【Decoding Southern Xinjiang】Xinjiang Kashgar Old Town + Xiangfei Garden + Lop Nur People's Village + Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon + Luntai Poplar Forest + Mosque + Shache King's Tombs + Yingisar Museum + Flaming Mountains + Panlong Ancient Road 12-Day 11-Night Private Car Custom Tour

Welcome to Xinjiang, known as the hometown of song and dance, food, and beautiful scenery. Our agency will send a private car to pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel for check-in and rest. If it is still early, you can arrange your own activities in Urumqi. If you want to learn about Xinjiang's humanities and history, the first recommendation is the 【Xinjiang Museum】 (free, no entry after 16:30 in the afternoon; closed on Mondays); if you want to experience exotic customs, you can go to the 【Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar】, where the unique Western Regions culture and dazzling array of goods may let you find quite a few good bargains. If you want to taste delicious food, you can go to the Grand Bazaar Night Market to eat and stroll, such as the nationally famous big plate chicken, crispy outside and tender inside roast lamb chops, lamb skewers, Ili horse sausages, various specialty noodles, and so on

After breakfast, drive to Turpan and arrive at the [Flaming Mountains], where Sun Wukong in Journey to the West borrowed the Banana Leaf Fan to pass through. The red mountain body comes into view, and the towering thermometer reminds you at all times of the intense heat here. After experiencing the heat, head to one of the summer resorts, the [Karez Wells]. This underground canal combines local wisdom and irrigates the oasis. Enjoy the coolness while exploring the wonders here. Then head to the [Kumtag Desert], the only desert in the world closest to a city. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] A: Feel Turpan's warmth and experience "baking eggs in the sand pit" B: Visit the former residence of Bayi the Landlord [Suggested Visit Time] Flaming Mountains: 40min; Kumtag Desert: 1.5h; Karez Wells: 40min [Warm Tips] 1: The temperature at the Flaming Mountains is relatively high, so be careful to prevent heatstroke. 2: UV rays are strong. Please replenish water in time during sightseeing and be sure to protect against UV rays.

After breakfast, head to 【Lop Nur People Village】. The Lop Nur people have lived and multiplied here, leading a primitive tribal life with their own unique customs and culture. Sun totems can be seen everywhere in Lop Nur People Village — they pursue light and worship the sun. After the visit, drive to Korla for overnight stay. Today's Scenic Area Tips 【Activities】 A: Pay extra to ride a desert off-road vehicle through the golden desert and feel the thrill of wind whistling past your ears B: Take the mini-train to enjoy the desert scenery and shuttle through the poplar forests like a time machine 【Suggested Duration】3h-3.5h 【Warm Tips】Pay attention to sun protection and wear comfortable shoes

After breakfast, we head to the [Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon], known as the "Antelope Canyon of the United States." The Yardang landforms on both sides of the road are sure to dazzle you. Deep in the canyon, it winds and turns, with many bends forming arcs. Sunlight always finds gaps to penetrate, and the clear blue sky creates a strong visual impact. Shuttling through the red canyon, feel your own smallness, pick up some strange stones to take back as souvenirs, and take some beautiful photos so the trip is worthwhile. Afterwards, drive to [Luntai Poplar Forest Park]. This place combines the natural landscape of the Tarim River, poplar forest scenery, and desert scenery. Coming here is not just to admire the picturesque scenery, but more to be moved by the tenacious vitality of this poplar forest. The trees here live for a thousand years without dying, stand for a thousand years after death without falling, and remain for a thousand years after falling without decaying—truly admirable. In mid-October, the poplar forest leaves all turn yellow, golden and especially beautiful. In the sunlight, beautiful Uyghur girls dance under the "Poplar King" tree. Take advantage of the lively atmosphere and boldly dance along. After the visit, continue by vehicle to Kuqa to check into the hotel and rest. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] A: Take a set of timeless poplar forest photos beside the circular railway among the poplar trees. B: Ride the small train to fully enjoy the desert scenery and shuttle through the poplars like a time machine. C: Hike through the narrow canyon and raise your camera, looking up to feel the pressing, imposing red cliffs. D: Photograph the dead trees and poplars in the scenic area and feel another kind of vigorous historical charm. [Time to Spend] Recommended 3h-3.5h. [Warm Tips] The best season to view poplar trees is around October 20 to November 15. In other seasons, the poplar trees are green.

After breakfast, drive to Aksu and arrive at 【Wensu Grand Canyon】 in about 3 hours. The sightseeing route in the scenic area features "one peak and one valley." In the canyon, the distribution of red mountain rock layers is clear, the folds formed by compression and the curved lines are very distinct, and fractured rocks are sandwiched within the cliff rock layers. After hundreds of millions of years of wind and rain erosion, they have formed a peculiar landscape of towering precipices, towering grotesque peaks, varied shapes, jagged and bizarre forms, intense colors, and a riot of colorful splendor. Today's Scenic Area Guide Recommendations 【Things to Do】 A: Hike from Valley No. 4 to Valley No. 3 and admire the spectacular Danxia canyon group B: Gaze at the distant Tianshan Mountains from Valley No. 4 C: Prepare nice clothes and pose for great photos in the canyon. 【Suggested Visit Time】2h for Wensu Grand Canyon 【Warm Tips】Pay attention to sun protection, and wear comfortable shoes since the canyon requires hiking

After breakfast, today we will begin the adventure of the [Desert Highway]. Today's itinerary is relatively long, so it is recommended to bring snacks, cache some favorite movies, and set off with excited anticipation. The Taklamakan Desert seems very eerie, with more than 500 kilometers of no-man's land. Crossing the desert, there are no oases or lakes along the way, and not even many trees. Surrounded by the vast, boundless desert, it is like a wandering knight in the martial world, immersed in tempering. Lift a handful of sand and listen to the sound of the sand singing. Then arrive in the Hotan region and head to [Yotkan Ancient City] to visit the spectacular and awe-inspiring ancient town and watch immersive performances, then stay overnight in Hotan City. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] A: Take great photos in the desert B: Start eating and strolling, tasting specialty foods in the city [Suggested Visit Time] Desert Highway: shoot while walking along the way [Warm Tips] 1: During the day, UV rays are strong. Prepare sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, wear beautiful clothes, and you may also bring a red silk scarf. 2: Pay attention to safety when stopping to take photos on the Desert Highway. 3: Today's drive is relatively long, so it is recommended to download favorite movies in advance and prepare some snacks, etc.

After breakfast, drive to 【Yarkand King's Mausoleum】. Its history can be traced back to the Yarkand Kingdom, one of the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions, and it was also a key point and military town on the Silk Road. Afterwards, head to 【Xitiya Mystery City】. At the foot of the Kunlun Mountains lies a magical place — Xitiya Mystery City. Thousand-year-old ruins, mottled city gates, dried ancient corpses, swaying broken branches... leaving us too much confusion. Embark on a journey of seeking dreams, light the beacon fire of time travel, return to that clanging era, and search for scenes lost for a thousand years. Even though the bygone years cannot be recovered, through the wind-and-rain-eroded relics, one can vaguely see the past glory of the ancient city. Today's Scenic Area Tips 【Activities】Many alleys in the Mystery City will surprise you. Stroll through the alleys, meet the honest Uncle Gulban, and see Uyghur children with innocent eyes... 【Suggested Duration】Yarkand King's Mausoleum: 2h; Xitiya Mystery City: 2h 【Warm Tips】 1: The Mystery City is suitable for slow strolling and exploring at your own pace 2: It is a Uyghur gathering area, please respect local ethnic customs and habits.

After breakfast, drive to Yengisar Museum. [Yengisar County Museum] is a comprehensive museum displaying the history and culture of Yengisar County. Located in the new urban area of Yengisar County, it is one of the important cultural facility construction projects. The museum has two floors: the first floor is a patriotism education base, and the second floor is the exhibition area and office area. The museum currently has 213 cultural relics in its collection, including 2 national third-grade cultural relics. Afterwards, head to Kashgar for overnight stay. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] At the museum, you can hire a guide for in-depth explanations. [Time to Spend] The museum is recommended for 1.5h. [Warm Tips] Please keep quiet and solemn in the museum.

After breakfast, drive to Tashkurgan. On the way, stop at 【Baisha Lake】 for sightseeing and lunch. Follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Karakoram Highway) all the way to the beautiful pearl 【Karakul Lake】, hidden at an altitude of 3,600 meters on the Pamir Plateau, the "Roof of the World." Along the way, you may be lucky enough to see snow mountains, grasslands, flocks of sheep, camels, yaks, and more. By the lake, gaze at Muztagh Ata; they nestle against each other, and the snow mountains here are likewise unstained by dust, sacred and yearned for. Then set off to arrive at 【Taheman Wetland】, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides, where countless mountain springs gather and streams formed by melting snow and ice converge. The streams wind and twist, the water and grass are abundant, and scattered cattle and sheep dot the golden grassland, just like the grassland scenery of Inner Mongolia, with herds of cattle and sheep enjoying themselves. Overnight in Tashkurgan. Today's Scenic Area Guide Recommendations 【Things to Do】 Karakul Lake A: On the way to Karakul Lake, shoot a video of the highway blending with the azure lake water B: Hike along the wooden boardwalk and photograph the reflections of the snow mountains C: At the lakeside, pay to experience horseback riding and yak riding (80-100 yuan/person) and be a local for a while Taheman Wetland A: Climb the viewing platform to see the wetland streams crisscrossing and flowers all around; if you are lucky, you can also see rare plateau birds flying freely; B: At sunset, golden sunlight spills over the snow mountains and grasslands, with herds of cattle and sheep, magnificent beyond compare 【Suggested Visit Time】1h for Baisha Lake, 1.5-2h for Karakul Lake; 0.5h for Taheman Wetland 【Warm Tips】 1: The altitude is relatively high, so it is recommended to wear a light down jacket and down pants, and keep warm 2: The Tashkurgan area on the Pamir Plateau has a relatively high altitude, with an average altitude of 3,600 meters. Those with altitude sickness should rent oxygen bags in advance and prepare medicine 3: There are many winding mountain roads along the way and the ride is quite bumpy. If you get carsick, please prepare motion sickness patches in advance 4: There are few restaurants along the way and the conditions are very simple, so it is recommended to prepare some snacks in advance 5: Tashkurgan is relatively remote and accommodation conditions are limited. Please understand

After breakfast, head to Alar National Wetland Park—[Golden Grass Beach]. When the sun rises in the east, the green grass beach turns golden, and in the distance the herdsmen's white yurts and flocks of sheep are bathed in the morning sun, very beautiful. Then come to [Stone City], an ancient city ruin on an ancient road within Xinjiang. Although only broken walls remain in Stone City, it is surrounded by snow peaks, with grass beaches and rivers below, combined with rich Tajik ethnic customs, possessing a rugged and unrestrained beauty. Then head to the internet-famous road—[Waqia Highway]. The winding mountain road is like a sleeping dragon in the mountains. Under the sunlight, the shadows of the clouds lie quietly at the foot of the snow mountains, as if the distant scenery is an oil painting waving to us. Then head to [Bandir Blue Lake]. After sightseeing, return to Kashgar. Today's Scenic Area Strategy Recommendations [Things to Do] 1. Golden Grass Beach A: Hike along the wooden boardwalk and wait for the sunrise (around 8:30-9:00 a.m.). Find a good angle and take a few sunrise masterpiece photos. B: Choose an open area to admire the grass beach and river up close and the snow mountains in the distance. C: Walk on the suspension bridge and photograph the waterwheel in the distance. 2. Stone City A: Stand on the city wall and overlook the panoramic view of Golden Grass Beach. B: Look at the collapsed city wall and recall history. 3. Panlong Ancient Road A: From the entrance of Panlong Ancient Road, look into the distance. The distant Hindu Kush Mountains appear solemn and majestic against the blue sky and white clouds, and the vast desert and Gobi fully display the elegance of the Pamir Plateau. B: Take a photo in front of the sign that says, "Today you have walked all the detours in life; from now on, life will be a smooth path." [Suggested Visit Time] Golden Grass Beach + Stone City: 2h; Panlong Ancient Road: shoot while walking along the way [Warm Tips] 1: Panlong Valley Road has many curves. Those prone to motion sickness should prepare motion sickness patches in advance. 2: In plateau areas, please keep warm to prevent colds. 3: In plateau areas, do not shout loudly or engage in strenuous exercise.

After breakfast, head to 【Kashgar Old City】. When you arrive at the old city, you must not miss the city-opening ceremony to feel the local warm atmosphere. Holding our cameras, we slowly enter the old city, capturing everything — people, things, and events — all worth collecting as memories. Walking through the deep alleys will give you a sense of time travel, as if returning to ancient Kashgar. When tired, sit in a teahouse and fully experience the local folk atmosphere. Afterwards, head to 【Id Kah Mosque】, where you can see grand prayer scenes and feel the strong religious atmosphere. Id Kah Mosque is a courtyard-style temple. The east side of the temple's main entrance is the huge Id Kah Square, a landmark of Kashgar. Usually, many people relax and play on the square. Long-bearded grandfathers and children sit together by the square basking in the sun — very leisurely. Then drive to 【Kashgar Fragrant Concubine Park】, where you'll feel as if you're in a vivid scroll of Xinjiang Uyghur folk customs. Today's Scenic Area Tips 【Activities】 A: Attend the city-opening ceremony (10 AM / 12 PM / 6 PM). Uyghur uncles and Guli will let you feel the passion of Xinjiang dance B: There are many alleys in the old city that will surprise you. Stroll through the alleys, meet the honest Uncle Gulban, and see Uyghur children with innocent eyes... C: Sit in groups of three or five in a century-old teahouse, sip tea, chat, and zone out while feeling the slow pace here. 【Suggested Duration】Kashgar Old City: 4h; Id Kah Mosque: 1.5h 【Warm Tips】 1: When visiting the mosque, do not wear revealing clothing, keep quiet and do not make noise, and take off shoes when entering the hall. 2: During prayer times, the mosque is not open for entry; you can only visit from outside

After breakfast, arrange airport transfer according to flight schedule. Happy times always pass quickly, and it's time for us to say goodbye. We hope this short trip to Xinjiang leaves you with beautiful memories, and we look forward to meeting you again~