Xinjiang, located in western China, boasts vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The Tianshan Mountains divide the region into two parts: Northern Xinjiang, known for its grasslands, forests, and lakes, and Southern Xinjiang, celebrated for its deserts, canyons, ancient ruins, and deep-rooted ethnic cultures.
Below is a detailed introduction to the top must-visit destinations in Southern Xinjiang:
1.Taklamakan Desert
The Taklamakan Desert, located in the center of the Tarim Basin, is the largest desert in China and the world’s 10th largest desert. It is also the second-largest shifting sand desert on Earth. It stretches about 1,000 km east to west and 400 km north to south, covering 330,000 square kilometers. Average annual rainfall is less than 100 mm—sometimes as low as 4–5 mm—while evaporation rates can reach 2,500–3,400 mm annually.
Taklamakan Desert
2.Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
Also known as the Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, this natural wonder is located near Kuqa in Aksu Prefecture. It features stunning red sandstone formations shaped by erosion, forming a dramatic and colorful Danxia landscape. The canyon is known for its winding paths, towering cliffs, and mystical atmosphere, blending magnificence with mystery.
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
3.Kashgar Old City
Kashgar Old City is the cultural heart of Southern Xinjiang and a living museum of Uyghur heritage. It is home to the largest cluster of adobe buildings in the world, with architecture blending Tang Dynasty, Roman, and Islamic elements. The maze-like alleyways, wooden balconies, and centuries-old dwellings create an immersive experience of Islamic culture. It is the only Islamic-style labyrinthine old town in China.
Kashgar Old City
4.Id Kah Mosque (Kashgar)
Located in the center of Kashgar’s Old City, Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China. A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, it is an important religious site for local Muslims. The five daily prayer sessions attract thousands of worshippers and offer a glimpse into the region’s vibrant religious life.
Id Kah Mosque
5.Karakul Lake
Karakul Lake sits at the foot of the majestic Muztagh Ata and Kongur Tagh peaks. Located in Akto County, it lies within a tectonic valley between the towering mountains on the Pamir Plateau. This alpine moraine lake covers about 4.59 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,656 meters, with an average depth of 15 meters. Its pristine reflection of snow-covered peaks makes it a dream destination for photographers.
Karakul Lake
6.Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park
Situated in Zepu County, Kashgar Prefecture, this 5A-level scenic area lies along the upper edge of the Yarkant River alluvial fan. Covering 40,000 mu (approx. 2,667 hectares), including 30,000 mu of natural poplar forest, it is known as “the Water Town of Poplars.” Backed by the Kunlun Mountains and surrounded by water, the park offers an idyllic blend of desert, river, and ancient trees.
Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park
7.Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
The Kizil Caves are among the most significant Buddhist grottoes in Xinjiang. Located in Baicheng County near Kuqa, this is the earliest and largest group of caves in the region and holds the most extensive collection of Buddhist murals in Western China. Dating back to the 3rd century—over 300 years earlier than Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves—the site is considered a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art.
Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
8.Stone City (Tashkurgan)
Stone City
The Stone City, also known as Tashkurgan Stone Fort, is located on a highland at an elevation of 3,100 meters in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. It was once a strategically important fortress along the ancient Silk Road. Its ruins are perched atop a hill surrounded by steep terrain, making it easy to defend and difficult to conquer. It stands as a key historical site on the ancient Silk Road route.
9.Pamir Plateau
Stretching across eastern Tajikistan, western China, and parts of Afghanistan, the Pamir Plateau sits at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 7,700 meters. Known as the “Roof of the World,” it has long been a vital hub on the Silk Road. In Chinese history, it was once called “Congling” during the Han Dynasty. The eastern part is more open with gentle valleys and basins, while the western section is rugged with parallel mountain ranges and deep valleys.
Pamir Plateau
10.Khunjerab Pass (Hongqilafu)
Khunjerab Pass
Located on the Pamir Plateau in Tashkurgan County, Khunjerab Pass (Hongqilafu) is the only land border crossing between China and Pakistan. At an altitude of 4,733 meters, it experiences extreme weather conditions. Formerly a seasonal checkpoint, the pass has been open year-round since 2024, further strengthening China-Pakistan connectivity along the Karakoram Highway.
The mountains, rivers, cultural sites, and ethnic traditions of Southern Xinjiang weave a captivating picture. For an easy and efficient deep dive into Southern Xinjiang, contact China Dragon Travel. We’ll tailor a personalized journey, guiding you through highland peaks and ancient towns for unforgettable memories.
