SINGAPORE >  URUMQI 

Today  we  will   board  a  luxury  aircraft  to   Urumqi.The  ancient Junggar,meaning  "beautiful  pasture"in  Mongolian,is  the  capital of  the  Xinjiang  Uyghur  Autonomous  Region  and  the  political, economic,and  cultural  center  of  the   region.Located   on  the  northern slopes of the central Tianshan Mountains and the southern edge of the Junggar Basin,it is the world's most remote city  from  the   ocean.It   is   also   the   political,economic,cultural,and  transportation center of Xinjiang and a crucial stop on the north- ern route of the ancient Silk Road.

URUMQI > KORLA 

Bosten Lake with Boat Tour: Bosten Lake is the largest inland freshwater lake in China. It is called "Bostan Er" in Mongolian, "Baghlashkule" in Uyghur, and was historically known as the "Western Sea." Bosten Lake is a mountain-rimmed depression lake, with the main water supply coming from the Kaidu River, and it is also the source of the Peacock River. The water lilies in the Ahongkou area grow naturally. The Ahongkou Scenic Area is the core area on the southern shore of Bosten Lake, where visitors can not only take a painted boat to enjoy vast fields of wild water lilies, but also paddle through large reed marshes, offering a unique experience.
 

KORLA > LUNTAI POPLAR > KURQA

Luntai Poplar Forest (Shuttle Bus): Luntai Poplar Forest is the largest primitive poplar forest park in Xinjiang and the most concentrated area of primitive poplar forests in the entire Tarim River Basin. Explore the Silk Road to ancient cities, travel along the Tarim River to appreciate the poplars, visit Luntai to see oil fields, and enter the Taklamakan Desert to witness the vast sand seas. The Tarim Poplar Forest National Forest Park combines the natural scenery of the Tarim River, poplar forests, and desert landscapes. It is the world's oldest, largest, most well-preserved, and most primitive poplar forest reserve. The poplar tree is an ancient species that dates back to the 3rd century AD. It is a plant that evolved due to desertification, as precious as the ginkgo, and is known for its remarkable vitality, often referred to as a "living fossil." 

 

KURQA > MYSTIC GRAND CANYON OF TIANSHAN > KIZIL THOUSAND BUDDHA CAVES

Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan (One-Way Electric Cart Ride): In Uyghur, 'Kezi'liya' means 'red cliffs. The mysterious 'Tianshan Grand Canyon' is a gorge located within the Kezi'liya Mountain, a branch of the Tianshan Mountains. The red-brown rocks were sculpted by nature over billions of years through wind and rain erosion, forming the present-day 'Tianshan Grand Canyon! Standing at the bottom of the canyon and looking up at the towering moun- tains, one feels as if the steep peaks might collapse at any moment, evoking a sense of breathlessness and dizziness. Warm Reminder: The canyon has many rugged mountain paths, so it is recommended to bring knee pads and a walking stick. Since the time spent in the canyon is relatively long, it is also advised to bring some light snacks and water to help you quickly regain energy.

Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves: The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves are often referred to as "China's Second Dunhuang." A total of 236 caves have been officially numbered. It is the largest Buddhist cultural site in Xinjiang and the earliest, largest, and westernmost grotto temple complex built in China. Known as an "Art Treasure Trove," the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves are famous for their exquisite murals. These beautiful murals reflect a blend of Indian, Gandharan Buddhist art styles, and Persian art influences. In 1961, the site was designated by the State Council as one of the first national key cultural relic protection units. Warm Reminder: There are many stairs to climb at the Thousand-Buddha Caves, so it is recommended to bring knee pads and a walking stick. Photography is not allowed inside the caves, and cameras must be stored at the designated facility.

Kuqa Grand Naan City: It's not only a hub for naan production and  sales,but  also  a  3A-level  folk  culture  tourism  area.Kuqa naan,a    regional     intangible    cultural     heritage,is renowned nationwide  for  its  large  size,thinness,crispness,and  aroma.The Kuqa  Naan  City  covers  a  total  area of 20,000 square  meters, divided  into  three  main  parts:a  residential  area,a  commercial area,and a naan culture exhibition area.Kucha music and dance first entered the Central Plains of China during the Northern Wei Dynasty.

KURQA > ARAL 

Wensu Grand Canyon (Includes Shuttle Bus): This was once a crucial stop along the ancient Muzart Trail, a historic route connecting the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains. Locally known as "Kutuluk Grand Canyon," the name means "thrilling and mysterious" in Uyghur. Wensu Grand Canyon show- cases stunning Danxia landforms in western China and is the country's largest rock-salt karst geological marvel. It features rare ancient rock-salt formations, unique Yardang landscapes of western China, and exclusive giant karst erosion formations, making it a geological wonderland. Known as Xinjiang's "living museum of geological evolution," the canyon was sculpted over billions of years by wind and rain. It boasts towering cliffs, peculiar peaks, diverse formations, rugged terrain, vivid colors, and an array of spectacular, colorful landscapes. 
 

ARAL > HOTAN 

Taklamakan Desert: The Taklamakan Desert is a vast desert located in the center of the Tarim Basin in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It lies between the Tianshan Moun- tains, Kunlun Mountains, Altun Mountains, and the Pamir Plateau. Stretching over 1,100 kilometers from east to west and 550 kilometers from north to south, it covers an area of approxi- mately 337,600 square kilometers, accounting for half of China's desert area and making it the largest desert in the country. The Taklamakan Desert receives an average annual rainfall of less than 100 millimeters, with some areas getting as little as 4 to 5 millimeters. The desert is characterized by pyramid-shaped sand dunes that rise 300 meters above the plains, and fierce winds can create sand walls three times that height. The dunes stretch endlessly, shifting frequently due to wind patterns. Despite its harsh conditions, the desert supports a small amount of vegeta- tion with extremely developed root systems, often tens or even hundreds of times longer than the above-ground parts, to tap into underground water. Some animals in the desert also exhibit unique adaptations, such as aestivation (summer hibernation).

Hotan  Tuancheng: Tuancheng,named for its radiating streets and alleys surrounding it,is located in the central area of Hotan City and is a traditional folk-custom district.Here,you can admire exquisite woodenware and a dazzling array of bronzeware;feel the small joys woven into everyday life:children running through the long alleys at dusk,and elderly men leisurely sipping tea amidst the bustling crowds.

Hotan   Night   Market:  Here,the    lights   are    bright,and   people come  and  go;here,you'll  find  fragrant   baked  buns,red  willow roasted   meat,roasted    pigeons,sheep    lungs,and   other    local delicacies,their  enticing  aromas  stimulating  your  taste  buds; here,you'll find Xinjiang's specialties and snacks from all over the country-it's truly a culinary feast.

HOTAN > ZEPU > SHACHE

Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park (Shuttle Bus): Located 40 kilometers southwest of Zepu County, deep in the Gobi Desert, the park sits at the edge of the alluvial fan of the Yarkand River, surrounded by water on three sides, offering a picturesque view. The park features a vast natural poplar forest, covering 18,000 acres. In summer, the shade is thick and cooling, while in autumn, the yellow leaves create a stunning, picturesque scene. The unique natural landscape of "poplars, water, oasis, and Gobi" together presents a beautiful, one-of-a-kind borderland scene.
 

SHACHE > KASHGAR 

Shache Royal Tombs: The cemetery of the royal family of the Yarkand  Khanate.Located between the new and old towns of Shache County,the mausoleum was initially built in 1533 as the mausoleum  of  Sulitang Sayed, the  first  Khan of the Yarkand Khanate.Later,due to the burial of the second Khan,Rashid,and the famous Amanisha Khan,it gradually became the cemetery for the Khanate's royal family.

Shache Twelve  Muqam  Performance:   Shache is renowned as the hometown of the Twelve Muqam.The formation of the Twelve Muqam is closely related to Shache.In the 16th century,Amanisha Khan,the Queen of the Yarkand Khanate,was born on the banks of the Tiznapu River in Shache.She and musician Kadir, along with artists from various regions,collected and organized the   scattered   Muqam   pieces,initially   forming    16   sets,later simplified to 12,laying the foundation for the Twelve Muqam.The Twelve Muqam is a large-scale Uyghur musical form,a comprehensive art integrating song,dance,and music.

KASHGAR > BAISHA LAKE > TASHKURGAN

Baisha Lake: Baisha Mountain is located in the Pamir Plateau mountain range near Kashgar, Xinjiang, and is a must-visit site on the way to Karakul Lake, about 150 kilometers west of Kashgar towards the Pamir Plateau. On either side of Baisha Lake stand the towering Konger Jiu Bie Peaks. This beautiful landscape, with the ancient snow-capped mountains and lake, creates an atmo- sphere of purity and tranquility. It is said that the "Flowing Sand River" described in Journey to the West refers to this place. Along the shores of Baisha Lake, there are vast mountain hills and rolling highlands. The mountains are made of sand, which is a silvery-white color. The fine, silvery-white sand is clean and soft, resembling white silk.
 
Bandir Blue Lake: Also known as Xiabandi Reservoir,Bandir Lake was originally a river,and a reservoir was built to store water.The lake water is glacial meltwater,and its blue coloris due to special minerals.It is turquoise in summer and deep blue in winter.There is a kind of healing quality called Bandir Blue Lake;there is a kind of blue called Bandir Blue.Snow-capped mountains,blue lakes, and wilderness make it seem like you have reached the end of the world.

Panlong  Ancient   Road (transfer  to  a  7-seater  minivan):  The Panlong Ancient Road,also known locally as the Wacha Highway, is  located  in  Wacha  Township,Tashkurgan  Tajik  Autonomous County(Tajik  County),Kashgar  Prefecture,Xinjiang.Like  a  giant dragon,the Panlong Ancient Road winds its way up the Pamir Plateau at an altitude of approximately 4100 meters.The dark asphalt  road  blends  perfectly  with  the  colorful  mountains,and the distant snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking spectacle unique    to    the    Pamirs.Magical,amazing,mysterious,magnifi- cent,and  thrilling,these  more  than  600  bends  showcase  the wisdom  and  hard  work  of  the  designers  and  road  builders.

TASHKURGAN > KARAKOL LAKE > KASHGAR
 
Stone City: A crossroads of the ancient Silk Road's central and southern routes,several passages from Kashgar,Shache,Yingji- sha,and Yecheng to the Pamir Plateau converge here.The castle is built on a high hill,in an extremely strategic location.

Golden     Grassland    Scenic    Area: Also    known    as   the    Alar   National Wetland   Park   in   the    Pamir   Plateau   of   Xinjiang.The   Alar   Wetland    is a  marshy  meadow at an altitude of 3100  meters,covering  an area  of  approximately   100,000  mu(about  6,667   hectares).In summer,the  Alar  Wetland  is  a  green  meadow;in  autumn,the vegetation  turns  yellow,shimmering  under  the  sunlight,hence the  name  "Golden  Grassland";in winter,Alar transforms  into  a snow-covered plain,a breathtaking sight. Karakul   Lake:  Its    name,"Karakul"(meaning    "Black     Lake"in Kyrgyz),comes  from  its  deep,dark  waters.Surrounded  by   icy peaks and snow-capped mountains,especially the surrounding Kongur,Kongur  Jiubie,and  Muztagh  Ata  peaks,it  possesses  a magical and beautiful charm.

KASHGAR
 
Exterior View of the  Id Kah Mosque: The Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and one of the three most influential mosques  in  Central Asia.Located on the west side of ld  Kah Square in the center of Kashgar,it is an ancient Islamic architec- tural complex with a strong ethnic style and religious character.

Old City: Kashgar's Old City is like stepping into a vivid scroll of Xinjiang Uyghur folk customs.The streets and alleys of the Old City are crisscrossed,with a flexible and varied  layout,winding paths leading to secluded spots.
Kashgar  Old  City  Costume   Photoshoot:No  makeup  required (bring   your   own  costume).Guided   by a photographer,stroll through popular photo spots like Rainbow Alley and Carpet Alley, immersing yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere of the old city. Capture the unique charm of the old city and freeze beautiful moments.

The Tomb of Xiangfei: Also known as the Aba Khoja Mausoleum, the Tomb of Xiangfei is the second largest existing large Islamic building  in  Kashgar  and  the  largest  Islamic  burial  site  in  my country.Resembling   a   magnificent   palace,the   40-meter-high tomb consists of five parts:a gate tower,a small mosque,a large mosque,a scripture hall,and the main burial chamber 

KASHGAR > SINGAPORE

Let's  head  to the airport to catch our flight  back,bringing this wonderful exploration of the mysterious southern Xinjiang region to a perfect close.Concluding this enjoyable and unforgettable in-depth journey.