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Summary
This 10-day itinerary explores the cultural and historical richness of Southern Xinjiang, traveling through the Taklamakan Desert and visiting significant sites along the ancient Silk Road. Highlights include the stunning Karakul Lake, the bustling markets of Kashgar, the ancient ruins of Jiaohe, and the unique Karez Irrigation System.
🌍 Day 1: Arrival and Leisure
- Meet and check in hotel upon arrival and rest for leisure time of the day.
🏨 Kashgar
- Kashgar, a city in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The city is renowned for its vibrant bazaars, ancient architecture, and the stunning Id Kah Mosque. Take a leisurely stroll through the Old City to soak in the atmosphere and marvel at the intricate designs of the historic buildings.
- Tips: Don't miss the opportunity to sample the local Uyghur cuisine, which is a delightful blend of Middle Eastern and Central Asian flavors. Additionally, bargaining is a common practice in the bazaars, so be prepared to haggle for unique souvenirs and handicrafts.
Day 2: Karakul Lake and Pamir Landscape
Drive on the China and Pakistan highway to visit Karakul Lake and enjoy the Pamir landscape.
Karakul Lake
At an altitude of 3,600 m, it is the highest lake of the Pamir plateau, surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
Tips
Visit the Kirgiz settlements along the shore for a cultural experience.
🌄 Day 3: Stone City and Kashgar Highlights
Visit Stone City, then return to Kashgar to explore Idgar Mosque, Handicraft Street, and the Old Town.
🕌 Stone City
Stone City, perched on a 20-meter high mound, offers a captivating view of the ruined city, surrounded by snow-crowned mountains, grasslands, and rivers, providing a glimpse into the national traits of the Tajik people.
Tips
Take in the breathtaking view of the ruined city and the majestic snow-crowned mountains, offering a serene and picturesque setting for exploration.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +86 998 342 2600 |
| 📍 Address: 128 Hongqilafu Rd, Tashkurgan, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, 845252 |
🕌 Idgar Mosque
The largest mosque in China, Idgar Mosque, dating back to the mid-15th century, boasts an impressive capacity of 4000 prayers and showcases the magnificent Islamic mosque architecture, exuding a sense of grandeur and solemnity.
Tips
Immerse yourself in the mosque's atmosphere by visiting during prayer times, allowing for a truly authentic and spiritual experience.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: Kashgar, Kashgar Prefecture, China, 844000 |
🏙️ Handicraft Street
Handicraft Street is a bustling market area, particularly vibrant on Sundays, as it bustles with farmers and buyers arriving by various means of transportation, creating a lively and cheerful ambiance.
Tips
For an immersive experience, plan your visit on a Sunday to witness the lively and colorful market, filled with the sights and sounds of local trade and traditions.
🌞 Day 4: Sunday Bazaar and Yarkent
Morning brings the vibrant energy of the Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, where the air is filled with the lively bustle of farmers and buyers arriving with their animals. The market is a colorful spectacle, with donkey carts, trucks, bicycles, and even horseback creating a lively atmosphere. Arriving early allows visitors to witness the market setting up and enjoy a delightful breakfast amidst the action.
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🕌 Sunday Bazaar
The Sunday Bazaar is a bustling market where the streets are filled with farmers and buyers arriving with their animals, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Kashgar Markets in Xinjiang | Sunday Bazaar to the Night ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMwa2TvMnJs", "channel": { "name": "Travel Xinjiang: Far West China"}, "published_date": "Aug 24, 2016", "length": "2:32" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Kashgar Sunday Livestock Market", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF-FkPNCsrg", "channel": { "name": "Stef Hoffer"}, "published_date": "Jan 29, 2012", "length": "2:41" }</div>
Tips
Arrive early to witness the market setting up and enjoy a delightful breakfast amidst the vibrant atmosphere.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: China, Xinjiang, Kashgar Prefecture, Kashgar, 艾孜热特路 邮政编码 - 844099 |
🕌 Apak Hoja Tomb
The Apak Hoja Tomb, the holiest place in Xinjiang, is a stunning architectural treasure built in 1640. The compound features a handsome blue-and-white tiled gate, reminiscent of the Central Asian artistic style of Samarkand or Isfahan.
Tips
Explore the compound and take in the beauty of the Abakh Khoja family tomb, which is domed and faced with multi-colored tiles, making it the most complete Islamic tomb of the Qing Dynasty in China.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +86 998 295 0196 |
| 📍 Address: Kashgar, Kashgar Prefecture, China, 844001 |
🕌 Yarkent Old Town
Yarkent, an oasis city at the western end of the Taklimakan desert, is a vibrant hub inhabited by Turkic-speaking Muslims. With over 120 mosques, the city is steeped in history and culture, known for its excellent Uygur dancers and the epic "12 Mukams" opera.
Tips
Visit the King Tombs and immerse yourself in the local history, learning about the musical treasure that was collected, studied, and recorded by Amannisha, the concubine of Yarkent King, before her untimely death at the age of 34.
🐪 Day 5: Karsu Desert and Khotan
After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating camel riding adventure in the vast expanse of the Karsu Desert, immersing yourself in the timeless allure of the desert landscape.
🏜️ Karsu Desert
Experience the thrill of camel riding amidst the serene and captivating beauty of the desert, creating unforgettable memories against the backdrop of rolling sand dunes.
Tips
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for desert conditions and ensure to stay hydrated by carrying an ample supply of water.
Continue your journey to Khotan, where a fascinating exploration of ancient craftsmanship and historical remnants awaits.
🧵 Atlas Silk Workshop
Delve into the intricate art of silk production as the Atlas Silk Workshop unveils the mesmerizing process from cocoon to weaving, offering a captivating insight into the age-old tradition of silk craftsmanship.
Tips
Visit the showroom to acquire exquisite Atlas silk products, including scarves, bags, and dresses, as mementos of this cultural immersion.
Uncover the enigmatic allure of the Malikawat Ruins, an archaeological site steeped in historical significance.
🏛️ Malikawat Ruins
Wander through the remnants of an ancient civilization, where wind-eroded mounds and cultural artifacts, such as pottery and stone implements, offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region.
Tips
Take your time to explore the site and marvel at the ancient cultural relics, allowing the mystique of the ruins to transport you back in time.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Khotan Museum, where a treasure trove of historical relics awaits your discovery.
🏺 Khotan Museum
Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of Khotan's history as the museum showcases an array of artifacts, including potteries, textiles, and sculptures, offering a compelling glimpse into the ancient legacy of the region.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "SAL Evening Lecture: Khotan: A neglected Silk Road kingdom", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw4v97Ir6GI", "channel": { "name": "SocAntiquaries"}, "published_date": "Nov 4, 2021", "length": "1:15:40" }</div>
Tips
Engage with the exhibits to gain a deeper understanding of Khotan's rich cultural heritage, allowing the museum to unravel the captivating tales of bygone eras.
Day 6: Taklamakan Desert Highway
Drive on the Taklamakan Desert Highway and enjoy the view of the great desert, then check in to the hotel in Kuqa.
Taklamakan Desert Highway
The biggest moving desert in the world, known for its vast and challenging landscape.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How China\u2019s longest desert road in Xinjiang was opened up ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuylRKAK1Tc", "channel": { "name": "South China Morning Post"}, "published_date": "Oct 5, 2020", "length": "1:50" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "New highway opens in largest desert in China's Xinjiang", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2VUd8P9zAA", "channel": { "name": "CGTN"}, "published_date": "Dec 3, 2023", "length": "1:20" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "New Highway Opens in China's Largest Desert in Xinjiang", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPdLLP-9c5w", "channel": { "name": "CCTV Video News Agency"}, "published_date": "Dec 3, 2023", "length": "1:15" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "China Build This Desert Highway at Astonishing Speed - The ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3imTEfzNTo", "channel": { "name": "PROJECT NEXUS"}, "published_date": "1 month ago", "length": "10:01" }</div>
Tips
Prepare for a long drive and bring plenty of water and snacks.
🌄 Day 7: Kizil Grottoes and Kuqa
Visit the Kizil Grottoes, Kuqa Old Town, and Diversified Poplar Trees, then head to Korla.
🕌 Kizil Grottoes
The Kizil Grottoes, situated on the cliff of Qul-tagh Mountain by the Muzart River, are a treasure trove of ancient murals depicting jataka stories, Buddha’s life, and stories about karma. These caves are not only the earliest in Xinjiang but also in China, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Tips
Explore the caves to witness the intricate and well-preserved ancient murals, providing a fascinating insight into the religious and cultural beliefs of the time.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +86 997 893 2235 |
| 📍 Address: Kuqa, Xinjiang, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Province, China, 842002 |
🏘️ Kuqa Old Town
Kuqa Old Town is a living testament to the region's rich history, boasting traditional architecture and cultural significance. The town exudes an old-world charm, with its narrow alleys, ancient mosques, and well-preserved buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's past.
Tips
Immerse yourself in the historical ambiance by taking a leisurely stroll through the town, where every corner reveals a piece of its captivating history.
🌳 Diversified Poplar Trees
The Diversified Poplar Trees Park, nestled in the north of the Taklimakan Desert, offers a mesmerizing panorama of the Tarim River, the sprawling poplar trees, and the vast desert landscape. It serves as a captivating tourist resort, providing opportunities for sightseeing, entertainment, adventure, and scientific exploration.
Tips
Visit the park to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Tarim River and the surrounding poplar trees, and indulge in various recreational activities amidst the serene natural setting.
🌄 Day 8: Jiaohe Ruins and Turpan
Morning takes you to Turpan, a city steeped in history and culture. Here, you will explore the ancient Jiaohe Ruined City, marvel at the engineering wonder of the Karez Irrigation System, and admire the grandeur of the Sugong Minaret.
🕌 Jiaohe Ruined City
The Jiaohe Ruins, perched on a mesa in a willow leaf shape, offer a captivating glimpse into the ancient city's layout, featuring well-preserved city gates, streets, temples, and domestic houses. The underground temple and cave houses add an air of mystery to this historical site.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Explore Jiaohe Ancient City in Turpan, Xinjiang - Spectacular ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrtXUbBpmkw", "channel": { "name": "Travel Xinjiang: Far West China"}, "published_date": "Sep 30, 2014", "length": "2:56" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Jiaohe Ancient Ruins: Treasure on the Silk Road", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxu5AD1_uQE", "channel": { "name": "CGTN"}, "published_date": "Jul 15, 2022", "length": "1:11" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "GLOBALink | Jiaohe Ruins: Archaeological researcher ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keBrDaZnvrA", "channel": { "name": "New China TV"}, "published_date": "Apr 20, 2023", "length": "2:17" }</div>
Tips
As you wander through the ruins, take time to appreciate the intricate architecture and imagine the bustling life that once thrived within these ancient walls.
💧 Karez Irrigation System
The Karez Irrigation System, a marvel of ancient engineering, harnesses underground water to sustain farmland. Comprising vertical wells, underground channels, and ground canals, this system has been vital to the agricultural prosperity of the region for centuries.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "ANCIENT KAREZ WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pjFw_uIjks", "channel": { "name": "GORDONLAWRENCEVIDEOS"}, "published_date": "Jan 3, 2018", "length": "4:06" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Incredible ancient irrigation system in Xinjiang", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaShwRe2F4c", "channel": { "name": "Hi China"}, "published_date": "Feb 8, 2023", "length": "1:01" }</div>
Tips
Gain insight into the significance of this irrigation system as you learn about its sustainable water management techniques and its crucial role in supporting agriculture in the arid landscape.
🕌 Sugong Minaret
Standing tall at 37 meters, the Sugong Minaret is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Uygur nationality. Its cylindrical shape, adorned with symmetrical brick patterns, reflects the ancient artistic heritage. The spiral stairs inside lead to a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Tips
Ascend the spiral stairs within the minaret to savor a bird's-eye view of Turpan and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship that went into constructing this iconic tower.
Day 9: Bezklik Grottoes and Urumqi
Visit the Bezklik Grottoes, Astana Tombs, and Tuyoq Valley, then head to Urumqi.
Bezklik Grottoes
Caves with beautiful decorations, first excavated in Qu's Gaochang period.
Tips
Explore the caves to see the unique murals and decorations.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📍 Address: XG4R+WWH, Gaochang District, Tu Lu Fan Shi, Xinjiang, China, 838015 |
Astana Tombs
The graveyard of residents from the Gaochang City, known as the 'Underground Museum'.
Tips
Visit the tombs to see the unearthed cultural relics.
Tuyoq Valley
A valley with more than 40 caves, preserving murals considered to be the earliest in Turpan.
Tips
Explore the valley to see the ancient murals and caves.
🌍 Day 10: Departure from Urumqi
- Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to your destination.
🏞️ Urumqi
- Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is a city of contrasts, where modernity meets tradition. The bustling bazaars, such as the Grand Bazaar, offer a glimpse into the vibrant local culture, while the nearby Tian Shan Mountains provide breathtaking natural beauty.
- For a taste of local cuisine, don't miss trying the famous Uyghur lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles. Additionally, be sure to explore the city's museums to learn about the region's rich history and diverse ethnic groups.
