The south is Xinjiang’s soul — oasis towns, desert highways, and the densest concentration of Uyghur culture. This 500km route from Kashgar to Hotan is the classic southern drive, doable in 2–3 days with stops that reward the curious.
Why the South?
If the north is grasslands and lakes, the south is history and humanity< heartland. Kashgar’s bazaar, Yarkand’s tombs, and Hotan’s jade are the headline acts, strung along the Taklamakan’s western edge.
The Route (north to south)
Kashgar (2–3 days): old city, Sunday bazaar, Abakh Hoja tomb, Id Kah Mosque. Base camp.
Yarkand (Shache) (half day): the Yarkand Khanate tomb and a less-touristed old town. Great Uyghur music tradition.
Maidikun (Maralbexi): a green stop; the < edge begins here.
Hotan (1–2 days): jade bazaar, carpet workshops, old town, riverside jade-sifters. End point.
Options to Extend
- Pamir detour: from Kashgar go south to Tashkurgan/Karakul before looping back. Adds 2 days.
- Desert Highway: from Hotan, the Tarim Desert Highway runs 500km straight north to Luntai/Aksu — a surreal dune drive.
- Aksu: the Wensu Grand Canyon<.
Driving Notes
The G3012 runs the corridor — good road, many checkpoints (have passport ready). Self-drive needs confidence; tours and private drivers are easy to arrange in Kashgar. Distances are short but heat and stops add time.
Best Time
April–June and Sep–Oct are ideal. July–August is furnace-hot (40°C+); winter is cold but clear.
FAQ
Car or tour? Tour/private driver simplest; the checkpoints and language make self-drive tiring.
How many days? Minimum 4 (Kashgar 2 + Hotan 1 + drive 1). Add Pamir for 6–7.
Safe? Yes — heavily policed and calm. Dress modestly in conservative towns.