Southern Xinjiang Loop Travel Map

Southern Xinjiang Loop Travel Map – Discover the Culture and Nature of Southern Xinjiang#

Southern Xinjiang is the region with the richest cultural heritage and exotic charm, featuring renowned attractions such as Kashgar Old City, the Pamir Plateau, the Taklamakan Desert, and the Tarim Populus euphratica Forest. For planning your Southern Xinjiang trip, a clearSouthern Xinjiang Loop Travel Mapis an essential tool. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Southern Xinjiang Loop's geography, key attractions, recommended itineraries, and transportation options to help you plan the perfect trip.

Overview of Southern Xinjiang Geography#

Southern Xinjiang refers to the southern region of Xinjiang, located south of the Tianshan Mountains. Covering approximately 100 square kilometers, major cities in Southern Xinjiang include Kashgar, Hotan, Aksu, and Korla. The region features diverse terrain, including plateaus, deserts, oases, and canyons.

Key Geographic Features:
• Pamir Plateau: Located in western Southern Xinjiang, with an average elevation of over 4000 meters, it is part of the Roof of the World.
• Taklamakan Desert: Located in central southern Xinjiang, covering approximately 33 million square kilometers, it is the world's second-largest shifting sand desert.
• Tarim Basin: China's largest inland basin, surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, Kunlun Mountains, and Pamir Plateau
• Kashgar Oasis: The largest oasis in Southern Xinjiang and the cultural heartland of Uyghur communities.

Map of Key Attractions Along the Southern Xinjiang Loop#

East Section: Korla → Kuqa → Aksu

Traveling south from Urumqi to Korla marks the eastern starting point of the Southern Xinjiang Loop. Near Korla, there areBosten LakeIt is China's largest inland freshwater lake. From Korla, travel west along the Tarim River to reachTarim RiverAlong the coast, you can enjoy this from mid-to-late 10.Tarim Populus Euphratica Forestof golden seas.

Continue west to Kuqa for sightseeing.Kucha Grand Canyon(Tianshan Mystery Grand Canyon): Spectacular and steep red rock walls. Continuing west from Kuqa to Aksu allows you to visitWensu Grand Canyon。

Core Segment: Kashgar → Pamir Plateau

Traveling west from Aksu to Kashgar, the core city of the Southern Xinjiang loop.Kashgar Old Citya living fossil of Uyghur cultureId Kah MosqueOne of China's largest mosques.Kashgar Grand BazaarA great place to experience local life.Xiangfei GardenTells the legendary story of Hwa-Fei.

Travel south from Kashgar along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314) into the Pamir Plateau, passing throughBaisa Lake(The lake is a vivid blue, like emerald),Karakul Lake(Lake like a pearl of the plateau, reflecting Muztagh Ata), finally arrivingMuztagh Ata(Foot of the "Father of Ice and Snow," at an elevation of 7546 meters). Continue south to Tashkurgan for sightseeing.Stone CityandPamir Plateau。

Southern Section: Kashgar → Hotan → Desert Highway

Travel east from Kashgar to Hotan, famous for its jade. Visit the Hotan Jade Market. From Hotan, head north via Minfeng and crossTaklamakan DesertThe Highway from Lunta to Minfeng is the world's longest desert highway, offering spectacular views of sand dunes and desert oases along the route.

Best Route for a Southern Xinjiang Loop Tour#

Classic 10-day loop

Urumqi → Korla → Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Tashkurgan → Kashgar → Hotan → Desert Highway → Korla → Urumqi

View detailed itinerary for Love in Pamir · Southern Xinjiang 9-Day Deep Journey →

15-Day Deep Loop (North-South Xinjiang Grand Circuit)

Extends the Northern Xinjiang Loop to include Southern Xinjiang, covering both regions in a single journey.View the detailed itinerary for DJI North-South solo flight 15 days →

Southern Xinjiang Transportation Map#

Main Roads:
• G3012: Urumqi → Korla → Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar (Tuhe Expressway, main east route of Southern Xinjiang)
• G314: Kashgar → Baishahai Lake → Karakul Lake → Muztagh Ata → Tashkurgan (Karakoram Highway)
• G315: Kashgar → Hotan → Minfeng (Main South Line of Southern Xinjiang)
• Desert Highway: Lunxian → Minfeng (crossing the Taklamakan Desert)

Airport:
• Kashgar Leiling International Airport (Main Hub of Southern Xinjiang)
• Hotan Airport (Gateway to Southern Xinjiang)
• Korla Airport (Gateway to the Eastern Southern Xinjiang)

Practical Travel Information for Southern Xinjiang#

Best time to travel:4-5 (Apricot Blossom Season), 9-10 (Poplar Season)
Suggested Days:10-15 days
Budget Estimate:6000-12000 per person (includes transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, and meals)

Conclusion#

The Southern Xinjiang Loop Travel Map is an essential tool for planning your journey. From the exotic charm of Kashgar Old City to the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Plateau, from the vast expanse of the Taklamakan Desert to the golden sea of poplar forests, every scenic spot in Southern Xinjiang deserves to be experienced firsthand. For more details on Southern Xinjiang tour routes, browse here.Route ListPage.