Long Routes
Oasis Ancient City・Southern Xinjiang Humanities
Kuche—Hotan—Kashgar: The Oasis Chain of the Tarim Basin
Along the edge of the Tarim Basin, string together the southern Xinjiang oases into a cultural corridor: Kucha murals, Hotan jade bazaars, Kashgar old town, three different itineraries in terms of days.
Long-term detailed explanation
The edge of the Taklamakan Desert is lined with a circle of oases: Kuqa, Shaya, Aral, Hotan, Yecheng, Shache, and Kashgar. The distances between the oases determine the pace—one city per day, each city has a bazaar, old streets, and handicrafts.
Three Approaches
- 8-Day Highlights: Enter through Kuqa—Hotan—Shache—Exit from Kashgar, covering the northern and western edges.
- 10-Day Standard: Include the Kizil Caves and Taxkorgan Pamirs, starting and ending in Kashgar.
- 12-Day In-Depth: Add the desert highway loop (central Taklamakan) and Lopnur villages, to truly experience the desert itself.
The focus of the Southern Xinjiang cultural route is not rushing to see attractions, but to be "in the crowd": cattle and sheep bazaars, jade bazaars, naan pits, and old teahouses—you can only see them if you allow enough time.
Oasis Ancient City・Southern Xinjiang Humanities routes (3)
Southern Xinjiang Cultural Circuit 10 Days
Around Taklamakan on the 12th
Silk Road Xinjiang Tracing Back 9 DaysHow to choose
| Route | Days | Price | Intensity | Best months | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Xinjiang Cultural Circuit 10 Days | 10 days | ¥1480 from / person | Medium | April–October | Kashgar In and Out |
| Around Taklamakan on the 12th | 12 days | ¥1780 from / person | Medium | October–November | Enter Kashgar from Kuqa |
| Silk Road Xinjiang Tracing Back 9 Days | 9 days | ¥1390 from / person | Medium | April–October | Enter Kashgar from Urumqi |