Winter Break in Urumqi and Southern Xinjiang: A Travel Guide You Can't Miss

Winter break is coming, and you're planning to visit Urumqi and Southern Xinjiang? Then you can't miss this super detailed 8-day travel guide!
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🏞️Itinerary:
Day 1: Departure -> Kuqa
Set off for mysterious Xinjiang, and arrive at your first stop, Kuqa, to start your adventure!
Day 2: Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves -> Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon
Visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, a treasure trove of Buddhist art, and experience the ancient religious atmosphere. Then head to the spectacular Tomur Grand Canyon to marvel at the wonders of nature.
Day 3: Kashgar Old Town
Stroll through Kashgar Old Town to experience the rich Western Region culture and savor the charm of its thousand-year history.
Day 4: Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains -> Simuhana Village -> Irkeshtam Port -> China's Westernmost Monument
Feel the grandeur of nature at the intersection of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, visit the border village of Simuhana, experience the unique customs of Irkeshtam Port, and take an unforgettable photo at China's Westernmost Monument.
Day 5: Pamir Plateau -> China-Pakistan Friendship Highway -> White Sand Mountain and Lake -> Karakul Lake -> Muztagh Ata -> Muztagh Glacier Park
Set foot on the Pamir Plateau, travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of White Sand Mountain and Lake. Then visit Karakul Lake, gaze at the majestic Muztagh Ata, and visit Muztagh Glacier Park to experience the grandeur of the glaciers.
Day 6: Pamir Plateau -> Wakhan Corridor -> Khunjerab Pass -> K2 -> Aral National Wetland Park -> Tashkurgan Stone City
Continue your journey on the Pamir Plateau, cross the Wakhan Corridor, and visit Khunjerab Pass. Then gaze at the majestic K2. Next, visit Aral National Wetland Park to enjoy the unique scenery of the plateau wetlands. Finally, visit Tashkurgan Stone City to experience the weight of history.
Day 7: Panlong Ancient Road -> Bandir Blue Lake -> Pamir Plateau
Challenge the winding Panlong Ancient Road and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way. Then visit the tranquil Bandir Blue Lake to experience the serenity and beauty of the plateau lake. Finally, climb the Pamir Plateau again to overlook this magical land.
Day 8: Kashgar -> Departure
End your pleasant trip to Xinjiang, depart from Kashgar, and return home with fond memories. 🏠
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Travel Preparation:
👗 Clothing:
Bring a thick down jacket and thermal underwear. The temperature difference between day and night in Southern Xinjiang is large, so prepare spring and autumn clothes and a thick coat. Want to take beautiful photos? Don't forget a brightly colored dress!
👟 Shoes:
A pair of comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes is a must. Walking on the mountain roads of Southern Xinjiang, they are stable and comfortable.
🎒 Backpack:
A lightweight backpack to carry your daily essentials is convenient and easy to carry.
📄 Documents:
Bring your ID card and border pass. If you have a student ID, don't forget it, as it can get you discounts on tickets!
🧴 Skincare and Sunscreen:
The sun is strong in Xinjiang, so bring sunscreen and lip balm. Hand cream and a hydrating set are also essential to keep your skin hydrated.
📸 Photography Equipment:
Charge your camera and phone, and bring enough memory cards. How can you not capture the beautiful scenery?
💊 Emergency Medicine:
Bring some common medicine, such as cold medicine, painkillers, and mosquito repellent cream, just in case!
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✈️That's it for the Urumqi and Southern Xinjiang travel guide. I hope it helps you, and have fun~