Xayar Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

National Geographic didn't lie to me; the beauty of Southern Xinjiang's Bayingolin is like a painting

'China National Geographic' recommended Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, many people think it's in Inner Mongolia, but it's actually in Southern Xinjiang, known as 'China's number one prefecture'. Its vast geographical distribution has brought a rich variety of landforms. Within this one prefecture, it combines mountains, basins, rivers, lakes, Gobi, deserts, and plain oases, and it holds many geographical 'extremes'. 🌲Gongnaisi Forest Park Located within Hejing County of Bayingolin Prefecture, upstream of the Gongnaisi River, the altitude ranges from 1600 to 2400 meters. Snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lakes, and the hills are covered with pine trees and wildflowers. 🏜️Taklamakan Desert Located in the center of the Tarim Basin, it is the world's second-largest desert. In the heart of the desert, complex sand dunes and ridges resemble resting dragons on the earth, ever-changing and unpredictable. ⛰️Canyon Landforms of Bayingolin Prefecture In addition to natural landscapes such as high mountains, basins, rivers, lakes, Gobi, deserts, plains, and oases, Bayingolin Prefecture also has numerous historical sites and cultural landscapes, with canyon landforms being one of its main natural features. 🌿Bayanbulak Grassland Swan Lake Wetland It is the second-largest grassland in China after the Ordos Grassland. Surrounded by snow peaks, with lush water and grass, it is home to China's only swan nature reserve. 💧Bosten Lake China's largest inland freshwater lake, it is one of Xinjiang's fishing bases and one of the four major reed production areas in the country. ⛰️Altun Mountain Nature Reserve The highest peak, Muztagh Ata, reaches an altitude of 6973 meters. Here you can find modern glaciers, plateau lakes, and high-altitude deserts, as well as a variety of wildlife such as Tibetan wild donkeys, Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, and wild camels. 🍂China's Largest Wild Poplar Forest Xinjiang's largest primeval poplar forest park, and also the most concentrated area of primeval poplar forests in the entire Tarim River basin. This year, I will go to Bayingolin to enjoy the elegant pear blossoms and brilliant apricot flowers of spring, the grassland as soft as a carpet and the mountains blooming with flowers in summer, the majestic poplar forests that stretch for thousands of miles in autumn, and the vast snow-covered wilderness in winter. The great beauty of Southern Xinjiang is captivating and dreamlike.

Southern Xinjiang|This autumn, I won't allow you to have not been to Southern Xinjiang

|This autumn, I won't allow you to have not been to Southern Xinjiang. Not only can you see the culture, mountains, rivers, deserts, canyons, and Populus euphratica in Southern Xinjiang, all the beauty of Southern Xinjiang can make you unforgettable in this life. -Go deep into Southern Xinjiang, be shocked by the different scenery in the place where few people have been, the beauty here is a limited edition that cannot be copied. Featured attractions:. Deeply cross the Taklamakan Desert-Desert Highway·The pearl on the Silk Road-Kashgar Old City·The pearl of the Pamir Plateau-Karakul Lake·The oldest Populus euphratica forest in the world-Luntai Populus euphratica forest·Along the Tarim River The ancient ethnic group-Rob village.

Xinjiang Tarim River | A dreamlike feeling

In the southern part of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, and to the north and west of the Kunlun Mountains and the Altun Mountains, there is a vast area, geographically known as the Tarim Basin, with an area of 530,000 square kilometers, which is the largest inland basin in China. In the northern part of this basin, there is a river more than 2000 kilometers long, called the Tarim River, which is the longest inland river in China. "Ah--Tarim River, the river of my hometown; Tarim River, the river of my mother..." The Tarim River is the largest inland river in China, the mother river of the people of all ethnic groups in southern Xinjiang, and a dissipative river that does not produce surface runoff and relies entirely on source flow replenishment. The main stream of the Tarim River runs from Alar in Aksu region to Taitema Lake in Bazhou, with a total length of 1321 kilometers. With Yingbazha and Chala as the boundary points, people divide the Tarim River into upper, middle and lower reaches. The Tarim Basin is a concept of modern geography, and its name is taken from the great river that traverses this basin--the Tarim River. From the records of ancient documents, the word "Tarim" was first a river name and a small place name near Kucha. In various Chinese classics before the 6th century AD, the word "river" was used to refer to the Tarim River. The ethnic groups living here during this period must have had their own names for this river, but there are no written records to check. The "Wei Shu" written in the middle of the 6th century AD officially named this river "Jishu Water", and the Tang "Ce Fu Yuan Gui" called it "Ji Shu Water". Western Region history expert Li Yinping believes that Jishu and Jishu should be different Chinese translations of the languages of other ethnic groups in this region at that time. In the "Turkic Dictionary" written in the 1070s of the 11th century, the word "Tarim" appeared, which is the earliest record we can see. Since the word "Tarim" appeared in Chinese classics, people have made different interpretations of the meaning of "Tarim". Some believe it is Uighur, meaning "horse without reins"; some believe it is "arable land" or "suitable for farming"; some believe it is the transliteration of Mongolian "Tenggeri" and ancient Hun "Chengli", the original meaning is "heaven" or "god", the extended meaning is "sage", "bright", "precious", "treasure". These confusing statements make people feel at a loss. Those who understand Uighur believe that in Uighur, "horse without reins" is not called "Tarim", and the Uighur word for "arable land" is "Te Ri Mu", which is clearly different from "Tarim". As for saying that "Tarim" is the transliteration of "Tenggeri" and "Chengli", it is also too far-fetched. The "Turkic Dictionary" Annotation for Tarim is: "Branches of river water entering lakes and deserts (tributaries)." At the same time, the following annotation was made for this entry: "A place next to Kucha on the border of Huihe, also known as 'Usme·Tarim'. The river flowing there is also called Tarim." "Tarim" is after all an ancient term with a history of nearly a thousand years, and it is a transliteration from the languages of other ethnic groups in ancient Xinjiang. It seems that to clarify its etymology and true meaning, further research by linguists is needed. The Tarim River Basin is one of the driest and most fragile ecological environments in China. It is the general term for the 9 major water systems and 144 rivers of the Hotan River, Yarkant River, Kashgar River, Aksu River, Kaidu River-Peacock River, etc. around the Tarim Basin. The average annual runoff of the basin is 39.83 billion cubic meters, the total area of the basin is 1.02 million square kilometers, and it provides nourishing water sources for 1.3626 million hectares of cultivated land and more than 8.7 million people of all ethnic groups in the five prefectures of southern Xinjiang. In history, the 9 major water systems in the Tarim River Basin all had water flowing into the main stream. However, since the 1940s, the Kashgar River, Kaidu River and Peacock River, and Weigan River have gradually separated from the flow. After 1976, the Peacock River could only supply 200 million cubic meters of agricultural production water to the downstream area of the Tarim River every year through the lift station from Bosten Lake. Since 1985, the Yarkant River has no water supply to the Tarim River.

Settle down by the Tarim River, watch the long river sunset

Stayed in Runtai and Shayar for two days, because I couldn't get up in the morning, it was already over 9 o'clock when it was light, but I always wanted to see the golden dusk of the Populus euphratica forest, and see how the desert sunset disappeared in the instant of the Tarim River wetland.

The elegant Populus Euphratica forest in Shaya, its stubbornness is due to the power of life

Just like the name of this place, Shaya, the World Populus Euphratica Park not only summarizes the oasis of the Tarim River, it is the largest growing area of Populus Euphratica in the world, but also nurtures the elegant and poetic side of this millennium tree species, and stubbornness is just due to the power of life.

## Hu Yanglin is the first poem, only once a year. Only in ten days, the beautiful and beautiful, the next time, it takes another year, it is too early, there is no colorful color, it is too late, and the autumn frost will destroy the leaves. Golden Autumn October, Populus euphratica is colorful, this is the most beautiful season in South Xinjiang. Although today, I have not encountered the most perfect blue sky and white clouds, but with the sound of the carriage, the golden piece of gold is like a fairy tale world. The golden leaves fluttered at the foot, and the desert Hu Yang Sala La told the thousand-year secret that the most beautiful autumn was given to Shaya Huyanglin~

The 139 Secret Populus Euphratica Forest

Starting from the south bank of the Hadundun Tower River of the Tarim River, and ending at the south bank of the G217 Tarim River Shaya Bridge, the 139 Populus Euphratica Secret Highway, with a total length of 139 kilometers, all you can see are leaves presenting brilliant colors. Deep red, golden, and emerald green are intertwined, presenting a dreamlike scroll in autumn.

Deserts, Poplar forests, Lakes, off-season travel in Southern Xinjiang is not bad

📍Luobu Village There was a warning earlier that the Poplar forest might be gone So I feel lucky to encounter not just bare branches "Desert for thousands of years, Poplar for a thousand years, Luobu people for a hundred years" The early winter temperature starts to be unbearable, the scenic area Luobu people have retreated There are fewer tourists along the way The overall scene is more solemn and desolate in winter But The golden leaves on the ground of the Poplar forest form a carpet The little brother is still fishing on the shallow beach of the Tarim River The lake under the East Sand Mountain is still shining Black swans are playing in pairs, as beautiful as a painting Take the scenic spot sightseeing car from East Sand Mountain to Goddess Lake Pass through the Taklamakan Desert all the way🏜️ Riding a camel in the desert and looking at the Goddess Lake Still feel it's worth it 🎫: 50 (including sightseeing car) ⏱️: 10:00-18:30 🚗: It takes about 1.5h to drive from Kuerle city, there is a free parking lot at the entrance ❗️Notes 1⃣️It is recommended to take the scenic spot sightseeing car in two sections, the first section to Abudan Square. Most of the Poplar forest is on the way to East Sand Mountain, and then the second section belongs to East Sand Mountain-Goddess Lake-Abudan Square loop 2⃣️Most of the merchants have withdrawn this season, only a small amount of food is available at Abudan Square, but the commercialization mentioned by netizens is gone, and there are very few people, it's very comfortable to stroll around, and you can take pictures casually 3⃣️There are many projects in the scenic area, popular camel riding (80 yuan/person), glider, desert car, it was a bit cold and I just rode a camel and left, the scenery is really good

The vast Xinjiang is too big to imagine. There is only one Taklimakan desert road. It took 7 hours to drive from Aksu to Hotan. Taklimakan means the big desert below the mountain. It is called The Sea of Death and is the second largest mobile desert in the world. It is also rated as one of the five most beautiful deserts in China. The compound sand hills and sand ridges are like the dragons suffocating on the earth. Hetian, Xinjiang, which is located in the border of the motherland, has been a place of cultural integration since ancient times. The mountains and rivers are magnificent and deserted. The multiculturalism and folk customs here are beautiful and colorful. The site of the Hot Wake Buddha Temple, with a height of about 3 meters, is located in the desert 50 kilometers northwest of Luopu County in Hotan. The site was built in the 2nd to 3rd centuries. Its unique Buddhist temple architecture and Buddha image retain the original Gandhara style. It was an archaeological aid for the early study of Buddhism's introduction to the Western Regions and ancient sculpture art. Now it is the national focus. Cultural relics protection unit

Exclusive Guide to the Taklamakan Desert, a must-see and must-do!

China's greatest wonder, the golden labyrinth in the desert—Taklamakan Desert, is waiting for the brave you to embark on a spontaneous adventure!🏖️ 🏕️ **Overnight under the stars, the secret to camping in a 318 RV at the Desert's Gate** 🏕️ Imagine as night falls, all is quiet, and you set up camp just a stone's throw from the 'Desert's Gate', in a cozy and comfortable cabin, like an oasis in the desert.🏡 - 🌟 Highlights galore: Walk a hundred meters to witness the sunrise and sunset, embracing the morning light even before the early birds!🌅 - 👍 Fully equipped, a world for two in a cabin, with air conditioning and hot water kettle, and a separate dry and wet bathroom space, making desert life exquisite!🛁 - 😂 Downsides? None! Unless you count 'being away from the hustle and bustle'. Remember to stock up on snacks, after all, there's no delivery in the depths of the desert. No delivery, but instant noodles and self-heating pots can still bring lots of fun!🍜 🏜️ **Explore the mysteries of Taklamakan, the fantastical drift at the Desert's Gate** 🏜️ - 🎫 Easy to get tickets, for just 10 yuan, you can unlock the internet-famous 'Taklamakan Desert' stele, and reserve a spot in your friends' circle!📸 - 🔥 Desert UTV racing (138 yuan), camel riding (100 yuan), and thrilling sand sliding (20 yuan), each activity will make your heart race and scream with excitement!🏍️🐪 - From speed and passion to leisurely contentment, the desert journey is not only a visual feast but also a carnival of the senses, with every grain of sand telling a millennia-old story, waiting for you to listen.📜 In this vast sea of sand, find your poetry and distance, and experience the indispensable wildness and romance in your life.🚀

Taklamakan Desert scenery

The Taklamakan Desert is located in the Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang. In the Uighur language, 'Tak', 'Tag', and 'Bog'da' in 'Bog'da' all mean mountain, and 'Lamakan' accurately translates to 'The Great Desert', carrying the meaning of 'vastness'. Therefore, 'Taklamakan' signifies 'The Great Desert at the foot of the mountains'. The desert spans about 1000 kilometers from east to west and is about 400 kilometers wide from north to south, with a total area of 337,600 square kilometers. It is the largest desert in China and the second-largest in the world, hence the name 'Taklamakan Great Desert'. It is also the world's largest shifting sand desert, with the largest area of moving sands. The altitude in the western and southern parts of the desert ranges between 1200 to 1500 meters, while the eastern and northern parts are between 800 to 1000 meters.

Deep in the crevices of the Earth, a secret sculpted by the wind is hidden

📍Deep in the crevices of the Earth, a secret sculpted by the wind is hidden—the Wensu Grand Canyon, officially known as the Wensu Tianshan Tumor Grand Canyon, a masterpiece of nature's craftsmanship. 🔍 🌟Set off, brave ones! When your GPS softly tells you 'You have arrived,' don't rush to cheer, for the exciting prelude has just begun. Continue on foot deeper, let curiosity lead you through the unmarked ten-minute fantasy journey. 👣 🎟️Hold on to your admission ticket tightly, only 36 yuan per person, it's the key to a wonderland. But don't forget, whether you choose to take the scenic shuttle bus (60 yuan/person), drive your own adventure (100 yuan/car, remember it must be four-wheel drive! 🚗), or decide to measure every inch of the land on foot, the ticket is your essential pass. 🔥Here comes the highlight, high energy warning ahead! The unruly nature of the geology means that gentle sedans and two-wheel drive friends need to step aside, this is the stage for four-wheel drive SUVs and off-road vehicles. Grand Cherokees, it's time to show your strength! Grand Cherokee 💪 🚁The scenic shuttle bus is convenient, but it also has its 'little temper'. When the crowd is surging, it may only take you to the edge of Valley No. 4, followed by a 2-kilometer plank road walk, all the way to the heart of Valley No. 3. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, a two-hour prologue. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ 🕒Don't let time constrain your steps, if the timing is right, the scenic shuttle may generously take you directly to Valley No. 6, and after that, the road is left to your feet and endless curiosity. However, the regret of this journey is that Valleys No. 1, 2, and 5 have become the 'forgotten places' of the scenic shuttle. 💔 🏞️The view from the plank road is beautiful, but it lacks the immersive shock. The echoes from deep within the canyon can only be felt when you are in the midst of it, a whisper from ancient times. 📸My camera captured countless moments in Valleys No. 3 and 4, and that hurried three-hour encounter became an unforgettable regret in my heart. 😭 dzi dzi dzi... Next to the Mani stone pile, the spiritual sustenance and the magnificence of nature intertwine, each stone bearing the prayers and awe of travelers. In such scenery, even time seems to slow down. 🙏 🌅The return journey is not the end, the 'mini desert' encountered by the roadside is an extra reward for the brave explorers. Press the shutter, and forever preserve this unexpected beauty. 📸

Step into the Tomur Grand Canyon in Wenquan and embrace the boundless expanse

The Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon is the largest and most aesthetically valuable red-bed canyon between the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, known as the 'King of Canyons' and also the landscape card of the Tianshan Tomur World Natural Heritage that has been developed. When the weather is good, the canyon is especially photogenic, making it a sight worth seeing. The Wenquan Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon is open, majestic, and colorful. Whether it's the No. 3 Sky-Asking Valley or the No. 4 Source of Life, both bring a sense of a journey well worth it! Even the Salt Valley is worth checking in. The geomorphology of this area is a typical yardang landscape, belonging to the red-bed geomorphology of stone walls. The valley is narrow and winding, with dangerous terrain and rugged roads. The formations are unique, mainly natural barriers that block transportation, making it difficult to pass through. Major attractions include the Golden Kiss, One Line Sky, Giant Wheel Crossing, Sphinx, Sword Gorge, Starry Strange Rocks, Tianshan Saint, Yongtu Cliff, and City of Thousands of Mountains, reminding us that in life, there are no insurmountable barriers. Just take it step by step, and happiness lies on the other side.

16-Day Panoramic Pure Play Tour of North and South Xinjiang

North and South Xinjiang Grand Loop The gathering is on! You must take a trip to Xinjiang! Visit the Xinjiang Grand Bazaar to stroll through the night market and enjoy delicious food; see the sea-like Sayram Lake; check in at the Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends to witness the spectacle of nine suns reflected in the lake at sunset. If you haven't been to Kashgar, you haven't truly been to Xinjiang. I once thought Xinjiang was all about the Tianshan grasslands and Sayram Lake, the falling leaves at Kanas, the winter snow in Hemu, but it was only after arriving in Kashgar that I realized this is the original look of the Western Regions. 16-Day Panoramic Tour of North and South Xinjiang Itinerary: Day1: From all over the country to Urumqi (pick up at the station) Day2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Burqin Day3: Burqin - Kanas·Burqin - Jiadengyu Day4: Jiadengyu - Hemu Scenic Area Day5: Hemu - Colorful Beach - Burqin Day6: Burqin - World Devil City - Kuitun Day7: Kuitun - Sayram Lake - Kuitun Day8: Kuitun - Duku Highway - Nalati Grassland - Nalati Day9: Nalati - Bayanbulak Grassland Day10: Bayan - Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon - Kuqa Day11: Kuqa - Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area·Grand Canyon - Aksu Day12: Aksu - Desert Highway - Hotan Day13: Hotan - Kashgar Day14: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Stone City Jinchao Beach - Taxkorgan Day15: Taxkorgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Karakul Lake - Kashgar Day16: Kashgar - Airport drop-off 【tips】 1. Xinjiang attractions are scattered and far apart, it is recommended to carpool or charter a car for the first visit. 2. Be sure to wear sports shoes, as there are quite a few places to hike in Xinjiang. 3. The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang are very strong, be sure to protect yourself from the sun. 4. Many scenic spots in Xinjiang have poor signal, it is advised to carry some cash with you. 5. The temperature difference in Xinjiang is significant, even in summer you need to bring a windbreaker, as the weather in the scenic areas changes faster than a person's expression. For more details, consult the guide Wei Xianzhi.

The most beautiful Danxia geological wonder valley in western China, the Wen Su Tuo'er Mu Grand Canyon

Tuo'er Mu Grand Canyon, also known as 'Ku Du Lu Ke Grand Canyon', is also called Wen Su Grand Canyon. In Uyghur, it means 'thrilling and mysterious'. It is an essential passageway to the ancient postal roads of the Shata Ancient Road and the Wusun Ancient Road that lead to the Tianshan Mountains in the north and south. The Grand Canyon is the largest and most aesthetically valuable red-layered canyon between the Tianshan Mountains in the north and south, and is known as the 'King of Canyons'; it is also the most beautiful Danxia geological wonder valley in western China. The mountain walls in the valley have clearly distributed rock layers, with the folds formed by compression and the curved lines being very distinct. The fractured rocks embedded in the mountain layers have, after billions of years of wind and rain erosion, formed a landscape of towering cliffs, standing peaks, various shapes, rugged and bizarre features, intense colors, and a colorful and diverse spectacle. The Grand Canyon stretches about 25 kilometers from east to west and about 20 kilometers from north to south. It consists of 3 main valleys in the shape of the character '川' and 12 tributaries, with hundreds of smaller tributaries. It is the largest and most aesthetically valuable red-layered canyon between the Tianshan Mountains in the north and south, and is acclaimed as the 'King of Canyons'.