10 Day Xinjiang Southern Region Private Car Deep Tour Kashgar Kuqa Hotan Cultural Route
Xinjiang tourism customized car rental for a comfortable trip, regular fleet with flexible itinerary customization. Consultation hotline landline: 0991-8866234 Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, customized consultation Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (copy to add friend for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel routes and prices)
Explore the Western Regions秘境:Xinjiang Southern Xinjiang 10-day customized car rental in-depth cultural journey 🚗✨
【Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination】
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert, is an important node of the ancient Silk Road and a living museum of cultural integration among various ethnic groups. In 2026, this region attracts travelers with its dual charm of “culture + nature”: the handicraft heritage of Kashgar Old City, the Danxia wonders of Kuqa Grand Canyon, and the bustling atmosphere of Hotan Night Market together form a cultural corridor spanning thousands of years. The snowy mountains and lakes of the Pamir Plateau, the desert highway of the Taklamakan, and the ethnic customs of Tashkurgan County make this route a top choice for an in-depth experience of Southern Xinjiang.
🌄 Core Highlights:
Kashgar Old City:A 5A-level scenic area. In 2026, opening hours are extended to 9:00-22:00 daily. The outer area is free to enter, while internal exhibition halls charge separately. The morning city-opening ceremony, performances at the century-old teahouse, and copperware crafting on Craftsmen Street create an immersive picture of Western Regions life.
Kuqa Grand Canyon:Red Danxia landforms hidden in the Tianshan Mountains. In 2026, a new “Kizilia Canyon” hiking route has been added, suitable for photography enthusiasts to capture light and shadow changes.
Hotan Night Market:After expansion in 2026, it now accommodates over 300 stalls. Grilled eggs, red willow skewered lamb, yogurt zongzi and other delicacies gather here. The nighttime light show has been upgraded to the “Jade River Light” theme.
Pamir Plateau:White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagh Ata form the “Three Highland Scenic Views.” In 2026, a reservation system is implemented with a daily limit of 2,000 visitors. A permit must be obtained in advance.
Taklamakan Desert Highway:In 2026, solar-powered streetlights will be installed along the entire route, allowing night driving to enjoy the spectacular view of stars interweaving with the desert.
【Simple Itinerary】
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi · First Impression of the Western Regions
Explore the Western Regions秘境: Xinjiang Southern Xinjiang 10-day customized car rental in-depth cultural journey 🚗✨Morning:Arrive in Urumqi, check into a city-center hotel (recommended near the Grand Bazaar, a 5-minute walk away).
Afternoon:Freely explore the Grand Bazaar, taste baked buns and hand-pulled rice, and purchase ethnic handicrafts.
Evening:Team briefing meeting to confirm vehicle and itinerary details for the following day.
Day 2:Urumqi → Kuqa (approximately 7 hours by car)
Morning:Head south along the Turpan-Hotan Expressway, crossing the Tianshan Mountains and enjoying Gobi scenery along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive in Kuqa, visit Kuqa Royal Palace, and learn about the history of Qiuci culture.
Evening:Check into a Kuqa hotel and taste local specialty nan keng rou (pit-roasted meat).
Day 3:Kuqa → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu (approximately 4 hours by car)
Morning:Explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, hike through red rock layers, and photograph the Danxia landforms.
Afternoon:Head to Aksu, stopping at the Wensu Grand Canyon viewpoint to overlook the canyon panorama.
Evening:Check into an Aksu hotel and experience the local night market.
Day 4:Aksu → Kashgar (approximately 5 hours by car)
【Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination】Morning:Cross the Taklamakan Desert Highway and enjoy desert scenery.
Afternoon:Arrive in Kashgar, tour the outer area of Kashgar Old City, and take warm-up shots of the night market.
Evening:Stay in a guesthouse near the old city and taste the lamb leg pilaf at Alizati Pilaf Restaurant.
Day 5:Kashgar In-depth Cultural Day
Morning:Attend the old city opening ceremony, photograph cultural scenes at the century-old teahouse, and visit handicraft workshops on Craftsmen Street.
Afternoon:Visit Fragrant Concubine Garden, watch folk performances, and learn about the history of various ethnic groups.
Evening:Free time. Recommended to visit Han Bazaar Night Market to purchase souvenirs.
Day 6:Kashgar → White Sand Lake → Tashkurgan County (approximately 6 hours by car)
Morning:Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, photographing the reflections of White Sand Lake and Muztagh Ata.
Afternoon:Arrive in Tashkurgan County, visit the Stone City ruins and Golden Grassland Wetland.
Evening:Check into a Tashkurgan hotel and taste local milk tea with nan bread.
Day 7:Tashkurgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Kashgar (approximately 7 hours by car)
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert, is an important node of the ancient Silk Road and a living museum of cultural integration among various ethnic groups. In 2026, this region attracts travelers with its dual charm of “culture + nature”: the handicraft heritage of Kashgar Old City, the Danxia wonders of Kuqa Grand Canyon, and the bustling atmosphere of Hotan Night Market together form a cultural corridor spanning thousands of years. The snowy mountains and lakes of the Pamir Plateau, the desert highway of the Taklamakan, and the ethnic customs of Tashkurgan County make this route a top choice for an in-depth experience of Southern Xinjiang.Morning:Check in at Panlong Ancient Road and photograph the sign that reads “Today I’ve traveled all the winding roads, from now on life is all smooth sailing.”
Afternoon:Pass by Bandir Blue Lake and stop to photograph the highland blue lake.
Evening:Return to Kashgar and check into a hotel to rest.
Day 8:Kashgar → Shache → Hotan (approximately 6 hours by car)
Morning:Head to Shache, visit the Yarkent Khan Palace, and photograph the architecture of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park.
Afternoon:Continue to Hotan, stopping along the Yarkent River to photograph poplar forests (autumn only).
Evening:Arrive in Hotan, check into a hotel near Unity Square, and visit the Hotan Night Market.
No worries exploring Northern and Southern Xinjiang! Professional customized car rental for free travel. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency landline hotline: 0991-8866234, dedicated customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (WeChat same number, addable)
Day 9:Hotan Cultural Experience Day
Morning:Visit the Hotan jade trading market to learn about the jade processing process.
Afternoon:Explore handicraft workshops in Hotan’s old town and experience copperware making and carpet weaving.
Evening:Visit Hotan Night Market again to capture long-exposure night shots.
🌄Core Highlights:Day 10:Hotan → Urumqi → Departure
Morning:Free time based on flight schedule. Recommended to visit Kashgar Museum (free) to fill any gaps.
Afternoon:Transfer to airport/train station and end the trip.
【Price Description】
🚗 Vehicle Models and Quotations (all quotations are reference vehicle prices; actual prices are subject to customer service quotation!):
7-seat luxury business van (1+1 first-class seats):August 2026 reference price: 2000-2400 yuan/day, suitable for small groups of 2-6 people, stable chassis, seats can recline for rest.
12-15 seat domestic luxury vehicle:August 2026 reference price: 2200-2600 yuan/day, suitable for teams of 6-12 people, equipped with aviation seats and USB charging ports.
17-20 seat Toyota Coaster air-conditioned vehicle:August 2026 reference price: 3200-3800 yuan/day, suitable for groups of 12-18 people, spacious interior, ideal for family travel.
33-38 seat domestic luxury tourist bus:August 2026 reference price: 3800-4800 yuan/day, suitable for large teams of 20+ people, equipped with air conditioning and luggage compartment.
💰 Included in the price:
Full-journey regular tourist customized vehicle (including driver, fuel, and toll fees)
9 nights of accommodation (star-rated hotels + characteristic guesthouses, upgradeable upon request)
Kashgar Old City: A 5A-level scenic area. In 2026, opening hours are extended to 9:00-22:00 daily. The outer area is free to enter, while internal exhibition halls charge separately. The morning city-opening ceremony, performances at the century-old teahouse, and copperware crafting on Craftsmen Street create an immersive picture of Western Regions life. All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (local specialty cuisine, taste preferences can be adjusted)
First admission tickets to all scenic areas (including VIP channel fees, such as Kashgar Old City, Kuqa Grand Canyon, etc.)
Tour guide service fee and itinerary manager service fee
Travel accident insurance, first aid kit, oxygen bottles and other emergency supplies
Free airport/train station pickup and drop-off, assistance with permit processing
🚫 Not included in the price:
Personal consumption of tourists (such as jade purchases, souvenir shopping)
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi
Self-funded experience activities within scenic areas (such as desert off-roading, poplar photography)
Single travelers will be arranged for room sharing (special circumstances require separate negotiation)
【Registration Method】
You can register through the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consult customer service manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and available seats.
Kuqa Grand Canyon: Red Danxia landforms hidden in the Tianshan Mountains. In 2026, a new “Kizilia Canyon” hiking route has been added, suitable for photography enthusiasts to capture light and shadow changes.【Fee Description and Service Description】
Contract Guarantee:All fee details will be written into the formal tourism contract to eliminate hidden charges. After signing, fees are locked to avoid sudden price increases.
Flexible Changes:In case of weather, road conditions, or scenic area policy changes, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties (such as replacing attractions or changing stay durations).
Vehicle Adaptation:Vehicles are recommended based on team size and road conditions. For highland sections of Southern Xinjiang, 7-seat luxury business vans or Toyota Coasters are prioritized for comfort and safety.
Emergency Services:24-hour customer service response. Vehicles are equipped with dual-mode Beidou + satellite positioning. All drivers have received first aid training and are familiar with highland emergency procedures.
Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
【Travel Tips】
Document Preparation:Valid identification documents and permits (must be obtained in advance; the travel agency can assist with reservations).
Clothing Recommendations:Southern Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Bring a light down jacket, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Photography Equipment:Recommended: dual cameras with 24-70mm + 70-200mm lenses. An ultra-wide-angle lens is needed for shooting starry skies at Tashkurgan Stone City.
Cultural Respect:Smile to indicate before photographing local residents; avoid pointing cameras directly at faces. Remove shoes when entering mosques and dress appropriately.
Eco-friendly Travel:Desert and highland ecosystems are fragile. Do not litter; carry biodegradable packaging bags.
This 10-day in-depth cultural route will take you through a thousand years of the Silk Road — from the bustling atmosphere of Kashgar Old City to the sanctity of the Pamir Plateau, from the magnificence of Kuqa Grand Canyon to the lively Hotan Night Market. Every stop is a vivid footnote of Western Regions culture. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and let the professional team unlock the hidden beauty of Southern Xinjiang for you!
For Xinjiang travel, choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customized car rental for a worry-free and reliable trip. Landline: 0991-8866234 Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233
