Aksu Self-Driving Guide! 3 Days Racing Through the Secret South Xinjiang

Still stuck watching crowds at tourist spots during the holiday? Step on the gas and escape to the uninhabited areas of South Xinjiang, where the Gobi starry sky beats any trendy café!

🗺️ Route Planning (Avoiding Tour Groups)
✅ Day 1: Aksu City → Wensu Grand Canyon → Duolang River Wetland Sunset
▫️ City → Wensu Grand Canyon 1.5h (Rent a 4WD! The scenic area has rough gravel roads)
▫️ Canyon → Duolang River Wetland 1h (18:30 for golden reeds + swans)
✅ Day 2: Kizil Caves → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kuqa Old Town
▫️ Aksu → Kizil Caves 2h (Opens earliest at 10 AM)
▫️ Caves → Kuqa Canyon 1.5h (Best light penetrating the canyon at 3 PM)
✅ Day 3: Desert Highway Crossing → Taklamakan Viewing Platform
▫️ Kuqa → Desert Highway Entrance 1h (Navigate to "Luntai Poplar Forest Park")
▫️ Deep into the desert 50km (Chance encounters with wild camel herds along the way)

🚗 Vehicle Recommendations
✔️ Recommended: Tank 300 (great for photos), Nissan Patrol (stable on sand)
❌ Not Recommended: Sedans (not allowed in Wensu Canyon), Electric Cars (charging stations scarce)

💡 Car Rental Process
1️⃣ Preparation:
▪️ Non-local drivers need a "paper translation" of their license
▪️ Deposit (or Sesame Credit 750+ for no deposit)
▪️ Choose worry-free rental! Fixed price + no damage fees, very considerate
2️⃣ Pickup and Inspection:
▪️ Worry-free rental offers free delivery to your door or airport
▪️ Check undercarriage armor for scratches (must photograph!)
▪️ Spare tire/towing rope/fire extinguisher (mandatory desert driving gear)
4️⃣ Return Guide:
▪️ Recommended to fill up the tank before returning!
▪️ If not full, just pay for the fuel; service fees apply

📸 Top Photo Spots for Social Media:
▪️ Wensu Grand Canyon No.4 Valley "Mars Landing Site"
▪️ Kuqa Canyon "One Line Sky" for panoramic shots
▪️ Desert Highway 387 Milestone (shoot camel shadows 1 hour before sunset)