grand Canyon are not suitable for sandals.
The altitude near Taxkorgan can reach around 4000 meters, so avoid strenuous activities to prevent altitude sickness.
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Kashgar Old Town Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
I waited a year just for the Xinjiang of May to July, here's an ultra-detailed guide!
Life is a wilderness, not a track, hearing a thousand times is not as good as seeing once. Here's a route reference
D1: From various places, arrive in Urumqi
D2: Urumqi—Sayram Lake—Guozigou Bridge—Ili
D3: Ili—Xia'ta—Tekes Hexagonal Town
D4: Tekes—Qiongkushitai—Gongliu
D5: Gongliu—Qiaxi—Nalati—Northern Section of Duku Highway—Kuqa
D6: Kuqa—Kashgar—Kashgar Old City
D7: Kashgar—Bai Sha Lake—Muztagh
D8: Kashgar—Turpan
D9: Turpan—Kumtag Desert—Urumqi
Precautions:
Remember to rent a car in advance on Ctrip or other reliable platforms before departure, it is recommended to place an order on the platform for security. (Insurance is a must because the distances between each scenic spot in Xinjiang are far, and the driving distance is long, in case of emergency)
Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, prepare 1-2 pieces of thick clothing.!
For the long self-driving journey, remember to go to the supermarket to purchase some food for when you get hungry on the road and to replenish energy.
Remember to bring your ID card and student ID, if you go to southern Xinjiang or some scenic spots in Kanas, you need to apply for a border pass, which can be done at a nearby police station.
Travel tips and outfit suggestions:
1. Remember to wear brightly colored clothes on the grasslands for better photos (such as yellow, pink, purple, etc.).
2. You must visit the pine trees at Sayram Lake, although it's tiring and you may want to give up many times, as long as you persist to the top you will find it's all worth it as you can overlook the entire panorama of Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge.
3. Bring some sunglasses and hats for sun protection and also as a fashionable item for better photos (girls can buy a triangular scarf to wear on their head for amazing photos).
ps: 'Northern Xinjiang for scenery, Southern Xinjiang for culture', the moment you arrive in Xinjiang, your story begins. Every moment is like a movie playing, the beauty of Xinjiang, no words in this world are enough to describe it.
Take a trip to the human world, and get drunk in the old streets of Kashgar
The ancient city of Kashgar is the place in Xinjiang with the richest local flavor and the deepest cultural heritage, encompassing both natural and cultural landscapes. Unlike the green waters and mountains of Northern Xinjiang, the lakes, deserts, glaciers, and red valleys of the Pamir Plateau are equally stunning!✌
✨Special Attractions
📍Kashgar Old Town: Rich in Western Region style, this irreplaceable ancient city of a thousand years is also the filming location of the movie 'The Kite Runner'.
📍White Sand Lake: The pure white and ultimate blue are just around the next corner, turn and there is the beautiful scenery☘️
📍N39 Desert: Named after the 39th parallel north in the Taklamakan Desert! The setting sun dyes the sand dunes red, and at night, campfires are lit, fireworks are set off, and the stars in the night sky of the desert are counted while slightly tipsy.
📍Bandi Lan'er Lake: The sapphire that sparkles in the plateau lake💎 It reflects different shades of blue at different times and seasons! The blue is pure and penetrates the heart...
📍Panlong Valley Road: Having walked all the winding paths today, from now on life is a straight road ahead.
🍝🍝Special Cuisine
☑️Roasted Eggs
Eggs, quail eggs, and goose eggs are slowly roasted on charcoal sprinkled with ash, constantly turned, and when eaten, they are dipped in a secret Southern Xinjiang seasoning that is unforgettable.
☑️Sour Milk Zongzi
Before eating, flatten with a tool, then drizzle with sour milk, sugar syrup, honey, papaya sauce, fig jam, etc. The locals have also given it a nice name called 'National Unity'.
☑️Noodle Lungs, Rice Intestines
Making these two dishes is very troublesome, with complex procedures and time-consuming. The taste is sour but not spicy, very delicious. Nang Pit Meat
The nang pit meat here is different from other places, with chicken egg liquid, turmeric powder, and other seasonings wrapped on lamb, then baked in a nang pit, crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with sweet and not spicy raw onions, amazing😍
✅【Check-in Spots in Kashgar Old City]
1️⃣、Navigate to 'That Time Slow Homestay', you can check in at the landmark internet-famous spot in Kashgar, with the Kunlun Tower in the background.
2️⃣、Navigate to 'Sky Garden', you can check in at the travel photography internet-famous spot.
3️⃣、Navigate to 'Rainbow Lane - Turn the Corner to Find Love', you can check in at Rainbow Lane, Cloth Bag Lane, the alleys are narrow, and it's crowded so you may need to queue.
4️⃣、Navigate to 'Xinjiang Lake Living Room', located by the roadside, opposite is a coffee shop, next to
The old city of Kashgar is not as good for strolling as imagined, but I would still visit if I come again
The off-season old city of Kashgar is somewhat bleak
Many shops are closed
It's deserted, and I couldn't feel the bustling scene of the old city.
If you just want to check in at popular spots and take cosplay photos, then traveling in the off-season would be a good time (⚠️Some popular spots are also closed in the off-season: such as the rooftop photos many people take). No need to wait, take as long as you want. We walked from the east city to the west city, and then walked back to the east city from the west city. Apart from the people living in the old city, there were hardly any tourists.
The old city of Kashgar is divided into east and west areas, separated by a main road
1⃣️【East Area】: Opening ceremony (one at 10:30 and 18:00 each), Sky Garden, TV tower internet celebrity spot, Corner Coffee, rooftop photos, Bazaar food street, etc. are all in the east area; the east area is relatively lively and larger
2⃣️【West Area】: Century-old teahouse, Rainbow Lane, Cloth Bag Box, Antique Street, Oil Painting Street are all here;
🌟There will be relatively fewer places to eat and stay in the off-season, but there is absolutely no need to worry. It is recommended to play for 2 days, one day in the east area and one day in the west area.
This time is just a meeting, and I will definitely experience the bustling old city of Kashgar when I go again in the peak season.
Sisters, it's really beautiful in Kashgar
Zebra Xinjiang Lake·Feng Villa, should be the best guesthouse in the old city of Kashgar. There are eight rooms, each with its own unique theme, the lighting and bedding are very thoughtful, especially the public area is decorated with great care, it is said to be the collection of the couple who run the place over the past eight years. A rooftop swimming pool, rarely seen in the border areas, has been built on the rooftop. You can sit on the ground surrounded by ethnic textiles, eat Uighur-style breakfast, and gaze at the Kunlun Tower, endless romance.
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Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
I waited a year just for the Xinjiang of May to July, here's an ultra-detailed guide!
Life is a wilderness, not a track, hearing a thousand times is not as good as seeing once. Here's a route reference
D1: From various places, arrive in Urumqi
D2: Urumqi—Sayram Lake—Guozigou Bridge—Ili
D3: Ili—Xia'ta—Tekes Hexagonal Town
D4: Tekes—Qiongkushitai—Gongliu
D5: Gongliu—Qiaxi—Nalati—Northern Section of Duku Highway—Kuqa
D6: Kuqa—Kashgar—Kashgar Old City
D7: Kashgar—Bai Sha Lake—Muztagh
D8: Kashgar—Turpan
D9: Turpan—Kumtag Desert—Urumqi
Precautions:
Remember to rent a car in advance on Ctrip or other reliable platforms before departure, it is recommended to place an order on the platform for security. (Insurance is a must because the distances between each scenic spot in Xinjiang are far, and the driving distance is long, in case of emergency)
Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, prepare 1-2 pieces of thick clothing.!
For the long self-driving journey, remember to go to the supermarket to purchase some food for when you get hungry on the road and to replenish energy.
Remember to bring your ID card and student ID, if you go to southern Xinjiang or some scenic spots in Kanas, you need to apply for a border pass, which can be done at a nearby police station.
Travel tips and outfit suggestions:
1. Remember to wear brightly colored clothes on the grasslands for better photos (such as yellow, pink, purple, etc.).
2. You must visit the pine trees at Sayram Lake, although it's tiring and you may want to give up many times, as long as you persist to the top you will find it's all worth it as you can overlook the entire panorama of Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge.
3. Bring some sunglasses and hats for sun protection and also as a fashionable item for better photos (girls can buy a triangular scarf to wear on their head for amazing photos).
ps: 'Northern Xinjiang for scenery, Southern Xinjiang for culture', the moment you arrive in Xinjiang, your story begins. Every moment is like a movie playing, the beauty of Xinjiang, no words in this world are enough to describe it.
Every person who travels to Xinjiang will eventually return to southern Xinjiang
1. Must-visit attractions in southern Xinjiang:
1️⃣ Kashgar: The largest Aitigaer Mosque in Xinjiang, the exotic Gaotai residential houses, the unique Karakuri Lake, and the Mustag Peak it reflects, as well as the highest-altitude port - Khunjerab Pass. Its unique Western Region cultural atmosphere, desolate and atmospheric plateau scenery, tall and pure snow mountain scenery, all touch every inch of your nerves.
2️⃣ Aksu: Aksu has played a huge role since ancient times. At its most glorious, the Aksu region was an important post on the "Ancient Silk Road" connecting Central Asia, West Asia and the Central Plains.
3️⃣ Hotan: Hotan is famous for its jade, but as an important town on the southern line of the ancient Silk Road, it has left many ruins such as the Niya ruins, the Aksu ancient city, the Mailik Awati ancient city, and the Karadun ancient city; the ancient woodblock prints, silk carpet fragments, gold Buddha statues, mummies, ancient coins, etc. unearthed here all shine with the brilliance of ancient civilization.
4️⃣ Bayingolin: Most of Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture is located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and the north and northeast edge of the Tarim Basin, with a small part located at the southeast edge of the Tarim Basin and between the Kunlun Mountains and the Altun Mountains. Here, there are not only rich alpine grasslands, but also beautiful Bosten Lake, and the most mysterious and desolate Taklamakan in China.
Southern Xinjiang Self-Driving Grand Loop Travel Guide!
👍Most recommended: Southern Xinjiang Self-Driving Loop Travel Guide!
🌟Highlights:
Route highlights: Cover all Southern Xinjiang attractions in one go:
✅ Explore the "Roof of the World" - Pamir Plateau,
✅ Mount Muztagh Ata--known as the Father of Icebergs
✅ Taxkorgan--the westernmost and most awesome county in China
✅ Karakul Lake--a plateau lake at the foot of the "Father of Icebergs"
✅ Taklamakan Desert--China's largest desert, the world's second-largest shifting sand desert
✅ Check in at the popular road--Panglong Ancient Path--over 600 S-shaped bends that will make you "question life"
✅ Xiangfei Tomb--the tomb of Qianlong Emperor's beloved consort "Xiangfei"
✅ Red Flag Lapu Port--China-Pakistan border marker
✅ Kucha's Last Prince's Mansion--Kucha Prince's Mansion
🗓Itinerary:
D1, Yinchuan City → Ejina Banner (Travel distance 768km)
D2, Ejina Banner → Jingxin Expressway → Hami City (Travel distance 692km)
D3, Hami City → Jiaohe Ancient City-Turpan (Travel distance 400km)
D4, Turpan → via Bosten Lake-Kucha (Travel distance 640km)
D5, Kucha → Kucha Prince's Mansion-Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains-Aksu (Travel distance 260km)
D6, Aksu → Xiangfei Garden-Kashgar (Travel distance 460km)
D7, Kashgar → Kashgar Old City-Century-old Teahouse → Kashgar (Travel distance 0km)
D8, Kashgar → White Sand Lake-Muztagh Ata Glacier → Taxkorgan (Travel distance 290km)
D9, Taxkorgan → Wakhan Corridor-Panglong Ancient Path → Taxkorgan (Travel distance 280km)
D10, Taxkorgan → Karakul Lake → Kashgar (Travel distance 290km)
D11, Kashgar → Yarkand → Hotan (Travel distance 480km)
D12, Hotan → Desert Highway → Qiemo County (Travel distance 570km)
D13, Qiemo County → Loulan Museum → Mangya City (Travel distance 642km)
D14, Mangya City → Emerald Lake-Oil Town → Dunhuang (Travel distance 548km)
D15, Dunhuang City → Sculpture of the Son of the Earth → Zhangye City (Travel distance 590km)
D16, Zhangye City → Wuwei-Crossing Tengger Desert Highway-Yinchuan City (Travel distance 680km)
🧳Pre-trip Preparation:
1. Weather conditions: local temperature, recommended clothing for spring, summer, and autumn, suitable driving shoes, travel shoes
2. Text materials: carry ID card, driver's license, vehicle registration, road maintenance fees and purchase tax, vehicle use tax, route map, credit card, notebook and pen, apply for border pass in advance
3. Daily necessities: mobile phone, rain gear, lighting equipment, insulated water bottle and tableware, photographic equipment, toiletries
4. Medicines: bandages, adhesive bandages, antiseptic solution, anti-inflammatory drugs, heatstroke prevention, motion sickness medicine, mosquito repellent, etc.;
5. Self-prepared snacks: drinking water, functional beverages, self-heating rice, beef jerky, snacks, etc.
6. Vehicle spare parts: a complete set of on-board tools, spare tires, spark plugs, tow ropes, buckets, etc.
Xinjiang Southern Region Tourism | 8-Day Pure Play Travel Guide
The 8-day pure play travel guide. The combination of culture and natural scenery in Southern Xinjiang can be described as perfect. Visiting Kashgar allows you to experience the local customs of Xinjiang and see different beautiful landscapes, with the core being the Pamir Plateau. The main features are not flora, but the vast and magnificent snow mountains, lakes, rivers, and landforms...
Suggested Itinerary:
D1: Departure place - Urumqi
D2: Urumqi - en route Wind Power Station - passing by Xinjiang Salt Lake Scenic Area - Korla
D3: Korla - Loulan Village - Resitan Street - Kuqa
D4: Kuqa - Flaming Spring - Xinjiang Tianshan Tumor Scenic Area·Grand Canyon - Aksu
D5: Aksu - Kashgar Old Town - Kashgar
D6: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Muztagh Glacier Park - Golden Beach - Stone City - Taxkorgan
D7: Taxkorgan - Panlong Ancient Path - Bandier Lake - Muztagh Peak - Karakul Lake Scenic Area - Kashgar
D8: Kashgar - Warm Home
Travel Tips:
🔸There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring seasonal clothes as well as some thick clothes
🔸When going to the Pamir Plateau, be prepared for wind protection and warmth, especially since the Panlong Ancient Path can be quite windy and sandy
🔸Panlong Ancient Path might cause motion sickness, so it's advisable to prepare some motion sickness medicine
🔸The altitude of the Pamir Plateau is high, be aware of altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise
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Karakoram Highway Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
An autonomous region in the northwest of China
#chinatrip
(Xinjiang) is an autonomous region located in the northwest of China. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and grasslands, as well as its rich cultural heritage. Xinjiang is home to various ethnic groups, including the Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Han Chinese, each contributing to the region's unique cultural tapestry.
Some of the notable attractions in Xinjiang include:
1. Heavenly Lake (Tianchi): A stunning alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and opportunities for hiking and photography.
2. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar: A bustling market in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, where visitors can explore local crafts, sample traditional foods, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
3. Gobi Desert: A vast desert landscape covering much of southern Xinjiang, known for its sand dunes, oases, and unique desert flora and fauna.
4. Kashgar Old City: One of the best-preserved examples of a traditional Islamic city in Central Asia, featuring narrow alleys, ancient mosques, and bustling bazaars.
5. Karakoram Highway: A legendary road that traverses some of the most breathtaking scenery in Xinjiang, connecting China with Pakistan via the Karakoram Mountains.
Xinjiang offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking adventure and exploration in China's far west.
Discover the Pamir Plateau → Travel Knowledge
Discover the Pamir Plateau
The only white ethnic county in China
On the Pamir Plateau, there is a county town with an average altitude of over 4000 meters, where China's only white ethnic group resides, known as Tashkurgan, or simply Taxkorgan County.
This place borders Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, and has been rated by National Geographic as the most extraordinary county town.
It is like a dazzling pearl inlaid on the Pamir Plateau. Here, there are snow-capped mountains welcoming the wind, herds of cattle and sheep on the Tian Ge pasture, the mysterious and majestic Kunlun mountain area, and the roof of the world, the Pamir Plateau, which is the ancestor of all mountains and the source of all rivers.
Within the territory of Taxkorgan County, there are 4 peaks over 8000 meters high, accounting for one-third of the world's total, and their majestic and spectacular sights are breathtaking.
The Karakoram Highway, like a giant dragon, winds through this magical land, with over 100 peaks along the way that exceed 7000 meters in altitude.
Glacial meltwater nourishes the lush grasslands, making it a paradise for wild animals and providing pastures for the nomadic people to survive.
The Tajik people are known as the 'people above the clouds' and are not only notable for their unique culture and traditions but also bear the important mission of guarding the frontier, closely connected to this land.
Let us walk into the snow mountains together, feel their majesty and tranquility, follow the Karakoram Highway into Taxkorgan County, and experience the Tajik people's love and dedication to this land.
Follow me to appreciate the different beauties of Xinjiang.
Exploring the Pamir Plateau → Travel Guide Sharing
Exploring the Pamir Plateau
China's only Caucasian county
On the Pamir Plateau, there is a county town with an average altitude of over 4000 meters, inhabited by China's only Caucasian population, which is Tashkurgan, commonly referred to as Taxkorgan County.
This place borders Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, and has been rated by National Geographic as the most impressive county.
It is like a dazzling pearl inlaid on the Pamir Plateau. Here, you can find snow-capped mountains welcoming the wind, herds of cattle and sheep on the Tian Ge pasture, the mysterious and majestic Kunlun Mountain area, and the 'Roof of the World' Pamir Plateau, which is the ancestor of all mountains and the source of all rivers.
Within the territory of Taxkorgan, there are 4 peaks over 8000 meters high, accounting for one-third of the world's total, presenting a majestic and spectacular sight that takes one's breath away.
The Karakoram Highway is like a giant dragon winding through this magical land, with over 100 peaks along the way that exceed 7000 meters in altitude.
Glacial meltwater nourishes the lush grasslands, creating a paradise for wild animals and providing pastures essential for the survival of nomadic tribes.
The Tajik people, known as the 'People above the Clouds', not only draw attention with their unique culture and traditions but also carry the important mission of guarding the frontier, closely connected to this land.
Let us walk into the snow mountains together, feel their majesty and tranquility, and follow the Karakoram Highway into Taxkorgan, experiencing the Tajik people's love and dedication to this land.
Follow me to discover the unique beauty of Xinjiang.
Explore the Pamir Plateau → Worth a like
Explore the Pamir Plateau
The only county in China with a Caucasian population
On the Pamir Plateau, there is a county with an average altitude of over 4000 meters, where China's only Caucasian population resides. It is called Tashkurgan, also known as Taxkorgan County.
This place borders Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, and has been rated by National Geographic as the most extraordinary county.
It is like a dazzling pearl inlaid on the Pamir Plateau. Here, there are snow-capped mountains welcoming the wind, the Tian Ge Pasture with herds of cattle and sheep, the mysterious and majestic Kunlun Mountain area, and the Pamir Plateau, known as the 'Roof of the World', which is the ancestor of all mountains and the source of all waters.
Within the territory of Taxkorgan, there are 4 peaks over 8000 meters high, accounting for one-third of the world's total, and their majestic and spectacular sights are breathtaking.
The Karakoram Highway, like a giant dragon, winds through this magical land, with over 100 peaks along the way that are more than 7000 meters high.
The glacial meltwater nourishes the lush grasslands, becoming a paradise for wild animals and providing pastures for the nomadic people to survive on.
The Tajik people are known as 'the people above the clouds' and are not only notable for their unique culture and traditions but also bear the important mission of guarding the border, closely connected to this land.
Let us walk into the snow mountains together, feel their majesty and tranquility, follow the Karakoram Highway into Taxkorgan, and experience the Tajik people's love and commitment to this land.
Follow me to discover the unique beauty of Xinjiang.
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