Upon arrival in Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, pick-up by driver and proceed to Kashgar, then transfer to hotel for check in.

Remarks: All hotels standard check in time is 1400-1500pm afternoon. 

After breakfast, today’s itinerary is as follows:

• Kashgar Old City (Opening Ceremony) - Kashgar Old City is one of the largest well-preserved Islamic-style old towns in China, featuring winding alleys and traditional residences rich in local character. The daily opening ceremony showcases traditional music, dance, and colorful ethnic costumes, recreating a welcoming scene of the ancient city and allowing visitors to experience Kashgar’s vibrant history and cultural heritage.
• Xiangfei Garden (including performance) - Xiangfei Garden is a cultural and historical attraction combining traditional architecture, landscaped gardens, and ethnic arts. It is believed to be the former residence of Xiangfei, a favored consort of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. The garden’s Uyghur-style buildings and serene surroundings create a distinctive atmosphere, while the on-site folk music and dance performances highlight the region’s unique traditions and way of life.

After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy a rest.

After breakfast, today’s itinerary is as follows:

• Baisha Lake - is located beside National Highway 314 on the Pamir Plateau and is famed for its serene beauty, described as “transparently blue, purely white.” It is one of the most popular social media-worthy spots in southern Xinjiang. The lake’s water is clear and deep blue, surrounded by vast white sand dunes that ripple like silver waves in the wind. In the distance, snow-capped mountains are reflected on the lake’s surface, creating a breathtaking tableau where blue waters, white sands, and snowy peaks intertwine. Free from urban noise, the area offers only the whisper of the plateau winds and gentle ripples on the lake—an ideal place for photography and relaxation during your journey.
• Muztagata Glacier Park - lies at the foot of Muztagh Peak, which rises to 7,500 meters, and is known as the “Father of Ice Mountains.” The park preserves rare low-altitude glaciers, with white ice tongues cascading down the mountains in a spectacular display. Walking along the wooden boardwalks, visitors are surrounded by dazzling glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and vast highland meadows. In summer, yaks graze leisurely, while in winter the landscape is transformed into a pure white snowy world. The park also offers horseback experiences, bringing visitors closer to the heart of the glaciers and making it an excellent place to explore the Pamir’s magnificent natural scenery. Muztagh Peak remains snow-capped year-round, shrouded in clouds that are sometimes mysterious and sometimes magnificent, making it one of the most stunning natural landmarks in southern Xinjiang. 

After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy a rest.

After breakfast, today’s itinerary is as follows:

• Panlong Ancient Road -  is a legendary route winding through the heart of the Kunlun Mountains, stretching approximately 30 kilometers and featuring over 600 consecutive hairpin bends. From above, the road resembles a massive dragon coiled around the mountains, making it one of the most breathtaking social media-famous roads in southern Xinjiang. Along the way, steep terrain and pristine landscapes unfold, transitioning from Gobi desert to glacial peaks as the altitude rises, creating a journey rich in scenic variety. At the end of Panlong Ancient Road, visitors are treated to the stunning Bandier Blue Lake—its waters a gemstone-like deep blue, formed from glacial melt and praised as “Nature’s Sapphire.” Surrounded by mountains and bare rock, the lake is tranquil and expansive, a hidden paradise that photographers eagerly capture.
• Golden Grassland - is named for its vast golden plateau grasslands and is considered the most gentle and poetic landscape of the Pamir Plateau. The area features lush grass, grazing yaks and sheep, and a quietly winding river, all set against majestic snow-capped mountains. Under sunlight, the grass appears as golden waves, contrasting sharply with the deep blue sky and white peaks. In autumn, the golden grass even takes on an amber glow, earning the title “the gentlest color of the Pamirs.” It’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks and photography, offering a serene highland pastoral scenery.
• Stone Fortress - was an important fortress among the 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions along the ancient Silk Road, with a history of over 2,000 years. Once the royal stronghold of the ancient Shule Kingdom, it is one of southern Xinjiang’s most significant cultural sites. Its walls, built from massive stones, give the city its name, “Stone City.” The remaining castle ruins, watchtowers, and ancient walls stand quietly atop the plateau, backed by the vast Alar Grasslands and snow-capped mountains. At sunset, golden light washes over the walls, creating the city’s most unforgettable view. Stone City is not only an excellent place to explore Silk Road history but also a favorite location for photographers, often called “a time relic on the Pamir Plateau.”

After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy a rest.

After breakfast, today’s itinerary is as follows:

• Karakul Lake - is one of southern Xinjiang’s most iconic highland lakes. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters, the lake’s clear and tranquil waters shift in color with the light—from deep blue to dark indigo to silvery white—earning it the nickname “Black Pearl of the Plateau.” The lake acts like a mirror, reflecting Muztagh Peak and the snow-capped Koktomar Mountains, creating a breathtaking scene. With pure air and vast landscapes, herds of yaks and sheep, along with white yurts, dot the lakeshore, showcasing the authentic pastoral life of the Pamirs. Whether shrouded in morning mist or bathed in golden sunset light, Karakul Lake always offers a serene beauty that makes visitors forget the hustle of the city, making it a perfect destination for photography and sightseeing.
• Taheman Wetland Park (Scenic Viewpoint) - is a typical highland wetland rich in water plants and home to many wild birds, making it one of the most vibrant areas on the Pamir Plateau. The wetlands, combined with snow-capped mountains and golden meadows under the blue sky, create a unique highland pastoral landscape. The park features multiple observation platforms, offering panoramic views of the wetlands.

After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy a rest.

After breakfast, today’s itinerary is as follows:

• Atushi Heavenly Gate (including Round-trip Cable Car + Shuttle Bus) - It is a spectacular natural landmark located in Atushi City, Xinjiang. Formed naturally by towering cliffs on both sides, the massive stone gateway is grand and imposing, earning it the reputation as the “First Heavenly Gate of the Western Regions.” The scenic area features vast plateau views, dramatic canyons, and unique rock formations. With round-trip cable car rides and shuttle bus services included, visitors can explore the area comfortably while enjoying breathtaking landscapes from different elevations and viewpoints.

After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy a rest.

After breakfast, today’s itinerary is as follows:

• Sitiya Mystery City (including horse ride experience) - is an immersive ancient city attraction themed around the culture of the Silk Road, earning the reputation: “Step into the Maze City, and it feels like traveling back a thousand years.” Modeled on ancient Western Region fortresses, the city features imposing walls, intertwining streets, and bustling handcrafted stalls, making visitors feel as if they have entered the marketplaces of the ancient Shule Kingdom. Inside the maze city, visitors can ride distinctive Uyghur horse-drawn carriages (Kapuqi) through the old streets, experiencing the scenes of historic trade and travel. Along the way, traditional workshops of woodworking, copperware, and carpet weaving can be seen, and visitors can interact with performers in ethnic costumes, fully immersing themselves in the prosperity and mystery of the ancient Silk Road. When night falls and the city lights up, the maze city becomes even more romantic and mysterious, making it a perfect spot for photography and social media check-ins.
• Shache Old Town - is one of the few places in Xinjiang that still retains a relatively complete traditional Uyghur style, praised as a “living museum of Uyghur folk culture.” The old town comprises traditional wooden residences, ancient shops, handicraft workshops, and mosques, with narrow winding alleys—ideal for exploring local life. Walking through the town, one can witness carpenters crafting window decorations, coppersmiths hammering utensils, and bakers making traditional naan, showcasing the authentic daily life of Xinjiang’s ethnic communities. The aged architecture, thick doors, and intricate window carvings all bear the marks of time. Children playing, residents relaxing, and elders sipping tea are common sights, creating a vivid sense of local life. It is a must-visit for experiencing the true flavor of southern Xinjiang and a paradise for photographers, with almost every corner offering a unique cultural snapshot.

After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy a rest.

After breakfast, today’s itinerary is as follows:

• Yarkand Khanate Palace - was the political and cultural center of the Yarkand Kingdom along the ancient Silk Road. The palace buildings are grand and majestic, with remnants that hint at the original palace layout. Exquisitely carved doors, windows, and brickwork reflect the wealth and prestige of the Khan’s era. Visitors can stroll through the palace ruins, experiencing the grandeur of the Yarkand Dynasty and the ancient Central Asian ambiance, while gaining insight into the political, cultural, and religious life of the Silk Road kingdoms. This site is an important relic for studying southern Xinjiang’s history and culture and a prime destination for photography and history enthusiasts.
• Amanishah Mausoleum - is an important royal tomb of the Yarkand Khanate, dedicated to members of the royal family. Built in a typical Central Asian Islamic architectural style, the mausoleum features a precise layout and intricate stone carvings. Its solemn and tranquil environment makes it an ideal place to reflect on history and appreciate ancient architectural artistry. Visitors can admire the fine stonework and architectural details while experiencing the religious beliefs and royal ceremonial culture of the ancient southern Xinjiang dynasties.
• Zepu Populus Euphratica Forest - is one of China’s most iconic poplar tree landscapes. Poplar trees are extremely resilient and can survive for thousands of years, earning the title “Guardians of the Desert.” In autumn, the golden poplar forests contrast beautifully with the blue sky, desert sands, and distant snow-capped mountains, creating a majestic natural painting. Walking along the forest trails offers opportunities for hiking and photography, allowing visitors to experience the stark yet enduring beauty of southern Xinjiang’s deserts and poplar forests. It is a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers alike.

Note: The Populus euphratica forest is best visited from mid-October to mid-November each year.

After the tour, check in at the hotel and enjoy a rest.

After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure, followed by transfer to Kashgar Laining International Airport  according to your flight schedule.

Remarks : Hotel’s standard check-out time is before 12:00 PM.