What are some off-the-beaten-path attractions in southern Xinjiang that should not be missed?

Southern Xinjiang, representing mystery and exoticism, has some overlooked off-the-beaten-path attractions, in addition to well-known destinations like Kashgar and Hotan.

Located beside the Duku Highway, this grand canyon is a part of the Keziliya Mountain range, a branch of the Tianshan Mountains. It combines grandeur, steepness, depth, tranquility, and mystique. Discovered less than twenty years ago, it has already become quite famous and is considered a must-see canyon in Xinjiang.

Shaya County

Shaya County, located in the northern part of the Tarim Basin, is bordered by the Tianshan Mountains to the north and the vast desert to the south. The Tarim River, the largest inland river in China, runs from west to east across the northern part of this region. As one of the birthplaces of the Qiuci culture, Shaya County boasts a long history and rich cultural heritage.

Stone City

It is the former site of the ancient capital of the Puli Kingdom in the Western Regions and an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. It has existed since around the 1st century AD and is a precious historical relic of Xinjiang. Today, the former prosperity is no longer visible, leaving only ruins.

Aral Golden Grassland Folk Park

Below the Stone City is the Aral Golden Grassland. Here, the water and grass are abundant, cattle and sheep are everywhere, and the Tashkurgan River flows through, creating a picturesque scene with the distant snow-capped mountains and blue sky.
The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, the earliest grottoes excavated in China, have been listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves are backed by the Mingwutag Mountain, with the Muzart River and the Qoltag Mountain to the south. Surrounded by mountains, it looks like a painting. The Western Regions have a unique Buddhist culture. Please follow the local guide and fully experience the Dharma realm of the ancient Western Regions. One match, one match.

Taklamakan Desert

The Taklamakan Desert, located in the center of the Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang, covers a total area of about 330,000 square kilometers, nearly 50 times the area of Shanghai. It is the largest desert in China and the second-largest shifting sand desert in the world. Known for its fierce sandstorms, unique sand dunes, and mysterious nature, it is called the 'Sea of Death' and attracts many adventurers to explore its mysteries.