11D10N SOUTHERN XINJIANG: ICE MOUNTAINS & GOLDEN POPLARS

Kashgar uniquely embodies the customs, cultural arts, architectural styles, and traditional economy of the Uyghur people. With over 2,000 years of history, Kashgar Old City serves as a living fossil for the study of ancient Western regions and is one of the most valuable, influential, and representative historical cultural cities along the ancient Silk Road. The old city is both an open tourist area and a residential zone for Uyghur families, showcasing their daily life, ethnic customs, traditional crafts, and local cuisine.‌

Accommodation: Kashgar Orange or similar

The core residential area of Kashgar's Old City is one of the largest earthen architectural complexes in the world, blending Han and Tang dynasty styles, ancient Roman influences, and modern Uyghur life. Its maze-like streets feature traditional earthen  and wooden homes, many over a century old, making it the only Islamic cultural maze in China. While residents still uphold age-old customs, ongoing government renovations have led to the demolition of many historic homes. Some scenes from the film The Kite Runner were filmed here

• Abakh Tomb, also known as the Apak Khoja Tomb, is located about 5 kilometers east of Kashgar in Haohan Village. It serves as the burial site for Apak Khoja, leader of the Islamic Bai Shan sect, and his family. The name 'Fragrant Concubine Tomb' became popular due to the legend that Emperor Qianlong's concubine is buried here. The site is a necropolis for 72 family members spanning five generations, covering about 30 acres and established around 1640, showcasing typical ancient Islamic mausoleum architecture.
• The Id Kah Mosque is located in the center of Kashgar's Old City and is one of the largest mosques in the country. Inside, visitors can explore many spectacular buildings rich in Islamic architectural features. Daily prayers, held five times a day, create a grand atmosphere outside the mosque, allowing one to experience the strong religious ambiance.

Accommodation: Kashgar Orange or similar

• Karakul Lake is located at the foot of Muztagh Ata, known as the 'Father of Glaciers.' The name 'Karakul' means 'black lake' in Kyrgyz, referring to its deep and dark waters. In front of the lake lies a vast grassland, teeming with cattle and sheep in spring and summer, while waterfowl and wild ducks swim on the lake's surface, with swans occasionally foraging nearby. The sunlight creates a shimmering effect on the lake, reflecting the majestic Muztagh Ata in a stunning display. There are legends of a water monster in the lake, though the truth remains unverified since no one has ever seen it.
• Baisah Lake, located in Habahe County, is an eco-friendly desert lake with no inlet or outlet. Despite high evaporation rates, its water level remains stable year-round, surrounded by dense reeds, bulrushes, and wild lotus flowers. Within 50 meters, there are mixed forests of poplars and white birches.

Accommodation: Ji Hotel or similar

• The Panlong Ancient Road starts at an elevation of about 3,600 meters and ends at around 3,400 meters (some sources cite a maximum elevation of 4,216 meters, with a drop of over 1,000 meters). It traverses rugged mountains and numerous deep gorges, showcasing a rich variety of natural landscapes and climatic features.The Panlong Ancient Road starts at an elevation of about 3,600 meters and ends at around 3,400 meters (some sources cite a maximum elevation of 4,216 meters, with a drop of over 1,000 meters). It traverses rugged mountains and numerous deep gorges, showcasing a rich variety of natural landscapes and climatic features.

Accommodation: Kashgar Orange or similar

Aksu City boasts a rich cultural heritage and abundant tourism resources, including famous attractions such as the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon and the Aksu Museum. Certified as an all-for-one tourism demonstration city, Aksu features multiple A-level scenic areas and star-rated hotels, making it a comprehensive tourism destination that integrates travel, leisure, and vacation experiences.

Accommodation: Ji Hotel or similar

• Wensu Grand Canyon, a spectacular Danxia and salt karst landscape in western China, features rare ancient rock formations, unique Yardang landforms, and massive karst erosion. Known as Xinjiang's "living geological museum," it showcases towering cliffs, dramatic peaks, and vibrant colors shaped over millions of years.
• Kuqa, a historic Chinese city, was where Ancient Indian, Greco-Roman, Persian, and Han-Tang civilizations merged, creating the renowned Qiuci Culture. It features grottoes and ancient relics, and is part of the Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage site.

Accommodation: Ji Hotel or similar

• Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Park, located 70 km south of Luntai County, spans 100 km² and is Xinjiang's largest primitive poplar forest. Best visited from October to November, it offers Silk Road exploration, ancient city tours, Tarim River sightseeing, and desert experiences.
• The Tarim River, known anciently as Jishu or Congling River, was both a key geographical unit in Chinese civilization and a vital corridor connecting Eurasian cultures along the Silk Road. Its basin hosts numerous historical relics, reflecting China's long and diverse heritage.

Accommodation: Ji Hotel or similar

• Lop People's Village, near Korla on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, is a traditional Lop settlement known for its unique fishing and hunting culture. With dense poplar forests, desert-lake landscapes, and activities like net fishing and canoe-making, it offers a glimpse into the Lop way of life. Visitors can enjoy local food and cultural performances in this desert oasis.

Accommodation: Ji Hotel or similar

• Karez is the embodiment of the spirit of the Turpan people, representing their diligence and wisdom, and serving as a symbol of Turpan. Throughout its long historical development, the Karez has become a significant water heritage site with profound cultural meaning, standing as a milestone in the history of human civilization.
• Flaming Mountains Known as "Kizil Tagh" in Uyghur, meaning "Red Mountain," the Tang Dynasty people once called it "Volcanic Mountain" due to its extreme heat. During midsummer, the reddish-brown mountain rocks glow intensely under the scorching sun, while scorching air currents ripple upward, resembling raging flames licking the sky—hence its name, the Flaming Mountains.
• Kumtag Desert Located in Shanshan County, Turpan City, it is the only desert in the world connected to a city, earning it the title of "Desert in the City."

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel or similar

Urumqi boasts a long and rich historical and cultural heritage. It was a key hub on the ancient Silk Road and served as the political center of Xinjiang throughout history. It has been a convergence point for various regimes and civilizations, including the Later Cheshi Kingdom, Tingzhou of the Tang Dynasty, and Dihua in the Qing Dynasty.

• Urumqi Grand Bazaar - an iconic landmark of the city, stands as one of the world's largest Muslim bazaars. It brings together a diverse array of goods, such as traditional Uyghur handicrafts, clothing, and food, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich Central Asian ambiance.
• The Wild Horse Culture Park is the largest base in China for breeding, reproduction, and equestrian activities, housing hundreds of horse breeds from around the world, including draft horses, ponies, Przewalski's horses, and more. Visitors can observe the horses in the stables on their own and buy carrots to feed them for an interactive experience.‌

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel or similar