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They say Xinjiang has gathered all the scenery in the world. Traveling along the Yili Highway, you'll encounter the crystal-clear blue of Sayram Lake, the tears the Atlantic Ocean left behind on the earth. Step into the Nalati Grassland, where cattle and sheep roam the lush green meadows, and snow-capped mountains stand quietly in the distance. Morning mist wraps around Kanas Lake, like a secret realm hidden in the forest; the Duku Highway lets you experience all four seasons in a single day, with snow-capped mountains, forests, and meadows rushing toward you one after another. Turn and head to Southern Xinjiang, where the red rock canyons of Kuqa are magnificent and breathtaking, and the Taklamakan dunes catch the golden light of the sunset. Walk into the Ancient City of Kashgar, where the streets are filled with the atmosphere of daily life; push open a carved window, and you'll find a thousand-year-old Western Regions. When night falls, the Milky Way pours over the grassland, quiet and stunning. Here, you'll find the gentleness of the grasslands, the vastness of the Gobi, the clarity of the lakes, and the vibrant life of the old city. Xinjiang is vast, so there's no need to rush. Take your time and feel the vastness of the world. 📌Travel Tips ▪Xinjiang is vast with long driving distances, so pack snacks and water ▪There is a large temperature difference between day and night; "wear cotton-padded jackets in the morning and gauze in the afternoon," so bring both thick and thin clothing ▪Sun protection is essential; bring sunglasses, hats, and face masks ▪Respect local customs and travel responsibly ▪Signal is weak in many places, so download offline maps in advance
It's not the colorful forests of Kanas, nor the morning mist of Hemu. Instead, it's the hardcore autumn scenery of golden poplar trees shining brightly, reflections of the Pamir snow peaks, and the vibrant life of ancient cities all combined. 🌄 The golden 20 days to enjoy autumn in Southern Xinjiang is from mid-October to early November. Miss it, and you'll have to wait until next year! 🌳 1. Poplar Forests of Southern Xinjiang: Golden for Only 20 Days a Year Poplar trees are known to "live for a thousand years, stand for another thousand years after death, and remain unbroken for another thousand years." The poplar trees in Southern Xinjiang turn golden about half a month later than those in Northern Xinjiang, but the desert vibe is twice as intense. 1️⃣ Shaya 139 Poplar Secret Road · Location: Shaya County, Aksu, along the southern bank of the Tarim River · Transitions through wetlands → gobi → desert · No entrance fee, stop and go as you please 2️⃣ Luntai Tarim Poplar Forest Park (Large Scale) · 400,000 acres of pristine poplar trees along the Tarim River · Must take the scenic train through the forest sea, featuring desert, rivers, and withered poplars in one frame · Perfect for first-time visitors to Southern Xinjiang who want to capture the "lonely poplar in the desert" 3️⃣ Zepu Golden Poplar (Gentle Beauty) · Located by the Yarkand River, with dense water systems and poplars growing by the water · Golden leaves reflecting on the lake, perfect for portrait photography 4️⃣ Bachu Red Sea Poplar (Underrated Gem) · 3.26 million acres of pristine poplar trees with water reflections · Also visit the ancient city of Yutian and its opening ceremony · A combination of poplar trees and Silk Road culture 🏔 2. Pamir Plateau: Autumn at the Edge of the World In October, the meadows turn golden, the snow-capped mountains begin to whiten, and the air is at its clearest. The G314 highway offers screensaver-worthy views all the way. · White Sand Lake & White Sand Mountain Pristine white sand mountains surrounding a blue lake; when the wind stops, the water surface becomes a perfect mirror 📸 Visit the north shore viewing platform to avoid large tour groups · Karakul Lake Facing the "Father of Ice Mountains," Muztagh Ata (7,509m) Visit in the morning when there's no wind for a perfect reflection of the snow-capped mountain on the lake · Tashkurgan Golden Grassland & Stone City Autumn wetlands turn golden, with snow-capped mountains and ancient city ruins in the background · Muji Wetland and Mud Volcanoes Black volcanic rocks, golden wetlands, and distant snowy peaks create a picturesque scene · Taheman Wetland / Bandier Blue Lake One is perfect for capturing cattle and golden meadows, the other for icy blue tones of glaciers—both are must-visit spots in Pamir · Panlong Ancient Road "Today, I walked all the winding roads; from now on, life will be smooth." Over 600 S-shaped bends with high visibility in autumn 🏜 3. Additional Autumn Sceneries Along the Way (Don't Just Focus on Poplars) 🐪 Taklamakan Desert Highway G580 Desert Highway and Tazhong Desert Highway, with endless sand dunes on both sides, glowing orange and golden in autumn ⛰ Wensu Grand Canyon Red Danxia landforms under the Tomur Peak, with striking red mountains and autumn light creating a three-dimensional effect—perfect for photos in white outfits 🕌 Kashgar Old City Opening ceremonies, century-old teahouses, high-rise residences, and rainbow alleys The essence of Xinjiang's autumn charm lies here 🪨 Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves Ancient Buddhist grottoes on the cliffs of Mingwutag Mountain in Baicheng, a Silk Road relic 🌿 Shache A stop on the way to Hotan, featuring the grandeur of Southern Xinjiang's dynasties and old city teahouses—a must-visit for culture enthusiasts 🗺 Quick 10-Day Southern Xinjiang Autumn Itinerary · Day 1: Fly to Kashgar · Days 2-4: Kashgar → Karakoram → Muji/White Sand Lake → Tashkurgan → Muztagh Ata/Karakul Lake → Buzhou Mountain Camp → Return to Kashgar · Days 5-6: Kashgar → Shache → Hotan · Days 7-8: Hotan → G580 Desert Highway → Aral → Wensu Grand Canyon → Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves → Kuqa · Day 9: Kuqa → Shaya 139/Tarim Poplar → Taklamakan Desert Highway → Kuqa · Day 10: Fly from Kuqa 📝 This 10-day itinerary perfectly covers the "Pamir + Poplar + Desert + Ancient City" autumn highlights without feeling rushed. Just follow it blindly during poplar season! Click the link below to inquire or check out the product card at the bottom for more details.
📍 Basic info Details Southern Xinjiang: Kashgar, Hotan, Aksu, Korla, Pamir Plateau Best time: September–November (autumn scenery + Populus euphratica forest) Recommended duration: 7–10 days Highlights: Ancient city + desert + plateau + ethnic culture 🌟 Southern Xinjiang highlights Scenery | Location | Features Pamir Plateau | Kashgar–Taxkorgan | Snow-capped mountains + meadows, Baisha Lake + Karakul Lake Kashgar Ancient City | Kashgar City | Labyrinthine old town, exotic atmosphere Taklamakan Desert | Desert Highway | Most beautiful desert highway, crossing the "Sea of Death" Populus Euphratica Forest | Tarim River Basin | Golden in October, "lives for 3,000 years without dying" Stone City | Taxkorgan | Silk Road ruins, stunning sunrise 📅 8-day itinerary (classic loop) Day 1: Various locations → Kashgar Fly to Kashgar Airport Stay near Kashgar Ancient City Explore the ancient city in the afternoon Day 2: Kashgar → Pamir Plateau Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Karakoram Highway) Pass by Baisha Lake (Baisha Mountain) Visit Karakul Lake See Muztagh Ata Stay in Taxkorgan County Day 3: Taxkorgan → Khunjerab Pass → Return Go to Khunjerab Pass (China-Pakistan border) Return to Taxkorgan Stay in Taxkorgan Day 4: Taxkorgan → Stone City → Kashgar Visit Stone City in the morning for sunrise Return to Kashgar (approx. 5 hours) Stay in Kashgar Day 5: Kashgar → Desert Highway → Tazhong Travel along the Desert Highway across the Taklamakan Stay in Tazhong or Qiemo Day 6: Tazhong → Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest → Korla Visit Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest (golden in October) Stay in Korla Day 7: Korla → Luoburen Village → Turpan Visit Luoburen Village Tarim River + desert + Populus euphratica Arrive in Turpan in the evening Day 8: Turpan → Return Visit Karez Well, Grape Valley Return in the afternoon 💰 Estimated costs Item | Cost Round-trip flight/train | Approx. CNY 1,000–2,000 Local car charter/self-drive (7 days) | Approx. CNY 2,000–3,500 Accommodation (7 nights) | Approx. CNY 700–1,400 Attraction tickets + shuttle bus | Approx. CNY 300–500 Meals | Approx. CNY 400–600 Total | Approx. CNY 4,500–8,000/person ⚠️ Tips Border permit: Required for Khunjerab Pass. Apply in Kashgar Altitude sickness: The Pamir Plateau is at an altitude of approx. 4,000m. Be aware of altitude sickness Warmth: Large temperature difference on the plateau. Bring a down jacket Sun protection: Desert + plateau. Strong UV rays Vehicle: Car charter/self-drive recommended. Desert Highway is in good condition but long
I followed Trip.com's recommendation and chose this guide. I never expected this chartered tour to become the highlight of my trip! I was a bit nervous before we set off, worried the route would be too long or the scenery too monotonous, but Guide Zhang really made the whole experience wonderful. 😊 Along the way, Guide Zhang was super, super nice! He was not only a steady driver but also very talkative, sharing so many local customs and traditions with us, which made the long drive relaxed and fun. What surprised me most was his keen eye for beautiful scenery along the road that we would have easily missed—even when we didn't notice anything, he knew from experience where the views were best and perfect for photos, and he would proactively stop to let us snap away to our heart's content. 📸 Guide Zhang was incredibly patient. Whether we wanted to stay a little longer to enjoy the view or lingered on the grasslands, he waited quietly and never rushed us. Even better, his drone skills are top-notch! He actually helped us film some aerial videos of the scenery and sent them to our phones—what a pleasant surprise! 🎥 The car was neat, clean, and very comfortable. Guide Zhang's driving skills are top-tier, making us feel completely at ease even on the bumpy mountain roads. In short, I was super satisfied with this chartered tour arranged through Trip.com. Experiencing the four seasons in one day on the Duku Highway—the vastness of Bayanbulak, the gentleness of Nalati, and the tranquility of Tangbula—left us with the most beautiful photos and memories along the way. If I could offer some advice to others: remember to bring enough power banks and pack plenty of outfits and props for photos, because Guide Zhang will really take you to discover so many hidden photo spots that you won't be able to stop snapping! This is also perfect for those who love natural scenery and want a worry-free, in-depth tour~❤️
Everyone says the Duku Highway is packed in the summer, but I truly believe autumn is its hidden highlight. Spanning 561 kilometers across the Tianshan Mountains, you can truly experience the impact of "four seasons in a single day, with scenery changing every few miles." 🍁Three sections, ever-changing scenery ▪️North Section | Dushanzi – Nalati Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, and birch forests slowly turn golden. The Haxilegen Pass sits at an altitude of about 3,400 meters; if you're lucky, you might catch the first snow of autumn. The contrast between the colorful forests and the white snow is stunning. When passing through Qiaerma, take a moment to stop and quietly reflect on the history behind this road. ▪️Middle Section | Nalati – Bayinbuluke The grasslands shed their deep midsummer green, replaced by a soft, golden hue. Winding wetland rivers and cattle and sheep grazing leisurely create a peaceful scene. The Nine-Bend-Eighteen-Turn at dusk is vast and quiet, offering a more relaxed vibe than during the peak season. ▪️South Section | Bayinbuluke – Kuqa The scenery shifts dramatically! After passing the Big and Small Dragon Pools and the Tielimaiti Pass, you'll descend into the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon. The reddish-brown rock walls look wild and vast under the autumn light, instantly immersing you in the unique, expansive landscape of Southern Xinjiang. ✅Relaxed travel tip: I don't recommend trying to drive the whole route in one day! Try to split it over two days so you can take your time. Stopping at the viewing platforms along the way is the best way to experience the Duku Highway. 💡Important, practical reminders · Best time for autumn scenery: Mid-to-late September – early October. Mountain weather is unpredictable, with potential for snow and temporary traffic controls at any time. Before you set off, be sure to check real-time road conditions via the official Xinjiang Road Network or Xinjiang Traffic Police channels, as roads may close early. · Only the northern section requires a reservation. The entire route is restricted to vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and there are daytime access restrictions, so remember to check the rules in advance. · There is a huge temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring a thick jacket even if it's sunny during the day. There are many curves, and some sections may have black ice, so drive cautiously. · Many beautiful views are right by the roadside, so there's no need to crowd into popular photo spots. You'll find plenty of photo opportunities just by stopping along the way. This is more than just a highway; it's a journey through the Tianshan Mountains where you can see snow-capped peaks, colorful forests, grasslands, and canyons all in one trip. If you have the chance this autumn, you must experience it for yourself 💛
⛰️ Located in Wensu County, Wensu Grand Canyon is also commonly known by locals as "Tianshan Tuomuer Grand Canyon." It is one of the most iconic canyons in southern Xinjiang. The Yadan landforms are on full display here, creating a natural masterpiece that looks like a geographical painting. If you are staying in Kuqa that night, be sure to buy the famous Kuqa naan. It is shaped like a wheel and is a delicious local specialty. 💶 Admission ticket: 36 RMB/person 🚌 Shuttle bus: 60 RMB/person 🚗 Self-drive: 100 RMB/person ⏰ Duration: 4–6 hours 🚏 Transport guide: 📍 Navigation: Wensu Grand Canyon (Approx. 1.5 hours from Aksu) 🚌 Public transport: You can take the direct scenic shuttle from the Aksu Passenger Station or the railway station. ⭐ Highlights: 1⃣ Valley No. 4 (Source of Life): This spot is less crowded, making it perfect for hikers and photographers. 2⃣ Valley No. 3: This is a very popular spot. While it gets crowded, it is excellent for drone photography. 3⃣ Valley No. 5: This and other valleys are also quite nice. You can visit them in sequence after leaving Valley No. 3. The canyon is generally reddish-brown, which looks especially great in photos when illuminated by the sun. 🚗 Self-drive tips: ✅ If driving yourself, choose a 4WD vehicle. Be sure to follow the tire tracks while driving to avoid getting stuck in the sand. ✅ There are no restrooms inside the scenic area, so please take care of personal needs before entering. ✅ Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the scenic area may close on rainy days. ✅ There is no shade in the scenic area, so be sure to take sun protection measures. I am Chi Xiaoyu, a post-90s travel photographer. I look forward to exploring the world with you!
Every autumn, the desert poplars along the Tarim River turn yellow for just 20 days. This time, fly directly to Southern Xinjiang on a C909 charter flight. Skip the hassle of transferring in Urumqi and step straight off the plane into a golden autumn. 🍂 Water poplars and golden reflections Hulu Island is the most beautiful spot to photograph water poplars along the Tarim River. Golden poplars cluster around the azure water bays. As your boat glides across the water, the poplars and their reflections shimmer together, as if the world has been dusted with gold. The deadwood poplars along the Tarim River have a unique charm; their twisted, vigorous branches set against the blue water create a vast, majestic scene. 🚗 UTV adventure deep into the poplar forest Luntai Poplar Forest is the world's largest primitive poplar forest. Take a UTV deep into the hinterland—places ordinary cars can't reach—where rolling sand dunes and rows of poplars line the path, surrounded by golden leaves. Driving along the 139 Poplar Secret Road through 4.7 million mu of forest feels like traveling through a flowing golden gallery. 🏔️ Autumn in the Pamirs: snow-capped mountains and blue lakes Fly from Hotan to Taxkorgan, where the Panlong Ancient Road winds over 600 bends along the mountain ridges. Bandier Blue Lake is a stunning Tiffany blue, while Baisha Lake features silver sands against turquoise waters. Karakul Lake reflects the snow-capped peak of Muztagh Ata. Standing by the lake, with the snow-capped mountains, blue waters, and golden grasslands all in one frame, you'll experience the exclusive romance that autumn brings to Southern Xinjiang. ✈️ Direct charter flights: spend your time on the scenery Enjoy 3 direct legs on our C909 charter flights: Shanghai to Korla, Hotan to Taxkorgan, and Kashgar to Shanghai. Skip the exhausting 10+ hour bus rides and save your energy and time for the poplars and snow-capped mountains. The desert poplars are golden for only 20 days a year—miss it, and you'll have to wait another year. ✨ Tap the product card below to view the full itinerary
Xinjiang is vast and filled with beautiful scenery, but many viral attractions are over-beautified by filters. With the added costs of admission tickets, shuttle buses, and secondary expenses, traveling thousands of miles can easily lead to disappointment. This list tells the truth: it's not that you can't visit them at all, but we don't recommend going out of your way to check them off your list. We've included practical alternatives to help you save time and travel costs, allowing you to dedicate your itinerary to truly breathtaking landscapes. Note: Cultural enthusiasts and study tour groups may choose to keep these on their list; general sightseers and travelers on tight loop itineraries should prioritize the alternatives. 1. Tianshan Tianchi Lake | Not worth a special trip ❌ Why avoid: It's famous, but the cost of admission tickets and shuttle buses is high, with extra fees for boat rides and cable cars. It is extremely weather-dependent; on cloudy days, the lake looks dull. After completing a Northern Xinjiang loop and seeing Sayram Lake or Kanas Lake, Tianchi will feel much less impressive. It's only suitable for a short day trip from Urumqi. ✅ Alternative: Ulungur Lake. It's on the way in Northern Xinjiang, with deep blue water and sandy shores. It's quiet, less crowded, and has many free sections for driving around the lake. 2. Five-Colored Beach ❌ Why avoid: It's very small and only worth visiting for the short 10-minute sunset window; without good light, it's underwhelming. It gets crowded in the evening, and there are swarms of mosquitoes in summer. You can finish touring it in 20 minutes, so going out of your way for it isn't worth it. ✅ Alternative: Anjihai Grand Canyon (free outer viewing areas). It features grand, colorful geological layers with richer textures and doesn't require waiting for a specific sunset window. 3. Dushanzi Grand Canyon ❌ Why avoid: The natural canyon scenery is average. The scenic area focuses on viral attractions like the cliff swing and glass skywalk, all of which require extra fees. Without a drone, it's hard to capture the "epic" shots seen in advertisements. ✅ Alternative: Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (Kuqa, Southern Xinjiang). It features massive red-brown fissure canyons with epic light and shadow effects, offering more stunning geological scenery. 4. Flaming Mountains Scenic Area ❌ Why avoid: The main attraction is the giant Golden Cudgel thermometer, and it's mostly artificial sculptures. In summer, the surface temperature is extremely high, and there's no shade from the sun. You can see the red mountains from the national highway, so there's no need to buy a ticket to enter. ✅ Alternative: Jiaohe Ruins. The earthen ruins under the sunset are desolate and stunning, full of the atmosphere of ancient Western Regions civilization, and you can experience Turpan's culture on the way. 5. Bayanbulak Scenic Area (Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns) ❌ Why avoid: Seeing the viral "nine suns" sunset depends on luck; there are very few days a year when you can see it perfectly. The shuttle bus takes a long time, and the viewing platforms are overcrowded during peak season. There are plenty of similar grassland landscapes in Yili. ✅ Alternative: Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery. It combines snow-capped mountains, streams, forests, and grasslands. There are free viewing spots along the way, it's less crowded, and you don't have to squeeze onto fixed viewing platforms. 6. World Devil City (Urho) ❌ Why avoid: The Yardang formations are fairly ordinary. The scenic area's small train makes fixed stops, making the tour feel like an assembly line. It's scorching hot during the day, and the zoomorphic rocks require a very strong imagination. A short stop if you're passing by is fine, but don't plan a special trip. ✅ Alternative: Urho Wild Yardang (outer area) / Ailik Lake. These are free Yardang wilderness areas with a stronger atmosphere at dusk. 7. Commercialized Lavender Manors in Huocheng ❌ Why avoid: These are large artificial manors with a very short flowering period (only about 10 days). If you go too early, they haven't bloomed; if you go too late, they've been harvested. Many manors are identical, crowded during peak season, and photos rely entirely on fenced-in sets. ✅ Alternative: Wild lavender fields along G218 and S219. These are small, free roadside flower fields paired with distant snow-capped mountains—completely natural. 8. Baihaba Village ❌ Why avoid: Known as the "First Village in the Northwest," its landscape is highly similar to Hemu, with wooden houses, forests, and meadows. You need an extra border permit, pay for admission tickets and shuttle buses, and it's further away. Just choose either Hemu or Baihaba; there's no need to visit both. ✅ Alternative: Hemu. The village is larger, and the sunrise mist at Hadeng Platform and the stargazing experience are more well-developed. 9. Karez Folklore Garden ❌ Why avoid: The exhibition hall is small and can be toured in ten minutes, but the ticket isn't cheap. It's mostly commercialized displays with limited tunnels. It's only suitable for in-depth cultural study tours; general tourists will find it underwhelming. ✅ Alternative: Karez Park (larger scale, more complete displays), or go directly to the villages on the outskirts of Grape Valley to see the original water conservancy relics. 10. Urumqi International Grand Bazaar (for deep shopping) ❌ Why avoid: The architecture is great for photos, but the local specialties inside are overpriced, and the shops are all the same. Setting aside half a day to browse shops and compare prices is a waste of time. ✅ Alternative: The streets around the Grand Bazaar. You can take photos of the architecture, domes, and arches from the outside. For dried fruits and local specialties, go to large local supermarkets for more reasonable prices. 📌 Core Logic for Itinerary Planning Most of the best scenery in Xinjiang is on the road. You can encounter the same types of landscapes, grasslands, and lakes found in many paid scenic areas right along the national highways. Loop route planning principle: Choose one out of similar landscapes. Don't visit multiple grasslands at once; the same applies to Yardangs and lakes to avoid aesthetic fatigue and repetitive travel. Separate your choices for cultural and natural scenery: geology and history enthusiasts can keep the No. 3 Mine and Karez on their list; if you're just looking for scenery, prioritize the alternatives above. ⚠️ Honest Travel Advice & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ✅ Seasonality: Grasslands are best in June–July, Northern Xinjiang autumn colors from Sept 20–Oct 5, and lavender in mid-to-late June. Travel off-peak to avoid high prices and crowds during the peak season. ✅ Documents: For Baihaba and some border areas, get your border permit in advance and fill in the corresponding county/city as the destination. ✅ Transportation: Distances in Xinjiang are vast, often requiring 4–6 hours of driving. Don't add hundreds of kilometers of backtracking for a niche viral spot. ✅ Drones: Many scenic areas and border lines are no-fly zones. Check regulations for aerial photography in canyons and Yardangs in advance. 💡 Summary in a nutshell Xinjiang's beauty isn't a game of checking off a viral bucket list; there's no need to force yourself to visit over-filtered attractions. Learn to choose between similar landscapes and replace them with less crowded, free, and more stunning alternatives. Saving a significant amount of travel time is the only way to truly experience the vastness of the Western Regions' mountains and rivers.
![[Xinjiang · Aksu] Winds blowing across the Gumo land, discover the romance of Southern Xinjiang | Ban Yu — traveler post in Aksu Prefecture](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/1mi1012000u5q2zx14ACF_C_480_270_R5.png_.avif?proc=source/trip)
⭐️Hello, welcome to Ban Yu's travel guide notes⭐️ · ————————————————— Come to Southern Xinjiang and be sure to save a few days for Aksu. You can experience grasslands, canyons, night markets, and grottoes all at once. There is no need to rush your itinerary; take your time to feel the vibrant life of the Western Regions here. · ————————————————— [🧳 Itinerary] Day 1: Aksu Museum > Duolang River Scenic Area > Aksu Old Street Night Market Day 2: Wensu Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon > Pakelieke Grassland · ————————————————— [🏞️ Attractions] 📍 Duolang River Scenic Area: This landscape belt runs through the city and is considered Aksu's city calling card. Locals come here for after-dinner walks and leisure. 📍 Kekeya Memorial Hall: A spot with distinct local character, telling the story of Aksu's desert control and tree planting, transforming the desert into an oasis bit by bit. 📍 Aksu National Wetland Park: Located upstream of the Duolang River, it connects to the Duolang River Scenic Area but has a stronger ecological feel. With vast lakes and reed marshes, the connected waterways are a stopover for migratory birds. 📍 Wangsan Street Old Town: Old town streets where locals truly live. There aren't many tourists, and it has a very strong local atmosphere, allowing you to experience the daily life of the locals. 📍 Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon: There are several valleys inside for hiking. The boardwalks aren't too difficult, and average physical fitness is enough to handle them. · ————————————————— [🏨 Accommodation tips] 🔹 Taibai Shopping Center Area: This is the true core urban area, with intersecting main city roads and high convenience for daily life. 🔹 Train Station Area: Suitable for travelers who need to catch a train. It's not far from the main city business district, making dining and shopping convenient. · ————————————————— [🍲 Food recommendations] 🔸 Crispy Pigeon: The skin is fried until crispy, and the pigeon meat inside is juicy, tender, and neither dry nor greasy. 🔸 Dry-fried noodles: Noodles are stir-fried in oil with rich side dishes. They are dry, fragrant, flavorful, and have a stronger taste. 🔸 Red Willow Skewers: The lamb is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with fat sizzling and dripping off. The aroma is very intense, with more flavor than regular skewers. 🔸 Thin-skinned steamed buns: Sprinkle some pepper on them when eating for a delicious, satisfying kick. There are also pumpkin-filled thin-skinned buns. · ————————————————— 📅: S U M M E R 📷: Ban Yu Maybe 🗺: Xinjiang · Aksu
① 📍 Starting from Dushanzi in Karamay in the north and ending in Kuqa in the south, it cuts across the Tianshan Mountains. You can see grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and canyons all on one road. It really is scenery at every turn—breathtakingly beautiful! 😭✨ ② 🚗 Note! There is no subway or direct public bus to Duku. Most people choose to drive themselves or hire a car👇 ▪️Northern starting point: Navigate to "Duku Highway Zero Kilometer Monument (Dushanzi)" ▪️Southern ending point: Navigate to "Duku Highway End (Kuqa)" ▪️You can also book a legitimate carpool tour in Kuitun or Kuqa. ☂️Umbrella and sun protection☂️: The weather in the mountains changes in an instant! Sunny, windy, and snowy conditions can switch randomly🌦️ Be sure to bring a sun-protective jacket, an umbrella, and a warm coat! ⚠️It is generally open from June to October each year. Check the "Xinjiang Department of Transportation" before you set off to see if there are any temporary road closures. ③ 🍜 There are very few service areas and not many restaurants on the highway! You can find food in the towns along the way: Qia'erma, Nalati, Bayanbulak, and Kuqa. Recommended: pilaf, big plate chicken, baked buns, and milk tea🤤 ⚠️Prepare water, snacks, and energy supplies in advance. Don't count on finding restaurants at any time, or you might really go hungry😭 ④ 💰Money-saving tips are here! Official sources available! ✅The Duku Highway itself is free! No admission or toll fees. ✅Don't just find high-priced "exclusive Duku guides." You can check official road conditions on the Xinjiang Department of Transportation's official WeChat account. ✅Try to carpool to split gas and rental costs. Buy supplies at large supermarkets in Kuitun/Kuqa, as prices in the mountains are higher. ✅Don't wander into private grasslands or observation decks. Many unofficial spots will charge fees, so stick to designated parking areas for photos📸 This most beautiful highway in China is a must-drive in this lifetime! The scenery is so stunning it leaves you speechless; every shot is wallpaper-worthy~ Go for it, everyone! 🐛
I originally planned to go to Wensu Grand Canyon, but it was closed due to weather, so I went to Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon instead. Luckily, the weather was great; with the blue sky, the canyon's colors were particularly bright, and the contrasts were even more striking, making it perfect for taking photos in bright colors. The temperature difference inside the canyon is significant, depending on whether you get sun exposure. I recommend bringing a scarf this season; it's warm and can also be used as a photo prop. Although the scenic area isn't very large, walking around and taking photos will still take about two hours. If you don't want to walk, you can take the park shuttle bus or choose to ride a camel.
耳朵也不行We drove ourselves to the Grand Canyon. The off-road vehicle cost 100 yuan per vehicle. Our companions either got free tickets or half-price tickets. Even though we paid full price, it was only 36 yuan, which was a very reasonable price. The scenery in the scenic area was beautiful. I recommend it.
清冷的风The palace itself is a replica, and the exhibition hall introducing Kucha culture inside is rather basic; it's better to visit the Kucha Museum. There's another exhibition hall about the last prince's deeds in the People's Republic of China, which is worth a look. The entire visit takes less than an hour, so you can skip it. You can stroll around the commercial street near the entrance; there are naan shops frequented by locals.
jyayoiThe Duku Highway, also known as the Dushanzi-Kuqa section of National Highway G217, is hailed as a scenic highway traversing the Tianshan Mountains. Stretching over 500 kilometers, it cuts across the entire Tianshan range, connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, and is also a breathtakingly heroic road. The highway winds its way through towering mountains, traversing numerous snow-capped passes, offering breathtaking views of canyons, glaciers, forests, grasslands, and deserts – perfectly embodying the saying "experience all four seasons in a day, and different weather every ten miles." Starting from Dushanzi in northern Xinjiang and heading south, the scenery changes dramatically, passing through Qiaerma, Nalati, Bayinbuluke, and finally Kuqa in southern Xinjiang, with countless famous scenic spots strung along this route. Due to snow and ice, the Duku Highway is not open year-round, only accessible for a few months each year, and may even be temporarily closed if you're unlucky. The mountain roads are treacherous, with numerous bends, and the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Even in the height of summer, the high-altitude sections remain bitterly cold; be sure to bring warm clothing and drive with caution. This highway is not just a passageway; it is itself the most spectacular scenery of the entire Xinjiang trip. Only by driving through the Duku Highway can one truly understand the magnificence of the Tianshan Mountains. It is a must-visit destination for countless self-driving enthusiasts.
luck dog inI didn't expect to get a surprise. It was free. The scenic area is still worth visiting. There was a city opening ceremony and performances. There was a large poplar forest. It was a pity that I came a little early and it was not yet yellow.
wang6122zhengThis is a highly recommended attraction, but the experience is significantly diminished without a car. The scenic area is vast; even with a car, the journey takes about three hours, including a short rest at the cliffside café (less than an hour). It's senior-friendly; you won't need to walk much if you don't visit the cliffside café. The entire area is by car. The roads are excellent, and all types of vehicles can pass. Visiting in the morning is ideal; there's no need to wait for the afternoon sun. The canyon doesn't feel deep, but rather expansive. A visit to the adjacent Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon in the afternoon would be perfect.
Anonymous userTime freezes here, heartbeats awaken here—the Taklamakan Desert Highway, the most solitary and breathtakingly beautiful journey on Earth. This is no ordinary road. The soft rustling of wheels over the asphalt is the most luxurious silence on Earth. Ahead, yellow sand and sky merge at the horizon, the world simplified to its purest elements—blue and yellow, sky and earth, you and infinity. On the chest of the world's second largest shifting sand desert, a black ribbon cuts straight through the golden ocean. The Taklamakan, a place that means "once you go in, you can't come out" in Uyghur, now, you can drive your modern motorcycle into this territory once forgotten by time!
miss you every dayUnless you're a professional or an enthusiast, there's no need to make a special trip here, and the price isn't great. However, it was very quiet during the National Day holiday, and the walk in and out took no more than 20 minutes. It's just one floor with a few excavation sites of Wei and Jin dynasty tombs, so you can see the fusion of Kucha and Central Plains cultures. I did manage to buy some Kucha travel-themed fridge magnets here, but the ones from other places weren't particularly special.
M14***49Kuqa Finally, I can smell the scent of the Western Regions Protectorate! Two World Heritage Sites: Kizilgaha Beacon Tower (Han Dynasty) and Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins (Tang Dynasty). Kizilgaha Beacon Tower is known as the Red Outpost, guarding the Han Dynasty. Subashi Buddhist Temple witnessed the Tripitaka Master preaching and propagating Buddhism. The temple ruins are not large; you can finish in an hour. Driving is recommended. Drones are not allowed.
110***68Although I visited several Yardang landforms, the Kizil Red Stone Forest was still quite impressive. Unlike other Yardang landforms, it has a variety of shapes and is recommended to be visited together with the Kizil Caves.
535***17
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