Baicheng travel guide and discussion

Epic China Adventure: Guilin’s lush karst mountains + Aksu Prefecture’s wild Xinjiang vibes 🌄🚠 Visiting Guilin and the Aksu Prefecture in one trip is pure bucket-list material! The green karst peaks around Yangshuo are unreal—like nature turned the saturation up to max. If you wake up early, the misty mornings here are straight out of a movie. Aksu’s landscapes, meanwhile, go from desert to forest in a blink and the local food is full-on flavor explosion. Top Spots to Visit: 1. Yangshuo Karst Mountains: Hop on a bike or grab an electric scooter to cruise along the Yulong River. Seriously, it’s the easiest way to catch jaw-dropping scenery. 2. Li River Cruise (Guilin): Get those postcard shots from the deck—best views at sunrise! Boats leave from Zhujiang Pier, 7:30am–2:30pm. 3. Aksu Prefecture: Head to Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (9am–6pm, Kizil Township), then take a hike in Tianshan Grand Canyon—the red rocks are wild. 4. Aksu City Night Market: Try lamb skewers and Uyghur rice. Everything’s spicy and fresh, and markets stay open till late. Tips & Tricks: For Guilin/Yangshuo, early mornings mean less crowd and magical mist. Pack sunscreen—green hills + river = sun power! In Aksu, bring layered clothes (desert weather flips fast), and always carry cash—smaller street markets are cash-only. Getting Around: In Guilin/Yangshuo, rent a bike via trip.com near West Street. In Aksu, local cabs are fastest—haggle politely. Food: Don’t miss Yangshuo’s beer fish or Guilin rice noodles. In Aksu, go big on kebabs and pilaf. Weather: Both spots get hot by noon, so snack and hydrate often! #GuilinViews #AksuAdventure #ChinaTravel #Tripdotcom

【Introduction】: Beautiful Xinjiang is a highly worthwhile travel destination. While Northern Xinjiang boasts beautiful attractions, this guide focuses on Southern Xinjiang, which also features stunning lakes, the famous Populus euphratica forests, wetland parks, deserts, gobi, grand canyons, Kashgar Old Town, the Pamir Plateau, and more. Every attraction is worth photographing and visiting: 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Cozy Home - Kashgar Day 2: Kashgar - China-Pakistan Friendship Highway - Muji Volcano Crater - Baisha Lake - Golden Grass Beach - Stone City - Taxkorgan Day 3: Taxkorgan - Khunjerab Pass - Wakhan Corridor - Panlong Ancient Trail - Bandir Blue Lake - Eye of Pamir - Early Section of Tasha Ancient Trail - Taxkorgan Day 4: Taxkorgan - Tahaman Wetland - Karakul Lake - Mustagh Glacier Park - Kashgar Day 5: Kashgar - Tianshan-Kunlun Confluence - Simuhana Village - Westernmost Point of China - Kashgar Day 6: Kashgar - Kashgar City Opening Ceremony - Shache Royal Palace - Yotkan Ancient City - Hotan Night Market - Hotan Day 7: Hotan - Desert Highway - 359th Brigade Memorial Hall - Aral Day 8: Aral - Wensu Grand Canyon - Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves - Kuqa Day 9: Kuqa - Lop Nur Village - Korla Day 10: Korla - Bosten Lake - Flaming Mountains - Karez Irrigation System - Grape Valley - Turpan Day 11: Turpan - Heavenly Lake of Tianshan - Urumqi Day 12: Urumqi - Cozy Home ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】: 🌟 Kashgar Old Town 🌟 Baisha Lake 🌟 Khunjerab Pass 🌟 Panlong Ancient Trail 🌟 Mustagh Glacier Park 🌟 Bandir Blue Lake 🌟 Westernmost Point of China 🌟 Yotkan Ancient City 🌟 Wensu Grand Canyon 🌟 Desert Highway 🌟 Karakul Lake 🌟 Flaming Mountains 🌟 Karez Irrigation System 🌟 Lop Nur Village 🌟 Heavenly Lake of Tianshan 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Grilled Baozi + Lamb Skewers + Big Plate Chicken + Hand-Pulled Rice + Handmade Yogurt + Lamb Clay Pot Hotpot 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: Ctrip Four-Diamond Hotels + Classic Homestays 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Seven-seater Business Van or Luxury Seven-seater Business Van 🧡【Tips】: 1. Personal Items: Please bring a power bank, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, rain gear, personal toiletries, and a thermos (water in Xinjiang is relatively hard, so it’s better to drink boiled water). 2. Food Tips: Most areas in Xinjiang have strong flavors and like spicy food, with beef and lamb as the main meats. Avoid drinking cold water immediately after eating meat to prevent digestive issues such as diarrhea. Bring some snacks for emergencies. 3. Time Difference: Xinjiang is two hours behind mainland China; please adjust your biological clock accordingly. 4. Customs: Xinjiang is a region with many ethnic minorities; please respect local ethnic customs.

【Introduction】: Xinjiang Ili 10-Day Panoramic Loop✨Ultimate Guide|Duku + Yizhao + Sailimu + Nalati Full Check-in 🔥Trip.com Premium Tips|No Backtracking|Full Coverage of Highlights|Seasonal Dual Versions|A Must-Save for Travel ⛺【Local Must-Visit Spots】: ▪️Trip Duration: 10 days 9 nights (Round trip from Urumqi + airport transfers) ▪️Best Travel Time: June to September (Yizhao Highway / Duku Highway fully open, peak grassland flower season) ▪️Travel Mode: Recommended 5-seater / 7-seater SUV charter / self-driving (strict restrictions on popular roads) ▪️Suitable For: Families, friends, photographers, self-driving enthusiasts, first-time Northern Xinjiang visitors ▪️Time Difference Reminder: Xinjiang is 2 hours behind mainland China, adjust meal, play, and rest times accordingly ▪️Core Highlights: One-time check-in at Heavenly Lake, Sailimu Lake, Guozigou, Yizhao, Zhaosu Tianma, Xiata, Qiaxi, Nalati, Duku, and S101—top ten scenic spots 🗓️Daily Detailed Itinerary|Golden Full Version (Peak Season June-September) Day 1 Arrive in Urumqi・First Encounter with the Western Regions ✈️Itinerary: Arrive in Urumqi from across the country → private airport pickup → hotel check-in and rest 🌟Must-Visit: International Grand Bazaar, Six-Star Street Cultural and Creative District 🍜Local Delicacies: Hand-pulled rice, baked buns, red willow grilled meat, big plate chicken, yogurt rice dumplings 🏨Accommodation: Urumqi city center (Beijing Road / Youhao business district, convenient transportation) 💡Tips: Drink plenty of water upon arrival, avoid strenuous exercise, adapt to dry climate, prepare moisturizer and sunscreen Day 2 Urumqi → Tianshan Heavenly Lake → Kuitun 🚗Distance: approx. 300km|Driving time 4h 🏞Core Attraction: Tianshan Heavenly Lake (Queen Mother’s Jade Pool) Tickets + shuttle: 155 RMB, check in at the Stabilizing Needle, Bogda Snow Peak, lakeside boardwalk; snow mountains + lake + forest in one frame, very fairy-like Drive to Kuitun in the evening for accommodation; city dining and lodging are cost-effective Day 3 Kuitun → Sailimu Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining 🚗Distance: approx. 450km|Driving time 5.5h 💎Top Attractions: ✅Sailimu Lake: The last drop of the Atlantic, 90km around the lake for deep exploration, check in at Kele Yongzhu and West Sea Grassland, crystal-clear blue water is healing, perfect for spontaneous wallpaper shots ✅Guozigou Bridge: Popular photo spot, a super project between canyon and snow mountains, stunning aerial views 🏨Accommodation: Yining City 🍜Food Recommendations: Yining handmade ice cream, mianfuzi rice sausage, Ili milk tea Day 4 Yining → Yizhao Highway → Tianma Bathing River → Zhaosu 🚗Distance: approx. 120km|Off-the-beaten-path mountain road trip 🛣Legendary Road: Yizhao Highway (S237) Open June to October, vehicles under 7 seats allowed, crossing Baishi Peak, passing through grasslands, cliffs, and snow mountains step by step, known as “Little Duku” 🐎Famous Scene: Zhaosu Tianma Bathing River, horses galloping through the river, a stunning photography moment (best viewed at dusk) 🏨Accommodation: Zhaosu County Day 5 Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Road → Tekes Bagua City 🚗Distance: approx. 150km|Driving time 4h 🏔Secret Deep Tour: ▪️Xiata Ancient Road: Close-up check-in at Muzart Glacier, primeval forest + river valley meadow, light hiking / horseback riding, niche and healing ▪️Tekes Bagua City: Ancient city without traffic lights, drone panoramic shots are legendary, stroll the streets to experience folk customs 🏨Accommodation: Tekes County Day 6 Tekes → Qiaxi Forest Park → Xinyuan 🚗Distance: approx. 200km|Driving time 4.5h 🌿Hidden Gem: Qiaxi Forest Park Few people, beautiful scenery, spruce forest, streams, meadows, natural oxygen bar, perfect for photos, picnics, and slow walks, avoiding crowded popular spots Arrive in Xinyuan in the evening, rest and prepare for Nalati 🏨Accommodation: Xinyuan / Nalati Town Day 7 Deep Immersion・Nalati Aerial Grassland Full day immersive tour of Nalati Scenic Area 🎫Tickets + shuttle: 135 RMB Key check-in: Aerial Grassland Tianjitai, overlooking the three-dimensional grassland panorama, wildflowers and continuous spruces, horseback riding and Kazakh home visits available to experience grassland culture 🏨Accommodation: Nalati Town (advance booking essential in peak season) Day 8 Nalati → Northern Duku Highway → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery → Dushanzi 🚗Distance: approx. 300km|Driving time 6h 🛣Must-Drive in Life: Northern Duku Highway Experience four seasons in one day, different weather every ten miles, crossing perennial snow passes, forests, grasslands, and canyons Stop by Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, accompanied by snow mountains and streams, scenery rivals popular grasslands 🏨Accommodation: Dushanzi City Day 9 Dushanzi → Anjihai Grand Canyon → Kenswater Reservoir → S101 Hundred-Mile Danxia → Urumqi 🚗Distance: approx. 300km|Driving time 6.5h 🌈Geological Wonderland: ▪️Anjihai Grand Canyon: Colorful earth textures, photography heaven ▪️Kenswater Reservoir: Clear water with Danxia landform, niche photo spot ▪️S101 National Defense Highway: Continuous hundred-mile Danxia, Tianshan geographic corridor Return to Urumqi in the evening for accommodation Day 10 Urumqi Airport Transfer・Perfect Return Rest at hotel, shop for dried fruits and lavender souvenirs as needed, private transfer to airport, concluding the Ili panoramic journey ⚠️Essential Travel Tips 🔹Transportation ✔️Yizhao / Duku only allow vehicles with 7 seats or fewer; large vehicles prohibited ✔️Some sections of S101 are unpaved; prioritize SUVs, sedans proceed cautiously and slowly ✔️Mountain areas have poor signal; download offline maps from Gaode / Baidu in advance, fill up fuel and ensure range before daily departure 🔹Clothing & Sun Protection ✔️Huge day-night temperature difference everywhere! Summer essentials: windbreaker / light down jacket + sun protection clothing + long pants ✔️Sunglasses, sun hats, and high SPF sunscreen are must-haves; UV rays are very strong on grasslands and lakes 🔹Ticket Booking ✔️Sailimu Lake, Nalati, and Xiata recommend official WeChat public account advance real-name booking 1 day prior ✔️Monitor traffic control on popular roads in real time; rain and snow may cause temporary restrictions 🔹Local Customs & Etiquette ✔️Respect ethnic minority customs; do not casually photograph locals or religious sites ✔️No short skirts or shorts inside mosques; behave politely and appropriately (in line with platform compliance) 🔹Food Collection|Safe Choices Urumqi: Big plate chicken, hand-pulled rice, baked naan Yining: Handmade ice cream, milk tea, local snacks Along the grassland: Hand-pulled lamb, naan pit meat, Kazakh specialty dishes 💰Per Person Budget Reference (excluding major transportation) ▪️Charter travel: 1800-2300 RMB / person ▪️9 nights accommodation: 2200-3000 RMB (higher in peak season) ▪️Scenic area tickets: approx. 520 RMB / person ▪️Meals throughout: 1500-2000 RMB ▪️Souvenirs + activities: around 500 RMB

May in Ili is like a spilled palette—the blue of Sailimu Lake is purer than the sky, the Tianshan red flowers carpet the land in red, and the glaciers of Shata shine under the sun… This 8-day route connects grasslands, lakes, and ancient paths, with practical tips on temperature differences and transportation to help you avoid pitfalls while exploring~ 🌅 Daily Highlights (with Pitfall Avoidance Guide) Day 1: Yining · Enter the Colorful Fairy Tale Town · Must-visit: ◦ Liuxing Street: Blue walls and red roofs hide a handmade ice cream shop, 10 yuan a bowl with rich milky flavor. Sitting in the courtyard basking in the sun while eating instantly captures the slow pace of Ili. ◦ Kazanqi Folk Village: Take a horse carriage (50 yuan per ride) slowly through colorful alleys, blue door frames paired with yellow earthen walls. Wearing a white dress for photos feels like stepping into Morocco. ◦ Hanren Street Night Market: Must-try roasted buns (3 yuan each) and handmade yogurt (5 yuan per bowl), remember to add a spoonful of honey. · Accommodation: Many hotel options in Yining city; recommended to stay near Kazanqi to capture empty colorful alleys early in the morning. · Tip: In May, Yining has a temperature difference of over 15℃ between morning and evening. Thin down jackets or windbreakers are a must. Wear short sleeves at noon but layer up with a jacket by evening. Day 2: Sailimu Lake · Circle the Lake to Chase the Blue · Route: East shore (Kele Yongzhu) → South shore (Qinshuitan) → West shore (Pine Tree Head), about 90 km in total. Shuttle buses available for hop-on hop-off. · Photo spots: ◦ Kele Yongzhu: The lake water is so clear you can see the pebbles. Squat by the lake to capture reflections; snow-capped mountains and clouds are mirrored in the water. ◦ S-shaped Road: Shoot from a high point as cars curve along the road, with the lake and grassland as the backdrop, like a movie scene. ◦ Evening Spot: On the west shore, you might encounter swans. The sunset dyes the lake golden-red, and swans swimming look like scattered gold flakes. · Accommodation: RV campsites inside the scenic area (expensive but convenient for sunrise viewing) or Guozigou homestays (cost-effective with night views of the bridge). · Tip: The wind by the lake is strong enough to blow off hats. Bring windproof jackets and scarves. Buy tickets and shuttle bus passes in advance via the “Sailimu Lake Scenic Area” WeChat official account for faster entry. Day 3: Tianshan Red Flowers · Exclusive Red Romance · Early morning: Watch the sunrise at Guozigou Bridge, sunlight gilds the bridge. Drone shots from the side make the bridge look like it’s hanging in the clouds. · Morning: Huo City Manjiang Valley for Tianshan red flowers (peak bloom mid-May). Must go early! From 7:00 to 9:00 all flowers are fully open, like a red sea stretching to the horizon. After 10:00, the sun causes the flowers to close. · Afternoon: Return to Yining to stroll Hanren Street, buy handmade Kazakh tapestries as souvenirs, and enjoy a hand-pulled rice meal at night (only with mutton fat is it truly fragrant). Day 4: Shata Ancient Trail · Glacier Hiking · Activity: Take the scenic area shuttle → hot spring hotel → hike to General’s Bridge (1.5 hours), then continue to Cabin No. 2 to get close views of the Muzart Glacier, which looks like a blue ice waterfall hanging between mountains. · Hiking Tips: Wear anti-slip hiking shoes (some sections have gravel), bring a bottle of water and energy bars (no supplies on the mountain), wear long sleeves to protect from tree branches. · Return: Last shuttle at 19:00, don’t miss it by lingering for photos. Stay overnight in Zhaosu County; at night, visit the food street for grilled lamb skewers (large skewer 10 yuan). Day 5: From Bagua City to Grassland · Morning: Yizhao Highway (partially open in May; if closed, take the provincial road) passes snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Stop to take photos of “cars driving through a painting.” At Tekesi Bagua City, find a tall building rooftop for aerial shots of the spiderweb-like layout. · Afternoon: Fresh wildflowers have bloomed at Kalajun Grassland’s Flower Terrace. At Falcon Terrace, capture silhouettes of people standing at the grassland’s edge. The undulating lines under sunset resemble human curves, hence the name “Human Body Grassland.” · Tip: Drone flights over Bagua City require registration with the Tekesi Cultural and Tourism Bureau (free), otherwise you may be asked to leave. Day 6: Qiongkushitai · Pristine Village · Morning: Capture another sunrise at Kalajun, the grassland shrouded in morning mist looks like green waves. · Afternoon: Drive to Qiongkushitai, winding mountain roads with spruce forests and streams outside the window. At the village entrance, wooden houses with curling smoke. Horse riding (150 yuan/hour) to the back mountain viewing platform offers views of the village embraced by grasslands. · Accommodation: Wooden cabin homestay (book at least 1 week in advance). At night, enjoy a bonfire chat under the Milky Way. Day 7-8: Nalati · Finish at the Sky Grassland · In May, wild lilies bloom sporadically at the Sky Grassland. Take the scenic area shuttle to Tianjietai to see the grassland like a green carpet stretching to the foot of snow mountains. · On the second visit, explore the river valley forest; photos by the stream are ethereal. · On the last day, charter a car back to Urumqi (6-7 hours) to end the trip. 🚗 Pre-trip Essentials · Transportation: Recommended to charter a car (about 5000-6000 yuan for 8 days, including fuel and tolls). Xinjiang’s scenic spots are far apart; self-driving can be exhausting. · Clothing: Short sleeves + light jacket + thick jacket + hiking shoes. May weather is changeable; you can experience all four seasons in one day. · Documents: ID card is a must; some scenic spots check strictly. · Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen (UV rays are strong enough to cause peeling). May in Ili is the blue of Sailimu Lake, the green of grasslands, the brilliance of red flowers, the wind by your ears while hiking, the smoke curling in front of wooden cabins… Eight days are enough to engrave this beauty in your heart. Let’s go, Xinjiang’s spring is waiting for you~

September to October golden autumn northern Xinjiang 10 days D1: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Fuyun D2: Fuyun - Koktokay - Altay D3: Altay - Ahe highway - Hemu D4: Hemu - Kanas D5: Kanas - Baihaba D6: Baihaba - Five-color Beach - Burqin D7: Burqin - Ghost City - Wuerhe - Kuitun D8: Kuitun - Sailimu Lake D9: Sailimu Lake - Anjihai Grand Canyon D10: Dushanzi - Urumqi September to November southern Xinjiang 12-day route D1: Gather in Urumqi D2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tunnel - Bosten Lake - Korla D3: Korla - Luobu Man Village - Luntai County D4: Luntai County - Tarim Poplar Forest - (Flaming Spring) - Baicheng County D5: Baicheng County - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aral City D6: Aral City - Desert Highway - Hotan D7: Hotan - Yecheng - Kashgar D8: Kashgar - China’s westernmost point - Kashgar D9: Kashgar - Baisha Lake - Taghaman Wetland - Taxkorgan D10: Taxkorgan - Hongqilafu - Panlong Ancient Road - Taxkorgan D11: Taxkorgan - Jincao Beach - Mustagh Glacier Park - Kashgar D12: Kashgar - various destinations

Who understands! One route conquers both the healing grasslands of Ili and the profound Western Regions of Southern Xinjiang. Ten days without backtracking, fully covering the dual flagship roads of Duku Highway and Desert Highway, with scenery levels maxed out! Full route: Urumqi → Kuitun → Sailimu Lake → Yining (Lavender) → Nalati → Bayinbuluke → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon → Kuqa → Aksu → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aral → Hotan (Desert Highway) → Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road Daily Highlights at a Glance 1. Northern Xinjiang Start: Depart from Urumqi straight to Sailimu Lake, see the last drop of the Atlantic, and wait for sunset around the lake in the evening. 2. Ili Valley: Stroll through the lavender sea in Yining, visit the blue town of Kazanqi, and feel the gentle Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall. 3. Northern Duku Section: Cross the Tianshan Mountains to reach the Nalati Sky Grassland, with hills full of green grass and grazing cattle and sheep, an immersive oxygen experience. 4. Middle Duku Section: Bayinbuluke’s winding curves, waiting for the romantic moment of nine sunsets in one frame. 5. Southern Duku Section: Pass through the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, with magnificent reddish-brown rock walls, arriving directly at Kuqa. 6. First Encounter with Southern Xinjiang: Kuqa Old Town + Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, fully immersing in the millennium-old Western Region grotto atmosphere. 7. Canyon Secret Realm: Hike the Wensu Grand Canyon, marvel at the naturally sculpted Danxia landforms, a niche spot perfect for photos. 8. Desert Highway: From Aral straight to Hotan, cross the Taklamakan Desert, watch the sunset over sand dunes with off-road vehicles. 9. Kashgar Ancient City: Explore the thousand-year-old city, enjoy Southern Xinjiang cuisine, and experience the vibrant life at Id Kah Mosque. 10. Pamir Plateau: Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake with distant views of Muztagh Ata Peak, walk the Panlong Ancient Road to complete all the twists and turns of life. Travel Tips ▫️ Clothing: Light-colored fairy dresses for Ili photos, prepare a windbreaker and thick coat for Southern Xinjiang, as temperature differences between morning and night are huge. ▫️ Documents: Be sure to apply for a border pass in advance when going to Taxkorgan, and carry your ID card at all times. ▫️ Road Conditions: Duku Highway is open in summer; Desert Highway has few supply points, so fill up your tank in advance. ▫️ Food: Ili hand-pulled meat, Southern Xinjiang baked buns, jar meat, pomegranate juice—eat to your heart’s content along the way. Half green mountains and grasslands, half Gobi ancient cities Ten days to experience two ultimate sceneries of Xinjiang, this loop trip is a must for life!

This closed-loop route covers the two core areas of Northern Xinjiang, Altay and Ili, in one go, without retracing steps. It includes deserts, yardangs, Tuva ancient villages, alpine lakes, glacier trails, grassland valleys, and popular scenic highways. Compared to shorter loops, it unlocks more spots like the Yizhao Highway, Shata Glacier, Zhaosu Tianma, and Qiongkushitai primitive villages, balancing natural scenery with niche cultural experiences. From June to August, enjoy vast flower seas; in September, colorful autumn forests. This is one of the few relaxed-paced deep routes on the market that doesn’t require early starts or rushing. Beginners can check off 90% of Northern Xinjiang’s iconic sights in one trip without splitting it into two visits to Xinjiang. 🛬【Itinerary】(12 days 11 nights, slow travel without rushing) Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi from various locations Day 2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - S21 Desert Highway - Beitun Day 3: Beitun - Ahe Highway - Hemu (stay in scenic area) Day 4: Hemu - Kanas Scenic Area - Baihaba (stay in scenic area) Day 5: Baihaba - Kanas Three Bays and One Lake - Burqin Day 6: Burqin - World Devil City - Kuitun Day 7: Kuitun - Sayram Lake - Yining Day 8: Yining - Liuxing Street - Yizhao Highway - Zhaosu Day 9: Zhaosu - Tianma Bathing River - Tekes Day 10: Tekes - Nalati Tourist Scenic Area Grassland Day 11: Nalati - Duku Highway - Urumqi Day 12: Depart from Urumqi to various locations ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Hemu Village Known as “God’s Reserved Land,” it’s the pinnacle of Tuva culture in Northern Xinjiang. Clusters of log cabins among birch forests, with morning mist at Harden Viewing Platform being a top photography spot year-round; at night, no light pollution allows clear views of the Milky Way. From June to August, wildflowers bloom everywhere; September’s golden autumn forests are stunning. Staying inside the village avoids the hassle of shuttle buses. 2. Kanas (Three Bays + Fish Viewing Platform) A representative lake of Northern Xinjiang, connected by wooden boardwalks along Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, and Fairy Bay, with Fairy Bay’s morning mist creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. From the Fish Viewing Platform, you can overlook the emerald Kanas Lake and the snowy Altay Mountains. It’s the legendary origin of the lake monster, offering a uniquely layered lake view. 3. Sayram Lake The last drop of the Atlantic, its waters shift through blue, cyan, and turquoise with the changing light. Driving around the lake, you can stop at S Bay, Kele Yongzhu, and Swan Bay anytime. Paired with the cloud-level Guozigou Bridge, the sunrise atmosphere is irreplaceable. 4. Yizhao Highway A niche scenic road open only from June to October, featuring continuous snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower seas. The Shata hike leads directly to the glacier’s foot, offering a close view of Muzart Snow Peak. You can touch the glacier without intense mountaineering, with scenery comparable to Switzerland. 5. Zhaosu Wetland Park (Tianma Bathing River) A unique dynamic scene where dozens of Ili horses gallop through the water, splashing everywhere. The sunset light and shadow are perfect, making it a unique grassland cultural filming location in Northern Xinjiang. 6. Qiongkushitai A pristine century-old Tuva village with almost no commercialization. The back mountain grasslands, streams, and spruce forests are vast and quiet, perfect for relaxing and avoiding crowded popular spots. 7. Nalati Sky Grassland A gentle alpine meadow with distant snow mountains and wildflowers everywhere. Horseback riding through the valley is easy and suitable for all ages, offering an authentic grassland pastoral experience. 8. Duku Highway China’s most beautiful scenic highway, stretching 561 kilometers through the Tianshan Mountains. In just a few hundred kilometers, you pass grasslands, snow mountains, canyons, and deserts, experiencing all four seasons in one day. A must-drive road in Xinjiang. 🍩【Must-Try Foods】 1. Burqin Grilled Coldwater Dogfish Native fish from the Irtysh River, freshly grilled at the riverbank night market. Crispy outside, tender inside, with no earthy taste. Paired with chilled kvass, a unique Altay specialty. 2. Clear Stewed Grassland Hand-Pulled Mutton Local homestay style in Hemu and Nalati, stewed in clear water with only salt. The mutton is free of gamey taste, served with piyazi (onion salad) to cut the grease, preserving the authentic pastoral flavor. 3. Big Plate Chicken + Belt Noodles A staple across Northern Xinjiang, with tender chicken and rich broth. The wide belt noodles soak up the soup fully. Old town restaurants offer better value than scenic area eateries. 4. Yining Handmade Ice Cream (Gulandamu) A classic fresh milk ice cream on Liuxing Street, additive-free, served with dried mulberries. Rich and creamy, a must-try dessert in Ili. 5. Grilled Buns, Thin-Skinned Buns Crispy skin and fresh meat filling with lamb and onions, freshly grilled in Urumqi’s Consulate Alley and Yining’s Liuxing Street. Best eaten hot for full aroma. 6. Meatball Soup + Fried Oil Cake Common in Burqin and Beitun, bone broth warms the stomach, and soft fried oil cakes relieve fatigue from long drives. 7. Jar Meat + Naan Street food in Urumqi, lamb clear soup with carrots, eaten with baked naan. Affordable and authentic. 8. Seasonal Xinjiang Melons and Fruits From July to September, enjoy flat peaches, Hami melons, and seedless white grapes with high sweetness, fresh and affordable from roadside farmers’ stalls. 【Tips】For details, please click below to contact a guide with one click

~~~~~~~~~ P1⃣️ West Bank of Baisha Lake P2⃣️ Muztagh Ata Peak No. 2 Glacier P3⃣️ Kuqa Red Mountain Stone Forest P4⃣️ Karakul Lake and Kongur Jiubie Peak P5⃣️ Kongur Peak P6⃣️ Kashgar Old Town P7⃣️ Panlong Ancient Trail P8⃣️ Muji Volcano Crater P9⃣️ Bandier Blue Lake P1⃣️0⃣️ Kizil Devil City ~~~~~~~~~

On June 1, 2026, China's "top highway": the Duku Highway will open to traffic! The Yizhao Highway, which usually opens in mid to late June, will also open on the same day this year. Both scenic highways welcome visitors simultaneously. 🛣️【Duku Highway】 Starting from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, it stretches 561 kilometers. Built over ten years by tens of thousands of soldiers, it is open only four months a year and is known as China's most beautiful and dangerous highway. The route passes through deserts, snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, canyons, and lakes, with dramatic changes in scenery. 🚗 Recommended route: Dushanzi → Bayingou → Qiaerma → Gongnaisi Forest Farm → Nalati → Bayinbuluke → Tielimaiti Daban → Big and Small Dragon Pools → Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Kuqa.

Experience the adventure, immerse yourself in Southern Xinjiang A profound encounter of culture and hidden wonders, telling the glory of the Silk Road A letter sent deep into the soul: snow-capped peaks, lakes, seas of sand, ancient cities, narrate the captivating stories of Southern Xinjiang through the interplay of light and shadow. Explore the secret realm of Tata, feel the autumn, gaze upon the vast Taklamakan Desert and Tarim River, traverse the sea of sand, and dream back to Hotan: a magical journey along the desert highway and the ancient city of Yutian. 10 Days in Southern Xinjiang D1: Various locations -- Urumqi D2: Urumqi -- Uwei Expressway -- Tianshan Victory Tunnel -- Tata Secret Realm -- Tarim River Cruise -- Korla D3: Korla -- Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves -- Hesitan Street -- Kuqa D4: Kuqa -- Wensu Grand Canyon -- Aral D5: Aral -- Taklamakan Desert Highway -- Yutian Ancient City -- Hotan D6: Hotan -- Yingjisha Clay Pottery Village -- Pottery Making -- Yingjisha Knife Village -- Kashgar D7: Kashgar -- Tour to Oytak Red Valley -- Muji Volcano Crater -- Baisha Lake -- Karakul Lake -- Tahaman Wetland Viewing -- Taxkorgan D8: Taxkorgan -- Hongqilafu -- Wakhan Corridor -- Panlong Ancient Road -- Bandier Lake -- Taxkorgan D9: Taxkorgan -- Muztagh Glacier -- Kashgar D10: Kashgar to various locations 🍢 Must-Try Foods · Staples: Hand-pulled rice, baked buns, big plate chicken, Naren noodles, Baursak · Snacks: Mianfuzi (wheat gluten), rice sausage, grilled lamb intestines, yogurt dumplings, handmade ice cream · Drinks: Mare’s milk, kvass, Yili Tequ (special liquor) · Fruits: Apricots, peaches, grapes, apples from June to August, super sweet

3 Hidden Stops on the Duku Highway|90% of People Miss Them 😭 Are you also afraid the Duku Highway will turn into a "traffic jam crying road"? Don’t worry! These three lesser-known stops, I’ve even dug up the navigation keywords for you. They’re free all along the way, no need to squeeze onto viewing platforms 👇 Last June, I drove the entire Duku Highway myself. These spots were amazing places to avoid the crowds. Like and save this, and check it again before you set off~🚗 1️⃣ Hongshan Stone Forest|A Western Movie Scene with Trains Passing Through Navigate to “Kuqa Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon,” drive about 15 minutes forward, see the train bridge tunnel, then take the dirt road on the right 🕒 Best time: 4-6 PM, the light and shadows on the red rocks are stunning 👗 Outfit: Cowboy hat + brown leather jacket or white dress, super cool ⚠️ Train passing times depend on luck, but even without a train, the stone forest itself is breathtaking. Bring a telephoto lens or use your phone’s zoom. 2️⃣ Yanshuigou|The Yardang Secret Realm of the Ancient Silk Road Search for “Yanshuigou Toll Station,” don’t enter the station, take the left fork to drive in 🕒 All day is fine, cloudy days add an apocalyptic vibe 👗 Pure black or pure white long dress + sunglasses, if no drone, climb a small dirt hill by the roadside for wide-angle shots ⚠️ Some gravel roads, no problem for SUVs, sedans can pass slowly. Avoid after heavy rain. 3️⃣ Kuike Wusu Stone Forest|Real-life “Zelda” Navigate to “Kuike Wusu Village,” then drive about 30 minutes along the gravel road after arrival (download offline maps from Aowei, no signal all the way) 🕒 Morning light is best, fog often comes in the afternoon 👗 Bright-colored windbreaker or red scarf, it’s very windy, bring a windproof jacket 🚗 SUV recommended, sedans enter with caution (low clearance may scrape). There is a narrow section, drive slowly when meeting other cars. 🟢 Route Direction Suggestion This route is best if you start from Kuqa heading north (enter from the south section), the three stops are on the way. For those coming from Dushanzi heading south, remember to plan your U-turn points in advance. 🛡️ Safety Tips · Speed limit 40-60 km/h on curves, beginners avoid driving at night · Altitude 3000+ meters, prepare oxygen, thick jackets, and snacks · Check the “Xinjiang Traffic Police” WeChat official account daily for road opening status · Download offline maps before departure 🟡 One-sentence Summary (Save this screenshot 👇) Enter from the south section|SUV preferred|Must download offline maps|Thick jacket + snacks|Follow relevant platform accounts for opening news and road conditions. 🙋‍♀️ Which of these three spots do you want to rush to? Or do you have your own hidden Duku Highway gems? If you find this useful, long press to like and send me a little ❤️, share it with your road trip buddy! This summer, let’s go see the Duku Highway together.

Who would have thought! I originally came to Xinjiang to chase snow-capped mountains, but with my puppy Seventeen in tow, the moment we stepped into Shata, it felt like we had walked straight into a fairy tale book secretly kept by the gods! Sunlight filtered through the spruce trees, casting dappled shadows. A little squirrel dragged its fluffy tail darting around branches and the ground. Turning a corner, we suddenly bumped into a round, chubby marmot sitting on a rock, nibbling on grass leaves with its paws. Its shiny black eyes widened in surprise when it saw us, instantly "frozen," then in the next second, it darted into its burrow with a "whoosh," leaving only its fluffy back visible. Seventeen was so amused that he kept pawing at the burrow entrance, unwilling to leave. Walking on the leaf litter in the dense primeval forest, the rustling sound mixed with the scent of pine wood drifting in the breeze. Turning another corner, we unexpectedly entered an endless grassland—like a green paint palette spilled by the heavens, spreading across the hills and stretching all the way to the foot of the snow mountains. In the distance, the Muzart Glacier shimmered with a cool silver light. Seventeen obediently lay by my side, panting, eyes fixed on the clouds rolling across the sky. At that moment, even the wind seemed to slow down. It turns out the most genuine happiness never needs to be sought deliberately. It’s simply being with my furry child, leaving footprints on the meadow at the end of the snow mountains, and packing the endless green, the crisp glacier, and the sound of pine waves all into memories✨ 💡 Practical Tips: 1. Be sure to take the Shata shuttle bus to General’s Bridge; this is the core starting point for hiking into the forest and grassland; 2. Wild marmots are very timid—don’t chase or feed them, just capture photos from a distance; 3. If you bring pets, always keep them on a leash. Most hiking trails in the scenic area allow leashed pets; 4. The temperature difference in the mountains is large, so even in summer bring a light jacket. The high-altitude UV rays are strong, so don’t forget sunscreen. 📸 Photo Tips: 1. The light spots in the forest are amazing for photos. Have your dog stand in the gaps of light and shadow, shoot with side backlighting to maximize atmosphere; 2. The best spot to capture both grassland and glacier in one frame is the open meadow just past General’s Bridge. Standing on a small hill lets you get the full panoramic view; 3. Capture natural moments of your dog interacting, like pawing at the marmot burrow or sticking out its tongue watching clouds—these are more heartwarming than posed shots; 4. The soft light at dusk is perfect for shooting snow mountains, giving the glacier a warm filter effect. Where is the most healing travel destination you’ve taken your furry child? Share with me in the comments!

Southern Xinjiang, half mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, half everyday life. It is neither noisy nor pretentious, telling the millennium-old Silk Road legend with snow-capped mountains, lakes, ancient cities, and deserts. The wind blows from the Pamirs, carrying the scent of poplar trees—this is the unique romance of Southern Xinjiang. D1: Departure - Urumqi D2: Urumqi - Uwei Highway - Lop Nur Village - Korla D3: Korla - Jesitan Old Street - Kuqa Ancient City - Kucha Music and Dance - Kuqa D4: Kuqa - Kizil Grand Canyon - Flaming Spring - Aral D5: Aral - Desert Highway - Yutian Ancient City - Hotan Night Market - Hotan D6: Hotan - Stroll through Kashgar Old City - Kashgar D7: Kashgar - Baisha Lake - Mustagh Glacier Park - Taxkorgan D8: Taxkorgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Kaneryang Township - Bandier Blue Lake - Karakul Lake - Near Kashgar Ancient City D9: Kashgar - Colorful Yadan Landform - Confluence of Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains - Shell Mountain - Simhana Village - China’s Westernmost Point - Kashgar D10: Kashgar - Departure to various destinations

【Introduction】: The beautiful Xinjiang is definitely worth exploring, especially South Xinjiang, which not only has unique scenery but also deserts, gobi, lakes, plateaus, snow mountains, ancient architecture, and more, all worth exploring and traveling in South Xinjiang: 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Cozy Home - Kashgar Day 2: Kashgar - Shache Palace - Shache Old Town - Hotan Night Market - Hotan Day 3: Hotan - Desert Highway - 359th Brigade Memorial Hall - Aral Day 4: Aral - Tarim Poplar Forest - Tarim River - Luntai Ancient City - Luntai Day 5: Luntai - Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aksu Day 6: Aksu - Bachu Red Sea - Century-old Tea - Kashgar Old Town - Kashgar Day 7: Kashgar - Kashgar City Opening Ceremony - Baisha Lake - Tahaman Wetland - Jincao Beach Stone City - Taxkorgan Day 8: Taxkorgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Pamir’s Eye - Bandier Blue Lake - Karakul Lake - Kashgar Day 9: Kashgar - Cozy Home ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】: Kashgar Old Town A 2,100-year-old ancient city in the Western Regions, with maze-like streets full of exotic charm. You can watch the city opening ceremony, visit century-old teahouses, and experience Uyghur folk customs. Id Kah Mosque The largest mosque in Xinjiang, solemn and majestic, a representative of Islamic architectural art, adjacent to Kashgar Old Town. Kizil Caves (Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves) Carved in the 3rd century, earlier than Dunhuang, a treasure of the Kucha civilization, one of the first national cultural protection units. Kuche Palace Built by Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty to honor the Uyghur leader, housing a museum showcasing Kuche’s history and folk customs [(Trip.com)]. Nature Taklamakan Desert / Desert Highway China’s largest and the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert; the Desert Highway is over 500 kilometers long, a spectacular self-driving experience. Luntai Poplar Forest (Tarim Poplar Forest) The world’s largest original poplar forest, golden from mid-October to early November, can be toured by small train. Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (Kuche Grand Canyon) Red rock wall canyon, with the perilous “One Line Sky” and Mars-like terrain. Pamir Plateau (Muztagh Ata Peak + Karakul Lake) “Muztagh Ata,” the “Father of Glaciers”; Karakul Lake changes color with the light from blue to green to black, with stunning snow mountain reflections. Baisha Lake Blue lake surrounded by white sand dunes, pure like a fairyland, the “Sky Mirror” of the plateau. Panlong Ancient Road 75 kilometers in Taxkorgan with over 600 S-curves, “After all the detours, life is a smooth road.” 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Roast Baozi + Hand-Pulled Rice + Big Plate Chicken + Handmade Yogurt 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Trip.com Four-Diamond + Classic Homestays 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Seven-seat business van or luxury seven-seat business van 🧡【Tips】: 1. Essential Documents ID Card: Must carry throughout the trip, required for security checks, accommodation, and attractions. Border Pass: Required for border areas like Taxkorgan, Pamir Plateau, Hongqilafu, etc. Mainland: Free application at local police station Local: On-site application at designated Kashgar police stations 2. Time Difference and Climate Time Difference: 2 hours behind mainland China, adjust schedule and meals accordingly. Large Temperature Difference: “Wear cotton in the morning, wear gauze at noon,” dress in layers (quick-dry + fleece + windbreaker/thin down jacket). Sun Protection + Moisturizing: Strong UV rays, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hats; dry climate requires lip balm and face masks. 3. Respect for Ethnic Groups and Religion No outside food or pork/dog meat allowed in halal restaurants. Entering mosques: Remove shoes, be quiet, women should cover shoulders and wear long pants/skirts.

【Introduction】: Unlock the exciting ways to explore Xinjiang with one click 【Tianchi Forest Light Hiking】Stroll along the Tianchi forest trail and breathe in pure natural fresh oxygen 【Check in at Bogda Snow Mountain】Look up at the majestic Bogda Snow Mountain and feel the sacredness and grandeur of the snowy peaks 【Ahe Highway】Travel through the stunning Ahe Highway, enjoying grasslands, forests, and valleys along the way 【Bonfire Party】Light up a blazing bonfire and gather around for singing and dancing 【Hemu Sunrise】At the moment of sunrise in the east, fall into a fairy-tale wonderland of breathtaking beauty 【Fish Viewing Platform】Climb to the top of Kanas Fish Viewing Platform and overlook the panoramic view of the sacred lake 【Tuva Intangible Cultural Heritage Performer】Listen to the ancient melodies of the Tuva and experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage 【Kanas Three Bays Tour】Walk through the three bays of Kanas, appreciating the interplay of morning mist, clear water, and forest sea 【Small Train through Yadan Landforms】Experience the natural wonder of wind-eroded landscapes on a small train ride 【Self-driving around Sayram Lake】Drive around Sayram Lake and encounter the ultimate scenery of snowy mountains and blue lakes 【Nalati Cableway】Get a bird’s-eye view of the mountains and capture the beautiful scenery of Nalati 【Bayinbuluke Panorama】Stroll through the Bayinbuluke grassland and take in the magnificent scenery of winding rivers 【Check in at Duku Highway】Cross the Duku Highway and experience four seasons in one day 【Self-driving through Kizil Gorge】Drive through the red canyon and feel the grandeur and rugged geological wonders 【Wensu Grand Canyon】Red rocks like flames, intersecting canyons, showcasing the majestic character of Northwest China 【Yotkan Ancient City】Walk through Yotkan Ancient City and travel back through a thousand years of Western Region history 【Hotan Old Town】Wander the streets and alleys of Hotan Old Town and touch the authentic local life of southern Xinjiang 【Hotan Night Market】Full of local flavor, enjoy authentic Western Region delicacies 【Muztag Glacier Park】Approach the Muztag Glacier and admire the majestic “Father of Glaciers” 【Karakul Lake】The lake’s light and mountain scenery are pure and peaceful, like a sapphire on the plateau 【Panlong Ancient Road】Today you walk all the winding paths, from now on life will be smooth 【Baisha Lake】Pure as paradise, every frame is wallpaper-worthy scenery 【Bandir Blue Lake】Surrounded by snowy mountains, the lake is like jade, a secret paradise hidden in the Pamirs 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi - Free activities in the city Day 2: Urumqi - Tianchi (forest light hiking - check in at Bogda Snow Mountain) - S21 Desert Expressway - Karamay Beautiful Sand Hill Park - Altay Day 3: Altay - Ahe Highway (passing through Ushilik - Tongba Forest - Tolehait Grassland) - Hemu Village (Hemu Bridge - Hemu Birch Forest - Sunset Viewing Platform - Bonfire Party) Day 4: Hemu Village (Sunrise Viewing Platform) - Kanas - Border secret spot Baihaba - Lonely Tree - Baihaba Village Day 5: Baihaba Village - Kanas Fish Viewing Platform - Walk along Kanas Lake - Tuva Intangible Cultural Heritage Performer (arranged from 6.1 to 8.31) - Kanas Three Bays (Fairy Bay - Moon Bay - Wolong Bay) - Night tour of the riverbank night market - Burqin Day 6: Burqin - World Devil City - Small train through Yadan landforms - Passing Baili Oilfield - Ketouji - Kuitun Day 7: Kuitun - Self-driving around Sayram Lake (Waterside Beach - Commanding Platform - West Sea Grassland - Kele Yongzhu - Popular S Bay) - Bole Day 8: Bole - Northern section of Duku Highway (passing Hashilergen Snow Mountain Daban - Heavenly Waterfall - Watch Tianshan Stone Tablet) - Nalati Town 【Note: If Duku Highway is closed: Bole - Yining - Nalati Town】 Day 9: Nalati Cableway - Sky Grassland - Light grassland photo tour (arranged from 6.1 to 8.31) - Middle section of Duku Highway Bayinbuluke (Swan Spring - Barun Temple - Basirik Viewing Platform - Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns of the Kaitu River) - Bayinbuluke Town Day 10: Bayinbuluke - Southern section of Duku Highway - Big and Small Dragon Pools - Self-driving through Kizil Gorge - Cliffside Coffee - Kuqa Day 11: Kuqa - Flame Spring - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aksu Day 12: Aksu - Taklamakan Desert Highway - Yotkan Ancient City - Hotan Tuancheng Old Street - Hotan Night Market Day 13: Hotan - Shache (Kazanchi Street - Juwuqikule Alley) - Kashgar Old Town - Kashgar Night Market - Kashgar Day 14: Kashgar - China-Pakistan Friendship Highway - Passing Aoyitake Red Mountain - Baisha Lake - Muztag Glacier Park - Taxkorgan Day 15: Taxkorgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandir Blue Lake - Pamir’s Eye - Karakul Lake - Kashgar Day 16: Kashgar - Home 🧡【Tips】: For details, please click the bottom left to consult guide Hou Binbin

✅【Why must you fly to Yining? What’s better than landing in Urumqi?】 In the past, everyone recommended flying to Urumqi when planning trips, but that was for the full big loop route. If you mainly want to explore the Ili River Valley, landing in Yining is simply paradise! 1. Save a full two days: Driving from Urumqi to Yining takes at least 8 hours 🚌, which is exhausting. Landing in Yining means you can pick up your car and start exploring immediately, no need to spend a whole day on the highway, effectively giving you time to visit two extra attractions! 2. Heart of Ili: Yining is right in the center of the Ili River Valley. It’s 2 hours to Sailimu Lake, 3-4 hours to Shata and Nalati, with no backtracking, so every day brings new scenery. If you go round-trip from Urumqi, you have to rush 700 kilometers back on the last day, which is exhausting. 3. Low altitude and better climate: Compared to Urumqi’s dryness, Yining benefits from the moist air of the Ili River Valley, making the climate milder. Summer average temperature is 25°C, comfortable even at night—truly the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” 4. Diverse cuisine: Yining’s food is more “mixed.” On Liuxing Street, try Russian rye bread with jam; on Hanren Street, try mianfuzi with kvass. You can eat your fill for about 30 RMB per person! 📅【8-Day Ili Divine Loop|Daily Highlights at a Glance】 Day 1: Gather in Yining 👉 Highlight: Relax right after landing. In the evening, stroll around Liuxing Street, which is more artistic than Kazanqi, with blue windows and colorful doors—perfect for photos. Try local snacks and stock up on supplies. Day 2: Yining → Huanghuang Village → Sailimu Lake (270° self-driving loop) → Stay by Sailimu Lake 👉 Highlight: The main event! You must drive into Sailimu Lake! Drive the 90 km loop around the lake, stopping wherever you want. Capture shots from Moon Bay to Pine Tree Head, and watch the “nine different blues of ten lakes” at sunset. Stay in or near the park to catch a sunset over golden mountains and a starry Milky Way—absolutely stunning! Day 3: Sailimu Lake → Second visit to Sailimu Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Zhaosu Shata → Zhaosu 👉 Highlight: Early morning second visit to Sailimu Lake to see the mist—breathtaking. Then cross Guozigou Bridge, where the view of the bridge spanning the valley is spectacular! On the way to Zhaosu in the afternoon, stumble upon Yuhu Lake, an emerald set beneath snowy mountains. Light hiking in summer with views of Muzart Glacier Community Creation Center Benefits. Day 4: Zhaosu → Tianma Bathing River → Qiongkushitai 👉 Highlight: In the morning, watch herds of horses galloping in the Tekesi River, splashing water—a visual feast! Arrive at Qiongkushitai in the afternoon. Though the mountain road has many bends, it’s worth it. Stay in a cabin with grasslands and snowy mountains right outside your door. Day 5: Qiongkushitai → Chapuqihai → Chaxi/Kudening → Xinyuan 👉 Highlight: This stretch has amazing scenery! Chapuqihai is like a blue gem on the grassland. Choose between Chaxi and Kudening; Chaxi is recommended because you can drive right in. The scenery in Chaxi looks like a Windows desktop wallpaper, full of healing green. Day 6: Xinyuan → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery → Nalati 👉 Highlight: Travel through Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, with a new view at every step. Fairy Lake is hidden deep in the mountains; if you’re fit, you can ride a horse up. Stay overnight in Nalati town. Day 7: Nalati → Nalati Sky Grassland → Yining 👉 Highlight: Spend a full day in Nalati! Visit a nomadic family and check in at the popular bridge, then go further in for fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. Return to Yining in the afternoon, and you can visit Kazanqi to experience the lively atmosphere of the blue town. Day 8: Return home from Yining · -- 💡【Hidden Advantages of Landing in Yining】 · Low prices: Yining is one of the most affordable places in Xinjiang for food, entertainment, car rental, and self-driving! · No jet lag (psychologically): The sun sets around 10:30 PM in Yining, so it feels like you gain 2 extra hours of playtime every day. You can have dinner at 9 PM and still not feel tired. · -- 📌【Practical Tips】 · Direct flights to Yining are limited. If there’s no direct flight, you can transfer via Urumqi or take a high-speed train to Yining (5 hours), which is still better than driving 8 hours the next day! · You must book the Sailimu Lake self-driving tour in advance (car limits in peak season). There’s a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring a windbreaker even in summer! 💖 Trust me, choosing Yining as your starting point will double your happiness on your Xinjiang trip! If you have any questions, leave a comment below~ 👇 💖 We offer private small group services, no carpooling, with more flexible and free itineraries. If you’re not satisfied with the itinerary, we can adjust it according to your needs.

Ili Travel Guide: Unlocking a Poetic Journey of Grasslands and Flower Seas (Including Cost Prices) Ili, a land blessed by the warm and moist Atlantic air currents, is renowned for its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, flower seas, and rich ethnic customs, making it a top-tier destination in Xinjiang travel. Whether you’re chasing the vastness of the grasslands or indulging in the romance of lavender fields, this place can fulfill all your natural imaginations. Below is an in-depth travel guide covering attractions, food, accommodation, and transportation in Ili to help you unlock a cost-effective poetic journey. 1. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices Nalati Grassland As one of the world’s four major alpine valley grasslands, Nalati is famous for its three main areas: “Sky Grassland,” “Valley Grassland,” and “Panlong Valley Road.” In summer, the grassland is lush green, dotted with wildflowers, with majestic snow mountains in the distance and Kazakh yurts scattered like stars, resembling a moving painting. Ticket price: 135 RMB/person (including shuttle bus), self-driving tour of Sky Grassland 300 RMB/person (5-seater car). Tips: The best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. You can also experience horseback riding (about 80 RMB/hour) or stay in a yurt (about 200 RMB/night) to feel the nomadic lifestyle. Kalajun Grassland A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, known as the “three-dimensional grassland.” The undulating meadows resemble beautiful curves, paired with the Kuokexu Grand Canyon, Crocodile Bay, and the winding Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, making it a paradise for photographers. Ticket price: 140 RMB/person (including shuttle bus), combined ticket (Kalajun + Kuokexu) 275 RMB/person. Tips: It’s recommended to buy the combined ticket for a full-day tour; wear non-slip shoes for hiking as some sections can be slippery. Sayram Lake The highest altitude and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang, with crystal-clear waters like sapphires, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In June and July, wildflowers bloom all around the lake, and at sunrise, the lake surface shimmers with golden light, breathtakingly beautiful. Ticket price: 145 RMB/person (including shuttle bus), self-driving 145 RMB/person (valid for 48 hours). Tips: Drive counterclockwise around the lake to visit less crowded photo spots like Songshutou, S-bend, and Kele Yongzhu. Huocheng Lavender Base Known as “China’s Provence,” in June and July, tens of thousands of acres of purple flowers sway in the wind, and the air is filled with the scent of lavender. Every photo you take is a healing masterpiece. Ticket price: Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden 35 RMB/person, 65 Regiment Field free (some areas charge fees). Tips: Lavender blooms for a short period, so check the peak bloom time in advance; products inside the park are expensive, so consider buying souvenirs online beforehand. Guozigou Bridge Xinjiang’s tallest bridge, with an S-shaped body winding through a beautiful valley, forming a magnificent picture with snow mountains and forests. Ticket price: Free (parking available on some sections of National Highway G218). Tips: When driving or chartering a car, you can park safely to take photos, but watch out for passing vehicles. 2. Authentic Food and Average Costs Hand-Pulled Rice Ili’s hand-pulled rice features lamb, carrots, onions, and rice as main ingredients. The meat is tender, the rice grains glossy, and it’s paired with yogurt to cut the grease, a daily staple for locals. Recommended restaurant: Aishanjiang Small Pot Hand-Pulled Rice (No. 8, Lane 5, Maitijiang Street), average cost 38 RMB, meat rice served with red Jerusalem artichoke for a rich taste. Hidden tip: Add a pigeon soup (15 RMB) to cool down and better suit Xinjiang’s climate. Grilled Lamb Skewers Ili’s grilled skewers are known for tender lamb and simple seasoning. Charcoal-grilled to crispy outside and tender inside, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, the aroma is irresistible. Recommended restaurant: Maierdan BBQ (Xinhua East Road), average cost 50 RMB, choose your own skewers, very cost-effective. Tip: Locals often eat with naan bread (2 RMB), filling and delicious. Naren A traditional Kazakh dish made with horse or beef, served with belt noodles and onions. The meat is tender, and the noodles are chewy. Recommended restaurant: Guli Guli Restaurant (Xinhua West Road), average cost 60 RMB, grilled lamb chops crispy outside and tender inside, with plenty of mixed vegetables. Ili Handmade Ice Cream Made from milk, eggs, and honey, with a delicate texture and rich milky flavor. You can add nuts and jam yourself. Recommended shop: Liuxing Street Gulan Danmu Ice Cream, average cost 20 RMB, a popular photo spot. 3. Cost-Effective Accommodation Recommendations Budget Hotels 7 Days Inn Yining New World: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, family rooms about 150 RMB/night, suitable for budget travelers. Hanting Kuitun Sanyang Plaza Hotel: Free Wi-Fi, parking, family rooms about 200 RMB/night, convenient location with many dining options nearby. Comfort Hotels Orange Yining Hanbin Park Hotel: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, family rooms about 250 RMB/night, modern design, suitable for young travelers. Silk Road Tianshan Hotel (Yining Kazanqi Branch): Free parking, fitness center, standard rooms about 300 RMB/night, blending local cultural elements. Unique Homestays Sailisi Homestay (Tekesi County): Manor style with white walls and black tiles, offers cat café, book bar, and stargazing platform, standalone villa courtyard about 800 RMB/night, suitable for families or groups. Xicheng Degree Resort Farm (Nalati Valley Grassland Branch): Luxury suites with scenic bathtubs and lounge areas, overlooking snow mountains, about 1200 RMB/night, ideal for high-end vacations. 4. Transportation Guide and Costs External Transport Flight: Urumqi to Yining tickets about 500-800 RMB (cheaper if booked early), flight time 1.5 hours. Train: Urumqi to Yining hard sleeper about 150 RMB, soft sleeper about 250 RMB, overnight trip saves time. Local Transport Chartered car: 4-person off-road vehicle about 600 RMB/day, suitable for families or groups, flexible and free. Carpool: Join local day or multi-day tours, including transport and tickets, about 300-500 RMB/day, convenient and worry-free. Bus: City attractions accessible by bus, fare 2 RMB/person, but service is infrequent, so allow plenty of time. 5. Suggested Itinerary Classic 5-Day Tour Day 1: Gather in Yining → Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area (free) → Liuxing Street (free), experience the local life of old Ili. Day 2: Yining → Sayram Lake (145 RMB) → Guozigou Bridge (free), shoot sunrise and sunset around the lake. Day 3: Qingshui River → Huocheng Lavender Base (35 RMB) → Kalajun Grassland (140 RMB), hike Kuokexu Grand Canyon. Day 4: Tekesi → Nalati Sky Grassland (135 RMB) → Valley Grassland, horseback riding or yurt stay. Day 5: Nalati → Yining disband, stop at Chaxi Grassland (free) for summer relaxation. In-depth 7-Day Tour adds Shata Ancient Road (80 RMB) and Qiongkushitai Grassland (free), hike Muzart Glacier, explore hidden gems. 6. Pitfall Avoidance Guide Ticket traps: Package tickets inside attractions are expensive; choose core spots based on interest to avoid waste. Shopping traps: Lavender products and ethnic crafts are overpriced; buy online or compare multiple shops. Transport traps: Confirm if charter fees include fuel and tolls to avoid hidden costs. Food traps: Food prices inside attractions are high; bring snacks or choose local small eateries. The beauty of Ili is the embrace of snow mountains and grasslands, the encounter of lakes and flower seas, and the fusion of nomadic culture and natural scenery. Take this guide and start a poetic journey that saves money and effort!

The blue of Sailimu Lake, the green of Nalati, the purple of Huocheng, the glaciers of Xiata... No filters needed, every snap is wallpaper-worthy! This pure, practical, and cost-effective guide will have you packing your bags and heading out right after reading👇 📅 Best Travel Time (Seasonal Tips) 🌸 March-April: Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley + Wild Fruit Forest, a pink sea of flowers 💜 June-July: Huocheng Lavender + Peak Grassland Bloom, the ultimate romance ❄️ January-March: Sailimu Lake Blue Ice / Swan Spring Rime, a hidden gem 🍂 September-October: Golden Grasslands + Populus euphratica, fewer crowds and stunning views 🚗 Transportation + Accommodation|Stress-free and Direct Transportation Suggestions · First choice: Rent a car in Urumqi/Ili for self-driving (SUV recommended for stability) · Second choice: Local chartered car (drivers know the routes, hassle-free) · Avoid: Public transport! Attractions are too spread out and time-consuming Accommodation Guide 🏨 Ili: Near Kazanqi / Liuxing Street, lots of food and convenient transport 🏕️ Sailimu Lake: Stay one night to watch the starry sky and sunrise, absolutely stunning! 🏡 Tekesi / Qiongkushitai: Unique homestays to experience the slow life of the grasslands ⚠️ Peak season (June-August) book 15-30 days in advance, or rooms will be fully booked! 🌟 7-Day Must-Do Loop (First-time visitors must follow) D1 Arrive in Ili → Colorful Fairy Tale World Kazanqi Blue Alley📸 + Liuxing Street Handmade Ice Cream🍦 + Ili River Sunset🌇 Stay: Ili D2 Ili → Sailimu Lake → Guozigou Bridge 90km around the lake🚗, check in at Pine Head / Moon Bay, blue ice/lake water perfect for photos Guozigou Bridge’s S-shaped giant dragon view, breathtakingly stunning Stay: Qingshuihe / Sailimu Lake D3 Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender → Tekesi Bagua City June exclusive purple flower sea💜, the air smells fragrant No traffic lights in Bagua City, climb Taiji Altar for panoramic views Stay: Tekesi D4 Tekesi → Kalajun → Qiongkushitai Three-dimensional grasslands + human-shaped grasslands, curves so beautiful they take your breath away Primitive ancient village, watch sunset from the back mountain, fully healing Stay: Qiongkushitai D5 Qiongkushitai → Xiata Ancient Trail Light hiking to see Muzart Glacier❄️, forest + snow mountains + streams, a hiker’s paradise Stay: Zhaosu D6 Zhaosu → Nalati Grassland Sky grassland + valley grassland, horseback riding through flower seas🌼, like stepping into a Studio Ghibli animation Stay: Nalati D7 Nalati → Duku Highway → Ili See four seasons in one day, crossing the Tianshan scenic highway Perfect finale, return home 🍜 Ili Food List|Eat until you can’t walk Roast buns🥙, hand-pulled rice🍚, big plate chicken🍗, grilled lamb skewers🍢 Handmade ice cream🍨, Kazakh milk tea, Nang pit meat, milk curds ⚠️ Sensitive stomach? Bring medicine, the food is so delicious you might overeat! 🚨 Must-know Pitfall Tips (Local advice) 1. Big temperature difference between morning and night, bring both light and thick jackets 2. Strong UV rays, sunscreen/hat/sunglasses are a must 3. Respect ethnic customs, ask permission before taking photos 4. Always take the shuttle buses in scenic areas, don’t walk hard, it wastes time and energy 5. Carry some cash, signal can be weak in remote areas 💬 Final Interaction Which Ili attraction do you want to visit first? Sailimu Lake💙 / Nalati🌿 / Lavender💜 / Xiata❄️ Comment with the number, and one person will win an Ili travel checklist e-book! Like + save, just refer to this guide before you go✅ Want me to make a 3-day short trip version / family-friendly version / hiking deep-dive version tailored to your holiday?

As someone who just returned from Ili, I have to say: 6 days is really enough to enjoy spring in Ili! Carefully selected the most representative grasslands and flower seas, deeply enjoyable without exhaustion. Just copy this guide~ 🌷 When to visit Ili in spring? Keep this flower blooming schedule handy · Late March: The grasslands just start to turn green, snowmelt forms streams, fewer people and peaceful, perfect for capturing the crisp feeling of "melting ice and snow" · April: The highlight is Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley! From early to mid-April, wild apricot blossoms dye the valley pink and white, paired with fresh green grasslands, like stepping into a Monet painting · May to June: Nalati and Qiaxi reach their best state, grasslands become green carpets, wildflowers (marigolds, wild lilies) dot the landscape, snow-capped mountains reflect in streams, every snapshot looks like a desktop wallpaper Flower blooming times vary by 1-2 weeks depending on altitude, so check local flower forecasts before departure to be safe~ 🚗 6 days 5 nights essential route (no detours, daily driving ≤4 hours) D1: Arrive in Yining, taste spring first · Arrive at Yining Airport, check into hotel (recommended “Yining Tianyuan International,” includes breakfast and views of the Ili River) · Evening stroll and eat at Six Star Street: handmade ice cream (5 RMB/ball, sprinkled with pistachio bits), baked buns (3 RMB each), enjoy dinner listening to the sound of the Dombra, feel Xinjiang’s warmth in advance D2: Yining → Shata → Zhaosu (a date with glaciers and wildflowers) · Shata Ancient Trail: a must-visit! Buy tickets + shuttle (110 RMB), take an electric cart to the foot of Muzart Glacier (20 RMB), hike 1 hour to see glacier crevices, you might spot marmots peeking out along the way · Hidden gem: at 3 PM, photograph snow mountain reflections in Shata Canyon, the stream acts like a mirror framing Muzart Glacier and spruces · Stay in Zhaosu County, evening visit Tianma Cultural Park to see Ili horses frolicking on the grassland D3: Zhaosu → Qiaxi/Apricot Blossom Valley → Nalati (like the Land of Oz) · Qiaxi Forest Park (choose May-June): self-drive entry (green VIP lane no queue), visit “Qiaxi Scroll” viewing platform, layers of snow mountains, spruces, and grasslands, stop by the stream to cook instant noodles (bring your own food), the scenery is more appetizing than any restaurant · Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley (choose April): take the park shuttle to the core area (40 RMB), climb the small hill on the right for a panoramic view, pink and white apricot blossoms flood the valley, herders’ wooden houses look like fairy tale mushroom houses · Stay in Nalati town, recommended “Nalati Muxing Valley Homestay,” step outside and you’re on the grassland D4: Full day in Nalati (romance of the sky grassland) · Head straight to the “Sky Grassland” scenic area, take the shuttle to “Tianjitai” (60 RMB), rent a horse (180 RMB/hour) to explore deeper, herders’ sheep look like pearls scattered on a green carpet · Must-photograph spot: “Valley Forest” boardwalk, streams run through the forest, sunlight filters through spruces creating light spots, walk a few steps in a light-colored dress and you look like a forest fairy · Evening visit “Nalati National Forest Park” for sunset, the grassland turns golden red, the sound of cow and sheep bells returning to the pen is super healing D5: Nalati → Sailimu Lake (the last tear of the Atlantic) · Drive around the lake (VIP lane no queue, cars allowed inside), recommended clockwise: 1. South Gate “Dianjiangtai”: photograph the winding lakeshore, like a blue ribbon 2. Beside the RV campsite: set up a folding table for afternoon tea (bring sandwiches, enjoy the Sailimu breeze) 3. North Gate “Kele Yongzhu”: watch swans swim by (common in April-May), the lake water is blue-green · Stay at Sailimu Lake RV campsite, watch stars reflected on the lake at night, the Milky Way looks like it’s sprinkled in the water D6: Sailimu Lake → Return to Yining (pack spring into your luggage) · Early morning shoot sunrise at Sailimu Lake’s “Golden Flower Purple Herb,” the water changes from deep blue to gold · Return to Yining, stop at Guozigou Bridge parking area for a panoramic shot, the bridge looks like a rainbow arching over the canyon · Buy souvenirs before the airport: lavender essential oil (60 RMB/bottle), Kazakh embroidered small tapestries 💡 Ili Spring Pitfall Avoidance Guide · Clothing: onion-style layering! Wear a down jacket in the morning (0-5°C), take it off to short sleeves at noon (20°C+), bring a scarf (windproof and a great photo prop) · Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen + sun-protective clothing + sunglasses, the grassland UV can peel your skin · Eating: food in scenic areas is expensive and average, better to eat in county towns (Zhaosu’s “horse meat noodles,” Yining’s “hand-pulled rice”), about 30 RMB per person fills you up · Respect customs: don’t step on herders’ felt tent entrances on the grassland, choose official horse riding teams in scenic areas (ask prices in advance to avoid disputes) Spring in Ili is the lightness of apricot blossoms falling on your shoulders, the softness of grasslands brushing your ankles, the blue of Sailimu Lake flooding your camera lens—6 days is enough to engrave these beauties into your memory. Next time, who wants to come see the lavender with me?

Dear friends! The ultimate 8-day tour guide for Bayingolin and other places is here! All-inclusive pricing makes it super worry-free—no need to do your own research, book hotels, or arrange transportation. Just follow the guide to easily explore Bayingolin and its surroundings, and embark on a carefree, dreamlike journey! · - Friends who see this, don’t miss out, the ultimate guide is here ↓ · - 🌟 Itinerary: This trip’s route is very compact, allowing you to visit many attractions within a limited time~ 📅 DAY 1: Depart and arrive at Urumqi Airport, then wait for the VIP shuttle to the hotel. After hotel check-in, enjoy free time! Stay at a 5-diamond Trip.com hotel for a comfortable experience 💎💎💎💎💎 🔚 Arrive in Urumqi on the first day, rest a bit, and start an exciting journey! 📅 DAY 2-3: Explore Luobu People’s Village -> Taklamakan Desert -> Tarim Poplar Forest Park -> Kuqa Old Town -> Kuqa Grand Bazaar 🔚 Spend these two days deep in the desert and poplar forest, experiencing the grandeur of nature, then stroll through Kuqa Old Town and the Grand Bazaar to enjoy local customs. 📅 DAY 4: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves -> Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Grand Canyon 🔚 Discover the ancient Thousand Buddha Caves, admire the majestic Grand Canyon, and feel the dual impact of history and nature. 📅 DAY 5-6: Kashgar Old Town -> Kashgar Old Town Rainbow Alley -> China-Pakistan Friendship Road -> Pamir Plateau -> Mustagh Glacier Park -> Tahaman Wetland Park Viewing Platform 🔚 Walk through Kashgar Old Town, check in at Rainbow Alley, follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Road, enjoy the beautiful Pamir Plateau, and visit the glacier and wetland. 📅 DAY 7: Wakhan Corridor -> Panlong Ancient Trail -> Bandier Blue Lake -> Karakul Lake Scenic Area -> Kashgar Old Town 🔚 Traverse the Wakhan Corridor, ride along the Panlong Ancient Trail, admire the beautiful Bandier Blue Lake and Karakul Lake, then return to Kashgar Old Town. 📅 DAY 8: Kashgar - Departure [VIP shuttle to the airport, ending a wonderful journey, looking forward to seeing you next time!] 🔚 Carrying full memories, set off home, concluding this unforgettable Xinjiang trip! · - Travel Tips: 👇 1️⃣ Photo spots: Bayinbuluke’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset is breathtaking 🌄, Swan Lake in the early morning mist looks like a fairyland 🦢! 2️⃣ Must-try food: Roast whole lamb, crispy outside and tender inside 🐑, Korla fragrant pears sweet to the heart 🍐, hand-pulled rice fragrant but not greasy! 3️⃣ January climate: Huge temperature difference between day and night 🌡️, wear a windbreaker during the day and a down jacket at night, bring full warm gear! 4️⃣ Customs and etiquette: Respect local beliefs 🕌, don’t wear short skirts or shorts in temples, ask permission before taking photos~ 5️⃣ Transportation reminder: Some road sections have weak signals 📶, download offline maps in advance 🗺, prepare anti-skid chains if self-driving ⛓️! · - Friends, follow this guide to enjoy your trip, quickly activate your product card and start an amazing journey!

The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, nestled in the Kuqa River Valley in Xinjiang, resemble an epic poem carved from sandstone. More than a simple grotto, they represent the fusion of civilizations along the Silk Road. The mottled murals on the cave walls, weathered by millennia of wind and sand, still reveal the majestic figure of the Buddha, the graceful dance of apsaras, and a vibrant interweaving of Eastern and Western artistic vocabularies. Unlike the elegant Dunhuang landscape, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves boasts richer colors and sharper lines, reflecting the warmth and openness of ancient Kucha. The blues and reds of the murals inherit the solemnity of Indian Buddhism while infused with the exotic brilliance of Central Asia and Persia. Every glance at them seems to pierce time and space, echoing the echoes of camel bells and Buddhist chants. Every imperfection here bears a note of time. The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves are not only a treasure of religious art but also a testament to the exchange of human civilizations. A single grotto speaks to the heartbeat and soul of the entire Silk Road.

Duku Highway (G217 from Dushanzi to Kuqa) is hailed as one of "China's most beautiful highways." Stretching approximately 561 kilometers, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, offering diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and lakes. Due to climate restrictions, the highway is only open from June to October each year (specific dates depend on annual weather conditions). It is recommended to check road conditions in advance. 🚌 Travel Itinerary (Recommended Duration: 5-7 Days) Starting Point: Dushanzi Grand Canyon. This iconic starting point is renowned for its rugged canyon terrain. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here for photos and sightseeing. Nearby, Dushanzi town offers a chance to replenish supplies. Highlights Along the Route: ⛺ Nalati Grassland: Alpine grassland scenery with lush greenery in summer, ideal for horseback riding or camping (Entrance fee: approximately ¥95). ⛺ Bayinbuluke: Famous for its breathtaking sunset over the "Nine Bends of the River." Allocate half a day here (Entrance fee + shuttle bus: ¥140). ⛺ Small and Large Dragon Pools: High-altitude lakes in the Tianshan Mountains with crystal-clear blue waters, perfect for a short rest stop. Ending Point: Kuqa. At the final destination, Kuqa County, you can explore Kuqa Grand Canyon (reddish-brown rock formations, approximately 2 hours of hiking) and Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (Buddhist grotto relics, entrance fee: ¥70). 👉 Important Notes: · Traffic Restrictions: Duku Highway is limited to vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and night travel is prohibited (usually from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM). · Altitude Changes: Elevation ranges from Dushanzi (700 meters) to Haxilegen Pass (3,400 meters). Be cautious of altitude sickness. · Gas Stations: Fuel stations are sparse along the route. Fill up in Dushanzi, Nalati, and Bayinbuluke. · Unpredictable Weather: Mountain areas are prone to rain and snow. Bring warm clothing and snow chains, even in summer. 🍩 Accommodation and Dining: · Recommended Lodging: Nalati Town and Bayinbuluke Town. Book in advance during peak season. · Local Cuisine: Enjoy Xinjiang specialties such as hand-grabbed lamb, baked buns, and milk tea. There are plenty of restaurants in the towns along the way. 🕘 Best Travel Seasons: · June to August: Grasslands are lush and green, with pleasant weather. · September to October: Autumn colors paint the landscape, and there are fewer tourists. 🧡 Tip: Many areas along Duku Highway lack cell signal. Download offline maps in advance.

## **Xinjiang Travel Guide: Encounter West Region Charm, Explore Magnificent Landscapes** ### **🌍 Before You Go** ✅ **Best Time to Travel** · **May-October** (Northern Xinjiang's summer grasslands, Ili flower sea, Southern Xinjiang's autumn poplars) · **Winter** (Altay skiing, Kanas snow scenery) ✅ **Transportation** · **Airplane**: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (main hub), Kashgar Airport, Yining Airport, etc. · **Train**: Xinjiang's railway network is well-developed, suitable for long-distance travel (e.g., Urumqi → Kanas) · **Self-drive/Chartered Car**: Recommended! Xinjiang is vast, self-driving offers more freedom (but be aware of speed limits on some roads) ✅ **Essential Items** · Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (strong UV rays) · Warm clothes (large temperature difference between day and night) · ID card (Xinjiang security checks are strict, carry it with you) · -- ### **🏞️ Must-See Attractions** · *📍 Northern Xinjiang (Natural Scenery)** 1. **Kanas Lake**: "God's Back Garden," most beautiful in autumn 2. **Hemu Village**: Fairytale-like Tuvan village, morning mist like a wonderland 3. **Sayram Lake**: "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," azure blue lake water 4. **Nalati Grassland**: Aerial grassland, roam on horseback 5. **Duku Highway**: One of China's most beautiful highways (open from June to October) **📍 Southern Xinjiang (Culture + Desert)** 6. **Kashgar Old City**: Thousands of years of West Region charm, full of exotic atmosphere 7. **Pamir Plateau**: Muztagh Ata Peak, Panlong Ancient Road 8. **Taklamakan Desert**: Cross the "Sea of Death" 9. **Luntai Poplar Forest**: Golden ocean in October 10. **Kuqa Grand Canyon**: Red cliffs, a photographer's paradise **📍 Eastern Xinjiang (Turpan + Hami)** 11. **Flaming Mountains**: Filming location for "Journey to the West," high-temperature spectacle 12. **Grape Valley**: Taste sweet grapes, experience Uyghur customs 13. **Kumtag Desert**: The closest desert to a city · -- ### **🍢 Xinjiang Food Recommendations** · **Dapanji** (Big Plate Chicken), Pepper Chicken · **Roasted Lamb Skewers**, Nang Pit Meat · **Pilaf**, Banmian (Noodles with various toppings) · **Baked Buns**, Thin-Skinned Buns · **Yogurt Rice Dumplings**, Handmade Ice Cream · **Fruits**: Hami melon, grapes, watermelon (super sweet!) · -- ### **📅 Sample Itineraries** · *Northern Xinjiang 7-Day Loop (Natural Scenery)** · **D1** Urumqi → Tianchi Lake → Fuyun · **D2** Koktokay → Burqin · **D3** Burqin → Kanas Lake · **D4** Kanas → Hemu Village · **D5** Hemu → Devil's City → Karamay · **D6** Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining · **D7** Nalati Grassland → Duku Highway → Urumqi · *Southern Xinjiang 6-Day Highlights Tour (Culture + Desert)** · **D1** Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan · **D2** Panlong Ancient Road → Bandi'er Lake → Kashgar · **D3** Kashgar Old City → Id Kah Mosque → Apak Hoja Tomb · **D4** Kashgar → Hotan (visit the night market) · **D5** Hotan → Cross the Taklamakan Desert → Kuqa · **D6** Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Return · -- ### **⚠️ Important Notes** 1. **Strict Security Checks**: Entering and exiting shopping malls, gas stations, etc., requires ID card swiping. 2. **Time Difference**: Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but the actual schedule is 2 hours later (e.g., sunset at 22:00). 3. **Language**: Mandarin is common in Northern Xinjiang, while Uyghur is the main language in some parts of Southern Xinjiang. 4. **Respect Customs**: Do not bring outside food to halal restaurants, avoid discussing sensitive topics. 5. **Self-driving Notes**: Strict speed limits on some roads, gas stations require ID card swiping to enter. · -- ### **📌 Summary** Xinjiang, a treasure land integrating snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, lakes, and culture. Whether it's the stunning scenery of Northern Xinjiang or the exotic charm of Southern Xinjiang, it's worth exploring in depth! · *✨ Travel Tips:** · If time is limited, prioritize Northern Xinjiang (natural scenery) or Southern Xinjiang (cultural experience). · In-depth travel is recommended for 10 days or more, self-driving/chartered cars are more flexible. · Check epidemic prevention policies in advance (reservations are required for some scenic spots). Ready to go? Xinjiang awaits your discovery! 🚗💨

[Introduction]: Northern Xinjiang is dominated by natural landscapes, with many landforms such as high mountains, snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and forests. It is the region with the richest and most diverse natural scenery in Xinjiang. Southern Xinjiang is characterized by the combination of humanities and natural scenery, with a variety of landforms including plateaus, snow-capped mountains, ancient cities, deserts, and Gobi. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : The natural scenery here is pristine and mysterious, a paradise for photography and hiking enthusiasts. 2. Yili Grassland: Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland and other vast grasslands are covered with green grass and dotted with wild flowers in summer. They are great places to experience the grassland style. 3. Tianshan Tianchi: Located near Urumqi, it is an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and picturesque scenery. 4. Sailimu Lake: It is known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean". It is the last place visited by the warm and humid air currents from the Atlantic Ocean in Xinjiang. The lake water is clear and blue, which contrasts beautifully with the snow-capped mountains in the distance. 5. Duku Highway: A highway connecting southern and northern Xinjiang, with picturesque scenery along the way, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes and other landforms. 6. Kashgar Old Town: The culture of the old town is well preserved, with crisscrossing streets and alleys. Most of the buildings have a history of hundreds of years. It is an excellent place to experience the folk customs of southern Xinjiang. 7. Pamir Plateau: You can enjoy the plateau scenery, such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and famous attractions such as Muztagh Ata Peak and Karakul Lake. 8. Taklimakan Desert: The largest desert in China, you can experience a desert tour and feel the vastness and mystery of the desert. 9. The Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon and Wensu Grand Canyon: They display unique canyon landforms and are great places for adventure and photography. 10. Tarim Populus euphratica forest: Magnificently golden in autumn, it is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 🍩【Must-eat food】: Baked buns + hand-pulled rice + roasted whole lamb + lamb kebabs + big plate chicken + grilled fish 🏨【Accommodation guide】: Ctrip four-diamond + classic homestay + century-old house 🚌【Transportation guide】: Seven-seat business car + luxury seven-seat car (car according to guest requirements) 🧡【tips】: Tianshan Tianchi Altay Region · Xinjiang Kanas Scenic Area Hemu Scenic Area Wucai Beach World Ghost City Sailimu Lake · Bole Tangbula Grassland Narat Tourist Scenic Area · Xinyuan Bayinbuluke Scenic Area Kuche Palace Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Grand Canyon Kashgar City · Kashgar Region Panlong Ancient Road Baisha Mountain-Baisha Lake Scenic Area Karakul Lake Scenic Area Bandir Blue Lake Muztagh Ata Glacier Park Shache · Kashgar Region Hotan City · Hotan Region Yotgan Ancient City Tarim Populus euphratica Forest Park Luobu Village Bosteng Lake

【Introduction】: Southern Xinjiang, located south of the Tianshan Mountains, is an important passage connecting Central Asia to Europe on the ancient Silk Road. It is home to numerous relics of ancient Western kingdoms and a wealth of intangible cultural heritage. Southern Xinjiang boasts many tourist attractions, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of the main attractions: 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Home - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Bosten Lake - Korla Day 3: Korla - Kuqa Palace - Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves - Kuqa Day 4: Kuqa - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aksu Day 5: Aksu - Kashgar Old City - Mosque - Kashgar Day 6: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Golden Grassland - Stone City - Tashkurgan Day 7: Tashkurgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandier Blue Lake - Muztagh Ata - Kashgar Day 8: Kashgar - Kashgar Opening Ceremony - Shache Palace - Hotan Night Market - Hotan Day 9: Hotan - Yotkan Ancient City - Taklamakan Desert - Tazhong Day 10: Tazhong - Tarim Poplar Forest - Luntai Day 11: Luntai - Luobu Village - Tuokexun Day 12: Tuokexun - Kumtag Desert - Shanshan Day 13: Shanshan - Flaming Mountain - Grape Valley - Karez Well - Urumqi Day 14: Urumqi - Home 1. Pamir Plateau: Known as the roof of the Asian continent, it is located in southwestern Xinjiang, bordering Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and other countries. With an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it features continuous snow-capped mountains and unique natural landscapes such as glaciers, deserts, lakes, and forests. Visitors can also experience the simplicity and enthusiasm of the Tajik people and enjoy their music, dance, and costumes. 2. Kashgar Old City: The only maze-like urban area in China characterized by Islamic culture, the core residential area of the old city is one of the largest adobe building complexes in the world, blending Han and Tang, ancient Roman influences, and modern Uyghur life. Visitors can stroll through the maze-like streets and experience the unique culture of the Uyghur people. 🍩【Must-Eat Foods】: Baked buns + Roast whole lamb + Lamb skewers + Big plate chicken + Hand-pulled rice 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: Ctrip Four Diamonds + Classic Homestays 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Seven-seater business car or luxury seven-seater 🧡【Tips】: 1. Climate and Clothing: Southern Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, you need to bring enough warm clothing, such as a windbreaker, fleece, and down jacket. During the day, the sun is strong, and UV radiation is intense, so bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen. 2. Documents and Border Defense: Some border areas in southern Xinjiang (such as the Pamir Plateau) require a border defense permit. You can apply at the Kashgar Public Security Bureau or have it arranged by a travel agency if you are on a group tour. Always carry your ID card and other valid documents. 3. Transportation and Road Conditions: Southern Xinjiang is vast, and the distances between attractions are long. Plan your itinerary and transportation in advance. You can choose to rent a car, join a group tour, or drive yourself. If driving, pay attention to road conditions and driving safety, especially in mountainous and desert areas. 4. Safety and Environmental Protection: Pay attention to personal safety during the tour, follow the regulations of the scenic spots, do not litter, and protect the ecological environment. In high-altitude areas, be aware of altitude sickness, prepare relevant medications in advance, and avoid strenuous exercise. 5. Respect Local Customs: Southern Xinjiang is home to multiple ethnic groups, each with its own customs and religious beliefs. Respect local customs during your travels to avoid unnecessary trouble. Bosten Lake Luobu Village Tarim Poplar Forest Park Kuqa Palace Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon Kashgar City Id Kah Mosque White Sand Mountain - White Sand Lake Scenic Area Panlong Ancient Road Bandier Blue Lake Muztagh Glacier Park Karakul Lake Scenic Area Shache Palace Scenic Area Yotkan Ancient City Flaming Mountain Scenic Area Karez Well Park

“Nothing can stop you from yearning for freedom.” Every time I hear this song, I think of the wonderful moments of my self-drive tour in Yili. 🕐️DAY 1: Urumqi—Anjihai Grand Canyon—Jinghe 13:00 Arrive in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Pick up the car at the airport, an orange Tank 300. Have a meal at Loulan BBQ (Yingbin Road Branch), then head to Anjihai Grand Canyon. This is a great first stop for a self-drive tour. The scenery on the way to Anjihai is already stunning. The sky is high and the clouds are light, the view is vast and desolate, and there are snow-capped mountains in the distance. In the evening, arrive in Jinghe County and check in to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow's trip to Sayram Lake, Bole. 🕐️DAY 2: Sayram Lake—Guozigou Bridge—Yining City Morning: Head to Sayram Lake, Bole. When we first arrived, the weather was not good, it was overcast and gloomy. Keep going, and after passing the south gate, the weather cleared up. The sun shone down, and the color of the lake and the surrounding grassland scenery became as beautiful and stunning as the legends say. As we drove forward, the scenery was overwhelming. On the left, there was a multi-layered green grassland and cedar forest, and on the right, the blue of Sayram Lake was clearly visible in the sunlight. The road ahead stretched straight to the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The vast, magnificent, and multi-layered scenery made us excited and thrilled. Evening: Leave Sayram Lake Scenic Area at 7:30 pm and head to Guozigou Bridge. The stunning scenery began after driving down from the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform. After descending to the bottom of the valley and moving forward, we experienced the first shock and excitement of this trip. We drove through the mountains, with towering and steep mountains on both sides, changing vegetation, and occasional white yurts and cattle and sheep. It felt unreal, as if we were driving through a painting. Arrive at the hotel at 11 pm and have a big plate of chicken. 🕐️DAY 3: Yining—Yizhao Highway—Xiata Morning: First, we went to Liuxing Street in Yining City for breakfast. Then, the highlight of the day was the Yizhao Highway, known as the "Little Duku Highway." We drove for 8.5 hours, stopping and going, and arrived at the homestay near Xiata Ancient Road National Forest Park at around 8 or 9 pm. Today's trip on the Yizhao Highway left a deep impression on us. We started driving along the mountain, and every turn revealed different scenery, both dangerous and vast. There were winding roads, cliffs, and towering mountains in front of us, as well as deep mountains and vast skies, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The near, middle, and distant views were all natural. Every time we stopped, we stood by the cliff and seemed to automatically ignore the sound of passing cars. As we slowly looked into the distance, a feeling of emptiness, grandeur, insignificance, and silence naturally emerged, and we enjoyed it. In addition, there were changes. The magical thing was that after a turn, the deep brown three-dimensional mountain scenery suddenly turned into a vast grassland like a green carpet. Looking up, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and eagles were soaring. Looking down, a horse stood alone on a distant mountain, eating grass like a still life painting. Looking down again, the grassland canyon had undulating terrain, stretching to the depths of the distant mountains, with flocks of white sheep and dark cattle and horses in the mountain valleys. We continued forward, left the Yizhao Highway, turned onto County Road 758, passed several small towns, and approached Xiata. As we drove forward, there was a fairy-tale-like tranquility on the right, with a vast grassland, and on the left, a vast grassland in the foreground and silent mountains in the distance. The sky was extremely blue, the clouds were extremely white, and they were low. In the evening, we checked in to a homestay near Xiata. DAY 4: Xiata—Qiongkushitai Morning: Go to Xiata, where people wear all kinds of clothes, from short sleeves to jackets and down jackets. First, take a bus for 40 minutes, then take a sightseeing bus to the transfer bridge. Transfer Bridge—General Bridge—Kara House No. 1—Kara House No. 2. We should have reached between No. 2 and No. 3. The highlight of Xiata's scenery is the view of Muzart Glacier from the corridor-like canyon. Along the way, the mountains surround us, the grassland extends from the foot of the mountain through the tall cedar forest, and the river formed by glacial meltwater accompanies us. We rested in a shady mountain forest and saw the first squirrel. Later, we saw several more squirrels and a marmot, eating naan and looking cute. We calculated the time to Qiongkushitai and started to return. At around 6 pm, we left the scenic area and headed to Qiongkushitai. The road to Qiongkushitai was particularly challenging, with three mountains and two valleys, various hairpin turns, folding turns, and continuous 360-degree turns. It felt like we made 1,800 turns along the way... It was an unprecedented driving experience, with adrenaline pumping, excitement, and thrill. We continued forward, entered the dense forest in the mountains, and finally reached Qiongkushitai Village. DAY 5: Qiongkushitai—Wusun Ancient Road—Back Mountain—Xinyuan, Yili After breakfast at the homestay, we went to Wusun Ancient Road in the morning. We walked along a rushing river into the dense forest. We were on the left bank of the river, walking through the mountains and forests, occasionally encountering a few wooden house homestays and many silent horses grazing and resting. On the right bank of the river, there were grasslands, forests, and homestays nearby, and mountains in the distance. The mountain road was difficult to walk, with tree roots, strange rocks, and muddy horse trails. More people chose to ride horses back and forth. We went back to pack our luggage, left the homestay, and went to the back mountain. We didn't spend much time in the back mountain. If we have the chance to come again, I even feel like we should spend more time there than on Wusun Ancient Road. Then we went down the mountain and planned to reach Nalati Tourist Scenic Area, Xinyuan, from Qiongkushitai, to prepare for tomorrow's trip on the Duku Highway. We left a bit late, and calculated that it would take until 11 or 12 pm to reach Nalati, which would affect our meals and rest. So we got off the highway in Xinyuan, Yili, and stayed overnight. We arrived at the hotel in Xinyuan at around 11 pm. DAY 6: Duku Highway—Dushanzi District, Karamay, Dushanzi City Today's plan was to drive on the Duku Highway, from Xinyuan to Nalati, and then from Nalati to Dushanzi, which is equivalent to half of the Duku Highway. After getting on the Duku Highway from Nalati, the first half was relatively flat. We turned at Qiaerma and went to Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery for a look. After passing Qiaerma, the scenery began to change. When we set off from Nalati in the morning, there was vegetation on both sides of the mountains, and everything was green. But here, the mountains began to turn gray-brown or even gray-black, and they became steeper and more dangerous. The change started at Hashilegen, at an altitude of 3,400 meters. In one photo, the sky was clear and the scenery was clear. In the next photo, the gray-white fog had already enveloped the background. The weather on the mountain changed suddenly, with fog and sporadic rain. We continued forward and reached a parking lot, where it had already turned into thick fog. We played in the snow for a while. When we set off again, the visibility was very low, and we drove slowly along the winding mountain road with the hazard lights on. After descending to a lower altitude, the fog began to dissipate, and the air was clear as if it had been washed, but it started to rain. At 10:30, we arrived in Dushanzi and left the Duku Highway. On the way into Dushanzi City, we suddenly saw the distant city lights in the darkness, and we felt a slight sense of returning to the world. DAY 7: Return trip, Urumqi—Xinzheng Airport.

Hey everyone! I've put together a 10-day in-depth travel guide for Bayingolin and surrounding areas! It's packed with practical tips, no tourist traps, and designed for a stress-free, fun trip. Save this and get ready to go! · - 🗺️ Route overview: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, airport pickup, check in, and enjoy some free time Day 2–3: Depart from Urumqi, pass through Tianshan Victory Tunnel, visit Tata Secret Realm and Tarim River for a boat ride, then head to Korla. Explore Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and Reistan Street, experience naan-making and Qiuci music and dance, then continue to Kuqa Day 4–5: Depart from Kuqa, visit Wensu Grand Canyon, Tufeng Sky Road, and Tacun Cloud Clothing Grassland, then head to Alar. Cross the Desert Highway, visit Yotkan Ancient City, and arrive in Hotan Day 6–7: Depart from Hotan, try pottery making, visit Yingjisha Knife Village, take photos in the ancient city, and head to Kashgar. Pass by Oytagh Red Mountain Valley and Muji Crater, then continue to Taxkorgan Day 8–9: Explore Khunjerab Pass and Panlong Ancient Road in Taxkorgan, return to Kashgar, and visit Muztagh Glacier Park Day 10: Airport drop-off in Kashgar for your return flight, trip ends · - Must-visit attractions: 🐉 Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: The thousand-year-old grottoes that went viral after the Spring Festival Gala's "Silk Road Ancient Rhyme"! The nearly 10,000-square-meter murals are breathtaking. The Heavenly Palace Music and Dance in Cave 38 perfectly recreates ancient Qiuci music and dance. There's also a VR experience area where you can immerse yourself in mural restoration and watch the Hu Xuan dance—a perfect blend of technology and culture✨ 🏯 Yotkan Ancient City: Travel back to the prosperous ancient Kingdom of Khotan in a second! The colorful rope wall and the Atlas silk staircase are perfect for photos. The nighttime live performance "Ten Thousand Music in Khotan" is incredibly atmospheric. Don't miss local delicacies like meat in a jar and roasted eggs—the cultural experience is top-notch🥳 🐈 Kashgar Old Town: This thousand-year-old city has a natural healing vibe! You'll see lazy cats wandering among the ancient beams and pillars everywhere. A night tour feels like stepping into an "Arabian Nights" secret realm. The earthy-yellow streets paired with the agile shadows of cats make every snapshot look like a fairytale. The harmonious atmosphere between people and cats is just so relaxing🌙 🏜️ Baisha Lake Scenic Area: A quiet sapphire in the desert! Surrounded by endless yellow sand, the lakeside is lush with trees. In autumn, the red and yellow leaves are stunning. In summer, you can see rare lotus flowers in the lake. After snow, the snow-covered desert is full of poetic charm. Walking along the boardwalk for photos is incredibly atmospheric🍂 ❄️ Muztagh Glacier Park: An icy wonderland on the Pamir Plateau! The 7,509-meter Muztagh Peak is covered in snow, with blue-white glaciers and ice towers clearly visible. It's less crowded in the off-season, so you can enjoy the vast, breathtaking scenery all to yourself and take minimalist snow mountain photos. The stargazing conditions are also fantastic🌌 · - Some tips: 1. 🥘 Don't over-order food; local hand-grabbed meat portions are generous, so try a little first before ordering more! 2. 📸 Claim your spot early for the sunset at Bayanbulak's Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns—the lighting is incredible! 3. 🧕 Respect local ethnic customs; don't tease the livestock when entering pastures. 4. 🧴 The desert region is dry, so bring hydrating skincare products and sunscreen! · - Save this guide! Next time you book a trip to Bayingolin, enjoy a stress-free and fun experience—don't miss out on this treasure of a guide🥰

[Introduction]: Spread out this Southern Xinjiang loop map, and thousands of landscapes unfold before you. From desert poplars to the Pamir Plateau, and from red canyons to the vibrant life of the old city, follow this route to unlock a journey through the vast and profound Western Regions. 🛬 [Itinerary]: D1 Departure city – Urumqi D2 Urumqi – Wuyuli Expressway – Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – Luoburen Village – Korla D3 Korla – Luntai Tarim Populus euphratica forest – Qiuci Alley – Qiuci music and dance – Kuqa D4 Kuqa – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Wensu Grand Canyon – Alar D5 Alar – Taklamakan Desert Highway – Desert poplars – Hotan Emerald Lake poplars – Hotan Night Market D6 Hotan – Zepu Jinhuyang Populus euphratica forest – Yarkant Old City – Old Tea House – Kashgar Grand Bazaar D7 Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Muji Volcano – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan D8 Taxkorgan – Khunjerab – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandier Blue Lake – Eye of the Pamirs – Taxkorgan D9 Taxkorgan – Tahman Wetland – Tree Tunnel Highway – Muztagh Glacier – Oytag Red Valley – Kashgar D10 Return from Kashgar 🧡 [Tips]: Temperatures vary significantly, so dress in layers. The UV rays are strong, so a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.