Southern Xinjiang Cultural and Historical Adventure

Arrive in Kashgar, where you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Set at the crossroads of Central Asia near the Karakoram Mountains, Kashgar offers a unique cultural identity shaped by Turkic and Islamic influences. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and absorb the atmosphere of this remote Silk Road city.

Begin your day at the lively Kashgar animal bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where livestock trading reflects centuries-old traditions. Continue through Kashgar Old Town, visiting the Abakh Hoja Tomb and Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest in China. Relax at a traditional teahouse before exploring Craftsmen Street. Optionally, end the evening with the immersive “Meet Kashgar” performance.

Witness the Kashgar Old Town opening ceremony before travelling to Yarkant. En route, stop at Makit Dolan Painting Village to observe distinctive artistic traditions. Upon arrival, explore Yarkant Old Town, visit the Tomb of Amanishah Khan, and experience local culture at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park, showcasing traditional crafts and performances.

Travel to Hotan with a stop in Moyu County to witness traditional mulberry bark paper-making, a craft preserved for centuries. Continue to Yotkan Ancient City, an archaeological site revealing the region’s Silk Road history, and explore its cultural and historical significance upon arrival.

Spend the day exploring Hotan, beginning with the Hotan Museum to understand regional history. Visit the Jade Bazaar, famous for its high-quality jade trade, and explore Tuan City for insights into ancient Silk Road civilisation. Continue to an Atlas Silk Workshop to observe traditional weaving before ending the day at the vibrant night market.

Travel through the Taklamakan Desert Highway on a long drive to Kuqa. Along the way, admire the Tarim River and the striking Populus euphratica forests, with stops at desert villages that highlight life in this harsh yet beautiful environment.

Explore Kuqa’s historical sites, beginning with the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, renowned for ancient murals. Visit the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower, an important Silk Road outpost, and the Kuqa Tomb Museum. End the day at Kuqa Bazaar, experiencing the region’s vibrant trading culture.

Fly to Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang Museum, home to well-preserved ancient mummies such as the “Loulan Beauty.” Continue to the Ferghana Horse Park to witness equestrian performances featuring the renowned Akhal-Teke horses, known for their elegance and endurance.

Spend the day exploring Tianchi Lake, a crescent-shaped alpine lake set beneath Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy hiking and taking in the dramatic scenery of forests, mountains, and clear blue waters.

Transfer to Urumqi Airport for your departure, concluding your journey through Southern Xinjiang’s cultural, historical, and natural landscapes.