For those planning to visit Kashgar from May to July, read this guide first! Here's my advice...

May Day Holiday Complete Self-Drive Guide from Urumqi to Kashgar! Journey Through the Silk Road and Experience Southern Xinjiang's Charm This May Day holiday, embark on a self-drive adventure from Urumqi to Kashgar, traversing through deserts, canyons, and snow-capped mountains to experience Southern Xinjiang's unique charm! This carefully curated 5-day, 4-night self-drive itinerary helps you avoid crowds while visiting breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems. Save this guide and get ready to go! 🚗 Itinerary Planning (5 Days 4 Nights) Day 1: Urumqi → S101 Provincial Road → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Kuytun - S101 Provincial Road: Known as the "Tianshan Geographic Gallery," featuring diverse landscapes including red beds, Danxia landforms, and grasslands. Must-visit spots include the emerald lake of Kenswat Reservoir and the rolling red hills at the Hundred-Mile Danxia Viewing Platform. Recommend using a drone for stunning panoramic shots! - Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Better developed than Anjihai Grand Canyon, with must-try experiences including cliff glass walkways and the Duku Glass Bridge. The water at the bottom has carved unique erosion patterns, creating beautiful light and shadow effects in the evening. - Driving Tips: Parts of S101 are gravel roads, SUV or off-road vehicles recommended; approximately 300 km total, fill up with gas before departure as gas stations are scarce along the route. Day 2: Kuytun → Kuqa (via Southern Section of Duku Highway) → Kuqa Old Town - Southern Section of Duku Highway: If open during May Day holiday, it's a must-drive! Cross the Tianshan Mountains through snow-capped peaks, forests, and grasslands, where every photo is wallpaper-worthy. - Kuqa Old Town: Stroll along Restan Road, visit the 300-year-old Kuqa Palace, and experience the rich Kucha culture. Recommend visiting the Kuqa Grand Mosque with its striking blue and white architecture. In the evening, head to Kuqa Night Market for irresistible whole roast lamb, pigeon soup, and kvass drinks! Day 3: Kuqa → Wensu Grand Canyon → Kashgar - Wensu Grand Canyon: More impressive than imagined—China's version of the Colorado Canyon! Recommend driving deep into the canyon (4WD required) to explore Valley #3's red rock layers and natural stone bridges. Hiking enthusiasts can challenge the hidden trails of Valley #4 to experience magnificent untouched landscapes. - Kashgar Old City: Head straight to the Old City upon arrival, don't miss the opening ceremony (10:30) with its folk performances. The bustling Gar Road Night Market offers must-try foods like pot meat, grilled goose eggs, and rose naan. Day 4: Kashgar → White Sand Lake → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan - White Sand Lake: Like a sapphire embedded in the Pamir Plateau, the water shimmers with a dreamy Tiffany blue in the sunlight. Recommend hiking around the lake to find the best photo spots. - Karakul Lake: Backed by Muztagh Ata Peak with snow-capped mountains reflected in the water, rent a horse to ride around the lake (45 yuan/person) and experience the serenity and grandeur of the plateau. - Border Permit Application: Apply for free with your ID card at Kashgar International Self-Drive Camp before departure, remember to check opening hours in advance. Day 5: Tashkurgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Kashgar - Panlong Ancient Road: A 30 km "highland sky road" with over 600 bends! Take photos at the "Life is a Smooth Journey" sign post, aerial photography best showcases its steepness and magnificence. - Bandir Blue Lake: A newly popular scenic spot where minerals give the water a unique blue-green color, complemented by distant snow-capped mountains, creating a fairyland-like scene. - Return Trip Tips: Approximately 300 km with good road conditions but mind the speed limits; allow 6-7 hours for the journey. ⚠️ Practical Tips 1. Road Condition Alerts: Parts of S101 Provincial Road are prone to landslides; check accessibility through the "Cloud Tour Danxia" mini-program or local traffic police public accounts before departure; Duku Highway opening times subject to official announcements. 2. Required Documents: ID card, border permit (for Tashkurgan direction), driver's license, vehicle registration; Southern Xinjiang has numerous checkpoints, prepare all relevant documents in advance. 3. Climate and Clothing: Temperature differences between day and night in Southern Xinjiang can exceed 20°C during May Day holiday; wear short sleeves and sun protection during the day, down jackets at night; bring sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and moisturizing face masks. 4. Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes when entering mosques and dress appropriately; politely ask permission before photographing locals. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Kashgar: - Old City Guesthouses: Recommend "Kashgar Old City Century House," a traditional Uyghur courtyard, 5-minute walk to the Old City core area. - Modern Hotels: "Kashgar Radisson Blu Hotel," complete facilities with excellent city night views. - Tashkurgan: "Tashkurgan Pamir Cloud View Hotel," with sufficient floor heating and some rooms overlooking snow mountains; "Tajik Characteristic Guesthouse" for local cultural experience and Tajik hand-pulled meat. 🍜 Must-Try Food List - Kashgar: Sweet tea with naan at century-old teahouses, pot lamb on Wustang Boyi Road, grilled eggs at the Old City night market. - Kuqa: Whole roast lamb from large naan pits, pigeon soup with naan, Kuqa large naan (bigger than your face!). - Tashkurgan: Yak meat hotpot, butter tea, Tajik hand-pulled rice. Save this guide and start your journey through Southern Xinjiang's hidden treasures this May Day holiday! 🌟