Riding the Heavenly Road: A Journey on the China-Pakistan Highway
by Xinjiang Kashgar Tourism
Oct 21, 2025
Southern Xinjiang in autumn is definitely a place worth visiting! Here is a guide to help you plan your trip to Southern Xinjiang in autumn:
• Populus euphratica forest: In autumn, the golden leaves of the Populus euphratica forest in Southern Xinjiang resemble a golden ocean, spectacular and breathtaking. You can stroll through the forest and feel the breath of autumn.
• Baisha Lake: Baisha Lake is known for its mirror-like surface and snow-white sand, making it a paradise for photographers.
• Bandier Blue Lake: This is a hidden gem on the Pamir Plateau, with deep blue water contrasting with the surrounding gray-white rock layers and snow-capped mountains, creating a cold and mysterious beauty.
• Glaciers and snow-capped mountains: The Muztagh Ata in Southern Xinjiang is known as the "Father of Glaciers," where you can experience the magnificence of snow-capped mountains.
• Exotic atmosphere of Kashgar: The ancient city of Kashgar is full of rich Central Asian exotic atmosphere, and is the most well-preserved Western-style maze-like old street in China.
• Xinjiang cuisine: The cuisine of Southern Xinjiang is not to be missed, including grilled meat, grilled lamb chops, grilled lamb legs, fried rice noodles, pilaf, cold noodles, dry-fried noodles, thin-skinned buns, baked buns, mixed noodles, pigeon soup, and naan.
• Recommended travel routes:
• 5-day Populus euphratica forest route: Urumqi - Korla - Luntai - Populus euphratica forest park - Korla.
• 8-day Duku Highway + Populus euphratica forest route: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Kuitun - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Sayram Lake - Tekes Bagua City - Nalati - Swan Lake Sunset - Bayinbulak Grassland - Kuqa Palace - Populus euphratica forest park - Luntai.
• Precautions:
• The climate in Southern Xinjiang is dry in autumn, so bring sunscreen and moisturizing products.
• The temperature difference between day and night is large, so prepare enough warm clothes.
• The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang are strong, so prepare enough sunscreen. I hope this guide will make your trip to Southern Xinjiang more perfect and enjoy the beautiful autumn time!
Southern Xinjiang, Xinjiang
Post by Emily Walker@22 | Nov 3, 2024























