Mystical Loulan: Golden Autumn in Southern Xinjiang!

Highlights of the Trip 1. Double Desert Wonders Lop Nur Village (Taklamakan Desert): Visit the "last Lop people," experience desert off-roading and camel riding, and enjoy the golden poplar forest in autumn (best from September to November). Bosten Lake (autumn alternative): China's largest freshwater lake, with golden reeds in autumn, perfect for boating or birdwatching. 2. Geological Wonders Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (Kuqa): A blend of Danxia landforms and thousand-year-old poplar trees. Hike through a 3-kilometer crevice canyon. Hiking poles recommended. Wensu Tomur Peak Grand Canyon: The longest canyon in Northwest China, featuring Yardang landforms and glacial relics. A 4WD vehicle is required to access the core area. 3. Cultural Essence of Southern Xinjiang Kashgar Old Town: Stroll through colorful alleys, visit century-old tea houses and the Id Kah Mosque, and enjoy the bustling Han Bazaar Night Market with delicacies like baked buns and pot-roasted meat. Kuqa Royal Palace: A fusion of Central Plains and Western Regions architectural styles, offering insights into the history of Kucha culture. 4. Secrets of the Pamir Plateau White Sand Lake: A high-altitude blue lake reflecting snow-capped peaks, shrouded in morning mist like a fairyland. Take photos while riding a yak. Panlong Ancient Road: A 600+ bend "all the twists and turns of life" internet-famous highway. Itinerary Day 1-2 Urumqi → Korla ✈️ Private airport transfer to a 5-star hotel 🚄 High-speed train to Korla (approx. 4 hours), with views of Tianshan snow peaks along the way 🌅 Lop Nur Village: Desert sunset + folk performances (if open, otherwise Bosten Lake as an alternative) 🏨 Stay at a 5-star hotel in Korla Day 3 Korla → Kuqa 🚗 Private car to Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (2.5-hour drive), 3-hour hike in the core area 🏯 Kuqa Royal Palace: Overlook the old town from above, and enjoy a lunch featuring Kuqa naan and roasted whole lamb 🌃 Stay at a 5-star hotel in Kuqa Day 4 Kuqa → Wensu → Aksu 🚙 Head to Wensu Tomur Peak Grand Canyon (4-hour drive), switch to a 4WD vehicle to explore the canyon 🍎 Aksu Apple Country: Autumn picking experience, taste the sweet "sugar heart" apples 🏨 Stay at a 4-star premium hotel in Aksu Day 5 Aksu → Kashgar 🚄 High-speed train to Kashgar (approx. 5 hours), passing through the Yarkant River Wetlands 🕌 Kashgar Old Town: Opening ceremony, tea tasting at a century-old tea house, shop for handicrafts on Artisan Street 🌙 Night tour of Han Bazaar Night Market, stay at a 5-star hotel in Kashgar Day 6 Kashgar → Tashkurgan 🚗 Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing White Sand Lake (morning mist photography) and Muztagh Ata (Glacier Park) 🏔️ Panlong Ancient Road: Drone photography at the "all the twists and turns of life" landmark, arrive in Tashkurgan by evening Day 7 Tashkurgan → Kashgar 🌅 Bandir Blue Lake: A high-altitude blue ice lake with reflections, hike to the viewing platform 🚙 Return via Golden Grassland Wetlands, where autumn reeds and snow-capped mountains create a picturesque scene ✈️ Airport transfer in Kashgar for your return journey Practical Tips Best Season: September to October (golden poplar forests, cool weather). Bring a windbreaker and oxygen tank for the Pamir Plateau. Transportation: Border permits required for Kashgar-Tashkurgan travel. Cuisine: Kuqa naan, Kashgar baked buns, Tajik yak meat hotpot, and Hotan rose naan. Accommodation: All hotels booked via Ctrip. Advantages of the Itinerary In-depth Experience: Covers five themes—deserts, canyons, glaciers, plateaus, and ancient towns. Comfort Guarantee: 5-star hotels + private transfers. Cultural Immersion: Hands-on heritage experiences (Kashgar pottery making), and visits to Tajik pastoral homes. This itinerary is ideal for photography enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and family trips, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences.