SIN-URUMQI
Today, board a luxury aircraft to [Urumqi] - International Grand Bazaar
[International Grand Bazaar] The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar features a strong Islamic architectural style, recreating the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road. It concentrates the rich ethnic characteristics and regional culture of the western regions. It is the largest grand bazaar in the world, integrating Islamic culture, architecture, and ethnic commerce. It serves as a hub and showcase for Xinjiang's tourism products, and is known as the 'Window of Xinjiang,' 'Window of Central Asia,' and 'Window of the World.'"
 

Today,

URUMQI-KORLA (480KM,Approx 6Hrs)
[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 FOREST-KURQA (420KM,Approx 6Hrs)
[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]
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 mountains, 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.

 

KURQA-ARAL(350KM,Approx 5Hrs)
[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 showcases 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(440KM,Approx 6Hrs)
[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 Mountains, 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 approximately 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 average evaporation rate is an astonishing 2,500–3,400 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 vegetation 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-ZEPU(320KM,Approx 4Hrs)
[Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park]
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.
 

ZEPU-MAKIT-KASHGAR(260KM,Approx 3.5 Hrs)
[Folk Paintings]
Maigaiti is the only one of the four major folk painting villages in China where the creative works are primarily made by ethnic minority farmers. The vibrant, colorful paintings showcase the unique regional culture, folk customs, and natural scenery of Maigaiti County from multiple perspectives. Using bright colors, exaggerated depictions, and a simple, lively style, these artworks powerfully express the people's aspirations and pursuit of a better life.
[Dolang Folk Song and Dance]
The Dolan people are a branch of the Uyghur ethnic group, residing in the southern part of Xinjiang, along the Yarkand River and the Tarim River near the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. "Dolan Muqam" is the traditional music suite of the Dolan people, passed down for thousands of years. When they strike their hand drums together, the reverberating sound is as powerful as modern rock music. The performers are often farmers from rural areas, most of whom are over sixty years old but still full of passion.

 

KASHGAR-KARAKUL LAKE-KASHGAR (360KM,Approx 6Hrs)
[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.
[Karakul Lake]
Karakul Lake is located at the foot of Mount Muztagh Ata, known as the "Father of Ice Mountains," between Gongger Peak, Jiugerjiubei Peak, and Muztagh Peak. It is a high-altitude lake, sitting at an elevation of 3,600 meters, with a depth of over 30 meters. The lake's name, "Karakul," comes from the Kyrgyz language, meaning "Black Lake," due to its deep, dark waters. The lake is surrounded by icy peaks and snowy ridges. On most days, the water appears a clear blue, with Muztagh Ata towering on the eastern shore, its summit covered with snow year-round. To the south of the lake is a grassy plain, which becomes lush and vibrant with clear waters and abundant grass during the summer months.
Warm Reminder: Today's altitude is approximately 3,600 meters. Visitors may experience discomfort due to altitude sickness. If you suffer from heart diseases (such as heart disease, coronary artery stenosis, arrhythmia), high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate enlargement, respiratory diseases, severe colds, or if your doctor advises against traveling to high-altitude areas, please consider your personal health condition. Do not force yourself to join the tour to avoid safety issues.
 

KASHGAR
[Id Kah Mosque] is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and one of the three most influential mosques in Central Asia. It is an ancient Islamic architectural complex with rich ethnic and religious characteristics. The mosque faces east and consists of four main parts: the entrance gate tower, the courtyard, the scripture hall, and the prayer hall. It also serves as the Islamic activity center for the entire region and is a major venue for public festivities and traditional song and dance during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.
[Old Town] The Kashgar Old Town feels like stepping into a vivid scroll of Xinjiang Uyghur folk culture. The streets and alleys in the Old Town are a labyrinth of crisscrossing paths with a flexible and ever-changing layout, leading to secluded corners. Most residences are built with earthen and wooden or brick and wooden structures, and many traditional homes have a history spanning over a century. It is the only maze-like urban district in China characterized by Islamic culture.
[Apak Hoja Tomb] Also known as the Tomb of Xiangfei, the Apak Hoja Tomb is the second-largest Islamic structure in Kashgar and the largest Islamic mausoleum in China. Resembling a magnificent palace, it stands 40 meters tall and consists of five parts: the entrance gate, a small prayer hall, a large prayer hall, a scripture hall, and the main burial chamber. Inside the spacious tomb, there are 58 graves of various sizes, belonging to five generations of Xiangfei's family, totaling 72 members. Xiangfei's grave is located in the northeast corner of the platform, marked with her name in both Uyghur and Chinese.
Friendly Reminder: As this is a region inhabited by ethnic minorities, you may encounter language barriers, especially in areas like the Old Town and bazaars, which are bustling with people and filled with winding alleys. It is recommended not to leave the group on your own during tours to avoid getting lost.
 

KASHGAR-SINGAPORE
Let us head to the airport for our flight back, marking a perfect conclusion to this journey of exploring the mysteries of Southern Xinjiang. This delightful and unforgettable in-depth tour has come to an end.