Exploring Southern Xinjiang in 12 Days

1. Northern Xinjiang
Geographical Location and Features:
- Located north of the Tianshan Mountains, covering most of northern Xinjiang.
- Humid climate influenced by Atlantic moisture and Siberian air currents.
- Known for its grasslands, lakes, and forests.

2. Southern Xinjiang
Geographical Location and Features:
- Located south of the Tianshan Mountains, forming a stark contrast with Northern Xinjiang in terms of geography and culture.
- Arid climate, characterized by plateaus and desert landscapes, with some oases.

Must-Visit Spots in Southern Xinjiang:
Kashgar: Kashgar Old Town, Kashgar Grand Bazaar, Karakul Lake, Dawakun Desert, Poplar Forest, Golden Grassland, Stone City, White Sand Lake, etc.
Aksu: Kizil Caves, Khan Tengri Glacier, Wensu Grand Canyon, etc.

12-Day Southern Xinjiang Tour Itinerary:
DAY 1: Departure City - Urumqi
DAY 2: Urumqi - Bosten Lake - Korla
DAY 3: Korla - Luobu Village - Luntai
DAY 4: Luntai - Tarim Poplar Forest - Kuqa
DAY 5: Kuqa - Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon - Aksu
DAY 6: Aksu - Desert Highway - Hotan
DAY 7: Hotan - Shache King’s Tomb - Shache
DAY 8: Shache - Kashgar Old Town - Kashgar
DAY 9: Kashgar - North Shore of White Sand Lake - Mùjí Volcano - Tashkurgan
DAY 10: Tashkurgan - Bandir Blue Lake - Panlong Ancient Road - Kashgar
DAY 11: Kashgar - Westernmost Village - Kashgar
DAY 12: Kashgar - Departure City