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Welcome to Xinjiang! Upon arrival at Urumqi Airport, your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your flight.
Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Bosten Lake(博斯腾湖), one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in China. Enjoy the peaceful scenery of reeds, clear water, and surrounding desert landscape. Later in the afternoon, we continue to Korla, a historic Silk Road town known for its fragrant pears.
Driving Distance: Approx. 550 km / 7 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Korla
Start your day with a visit to the Kuqa Grand Canyon National Geopark(天山神秘大峡谷). This dramatic red rock canyon is carved by nature and offers a surreal hiking experience.
Then explore two cultural gems in Kuqa:
Kuqa Grand Mosque(库车大寺), one of the oldest in Xinjiang, with Central Asian Islamic architecture.
King Palace in Kuqa(库车王府), once the seat of local rulers, now a quiet place telling stories of the past.
Driving Distance: Approx. 350 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kuqa
Visit theKizil Thousand Buddha Caves(克孜尔千佛洞), China’s oldest Buddhist cave complex, featuring murals that date back over 1,500 years. The vibrant wall paintings reflect a fascinating mix of Indian, Persian, and Central Asian influences. After the visit, we drive through changing landscapes toward Aral, a growing oasis town near the edge of the desert.
Driving Distance: Approx. 250 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Aral
Today is an unforgettable road trip across the Taklamakan Desert, one of the world’s largest shifting-sand deserts. We follow the famous desert highway surrounded by endless dunes and occasional oil rigs. Arrive in Hotan in the late afternoon. In the evening, explore the lively Hotan Night Market(和田夜市), known for its street food, Uyghur crafts, and cultural performances.
Driving Distance: Approx. 450 km / 6 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Hotan
After breakfast, visit Tuancheng Folk Street(团城民俗旅游区), where rows of traditional Uyghur houses and shops create a lively cultural scene.
Next, see the King of Walnut Tree(核桃树王), a 1,300-year-old giant that still bears fruit.
In the afternoon, drive to Shache and visit the Amannishahan Memorial Mausoleum(阿曼尼沙汗王陵), resting place of a famous Uyghur queen and symbol of the once-prosperous Yarkant Kingdom.
Driving Distance: Approx. 320 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Shache
Visit Yingjisha’s Traditional Pottery Village(土陶村), where you’ll see the ancient art of Uyghur earthenware pottery making. Walk through lanes decorated with clay pieces and observe local artisans shaping and firing pottery by hand. After the visit, we continue to Kashgar, the cultural heart of South Xinjiang.
Driving Distance: Approx. 220 km / 3 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
Drive along the stunning China-Pakistan Highway. First, stop at Baisha Lake(白沙湖),
surrounded by white dunes and turquoise water, an unusual and magical landscape. Then visit the high-altitude Karakul Lake(喀拉库勒湖), framed by snow-capped Muztagh Ata. Take a lakeside walk or relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Arrive in Taxkorgan County, home to the Tajik ethnic minority.
Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km / 6 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Taxkorgan
In the morning, explore Golden Grassland(金草滩) and the ruins of the ancient Stone Fortress(石头城) in Taxkorgan. Enjoy panoramic views of alpine grasslands, river valleys, and distant peaks. In the afternoon, return to Kashgar and explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town(喀什古城), filled with mud-brick houses, bustling markets, and narrow alleys full of local charm.
Driving Distance: Approx. 420 km / 6 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
Begin your day at the Abakh Hoja Tomb(香妃园), a magnificent example of Islamic architecture, decorated with glazed tiles and peaceful gardens. Then visit the Id Kah Mosque(艾提尕尔清真寺), the largest mosque in China. Located in the heart of Kashgar, it’s a central hub for religious life and community gatherings. Feel the vibrant atmosphere in the surrounding square and nearby bazaar.
Driving Distance: Approx. 20 km / 0.5 hour
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
Your South Xinjiang adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kashgar airport for your onward journey. We hope this journey left you with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s rich culture and landscapes.
B
The best time to visit South Xinjiang is from May to October, when the weather is warm and dry, and the landscapes—especially deserts, lakes, and grasslands—are at their most beautiful.
You’ll enjoy a mix of local Uyghur cuisine (such as kebabs, pilaf, naan, and hand-pulled noodles) and standard Chinese food. Vegetarian options are available, though limited in some regions.
Yes, Xinjiang is home to many ethnic groups, especially the Uyghurs and Tajiks. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and villages. Always ask before taking photos of local people, and respect religious customs and practices.
Absolutely! We can tailor the itinerary to your preferences, whether you want to explore more of Kashgar’s bazaars, take a detour to Turpan or Taxkorgan grasslands, or enjoy a longer stay in Urumqi. Just let us know your travel plans.
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aksu - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar - Urumqi
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Jiadengyu - Kuitun - Yining
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Hemu - Jiadengyu - Kanas - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Naraty - Dushanzi - Turpan - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar
Urumqi - Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu - Hemu - Burqin - Colorful Beach - Urho Devil City - Kuitun - Sayrm Lake - Guozi Valley Bridge - Yining - Nalati - Yining - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun - Urumqi
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Hotan Night Market is a Vibe!!
Sofia –
Omg the Hotan Night Market was my FAVORITE part. Street food was next level! The lamb skewers and yogurt? Ugh yes. I even bought handmade earrings from an Uyghur lady. So much energy there at night.
Simple and perfect!
Nita Yuliani –
Perfect mix of nature, culture, and people. No complaints. I loved it all.
Thank you for this amazing journey
Putra Darmawan –
Xinjiang is not like anywhere else I’ve been. It’s peaceful, warm, full of colors and music. And the food!! Lamb, bread, noodles… I’ll be dreaming of them.
love nature！
Jethro Ng –
I joined this tour for the nature, but ended up loving the people most. Our guide was funny and kind, and the locals – even with language barriers – smiled and waved. ❤️
Unreal desert highway!
Rahman –
The Taklamakan Desert highway was straight out of a movie!! Sand dunes as far as the eye can see, and that endless road… wow. Never thought I’d be in a place like this. Felt like I was on Mars.
Nice trip
Maria –
Uyghur culture very beautiful. Especially the dance and music at night in Hotan. We danced with locals ?
Like a silk road dream
Irwan –
Every stop had history… Kizil Caves were surreal, never seen anything like those murals. Felt like walking inside a history book.