16-Day Journey from Yining to Kashgar: Discovering Ili and Southern Xinjiang

When the plane glides over the Tianshan snowline, the blue outside the window suddenly becomes three-dimensional—this was my first impression of Xinjiang. Sixteen days of traversing mountains and rivers by wheels, starting from the lavender fragrance of Yining, crossing grasslands, canyons, lakes, and deserts, and finally understanding the saying "You don't know how vast China is until you visit Xinjiang" amidst the chime bells of Kashgar's ancient city. This travelogue is for all who yearn for freedom, unlocking the vastness of Northern Xinjiang and the cultural codes of Southern Xinjiang.

✨ Highlights at a Glance

✅ Yizhao Highway: A more niche "Cloud Highway" than the Duku Highway, with July flowers blanketing the meadows and snow-capped peaks greeting every turn.
✅ Hike the Shato Ancient Trail: Light trek through glacial remnants, gazing at the Muzart Glacier as if stepping into a scene from *Game of Thrones*.
✅ Twilight in Qiongkushitai: Herders returning on horseback cross streams, with wooden cottages and golden meadows weaving a Miyazaki-esque animation.
✅ Full Duku Highway Experience: A miracle of four seasons in one day! Northern section for glaciers and waterfalls, central section for alpine meadows, and southern section for red-rock canyons.
✅ Kashgar Ancient City Opening Ceremony: Twirl with Uyghur dancers, sip tea in century-old teahouses to the tune of Muqam, where time slows to the pace of a cup of tea.
✅ Stargazing on the Pamir Plateau: Camp at the foot of the Muztagh Glacier, where the Milky Way drapes over the "Father of Ice Mountains," close enough to touch the stars.

📅 Itinerary Overview

D1 Nationwide – Yining
D2 Yining – Yizhao Highway – Shato Ancient Trail – Zhaosu
D3 Zhaosu – Qiongkushitai
D4 Qiongkushitai – Kalajun Grassland – Tekes
D5 Tekes – Qixi Grassland – Kuodernin – Yining
D6 Yining – Sayram Lake – Kuytun
D7 Kuytun – Duku Highway – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Tangbula "Hundred-Mile Gallery" – Nalati Town
D8 Nalati Alpine Meadow – Central Duku Highway – Bayinbuluke
D9 Bayinbuluke – Southern Duku Highway – Big & Small Dragon Pools – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon – Kuqa
D10 Kuqa – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu
D11 Aksu – Bachu Red Sea – Kashgar
D12 Kashgar Ancient City – Id Kah Mosque – Century-Old Teahouse
D13 Kashgar – White Sand Mountain & Lake – Karakul Lake – Golden Grassland & Stone City – Tashkurgan
D14 Tashkurgan – Khunjerab Pass – Wakhan Corridor – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandier Lake – Tashkurgan County
D15 Tashkurgan – Muztagh Glacier Park – Kashgar
D16 Kashgar – Nationwide

This is no easy journey, but it lets you experience four seasons in 16 days: longing to stay forever while horseback riding on grasslands, craving the horizon while speeding through desert highways, and yearning to slow down while wandering ancient alleys. Xinjiang's charm lies in its breathtaking landscapes that heal anxiety and its profound culture that whispers—life is meant to be on the road.

📌 Practical Tips:
• Packing: Bring a light down jacket + sun protection for June. Pamir Plateau temperatures drop to 0°C at night, while Kashgar city is summer-ready.