{"id":669,"date":"2023-10-16T15:28:52","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T08:28:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/funtripguide.com\/?p=669"},"modified":"2025-08-26T10:00:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T03:00:52","slug":"discovering-the-diversity-of-xinjiang-north-vs-south","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/funtripguide.com\/en\/discovering-the-diversity-of-xinjiang-north-vs-south\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering the Diversity of Xinjiang: North vs. South"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Xinjiang, one of China’s five ethnic autonomous regions, is renowned for its vast territory and rich resources. As the largest province by land area in China, it is globally recognized for its dance traditions, abundant fruits, and precious gold and jade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The region offers a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural landscapes – pristine plateau lakes, stunning snow-capped peaks, expansive deserts, and ancient cultural sites – inhabited by the ever-hospitable ethnic minorities. For first-time visitors, understanding the distribution of attractions might be a bit challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let’s delve deeper into the differences between the northern (North Xinjiang<\/a>) and southern (South Xinjiang) parts of this magnificent province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Geographical Divide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majestic Tianshan Mountain<\/a> range stretches from east to west, bisecting Xinjiang into the North and South. Those traveling to Xinjiang<\/a> often opt for either the North or the South due to the vastness of the region. To explore Xinjiang<\/a> thoroughly, one might need about 20 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Want to know the price of tours? Need to ask for a travel permit? Feel free to contact us. Funtrip can discuss your planned itinerary, assisting with customized, comprehensive planning and cost estimation.<\/strong><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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TRAVEL ADVISORY \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jewels of North Xinjiang<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Notable areas for tourists in North Xinjiang<\/a> include Urumqi, Altay, and Ili. The region is famous for its unparalleled natural beauty, primarily consisting of grasslands, lakes, and the Tianshan Mountains. Some highlights include the enchanting Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic”, the heavenly Kanas Lake, and the picturesque Tuva village of Hemu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These places, especially during the autumn season, attract countless visitors with their stunning colors. For photography enthusiasts, the North is nothing short of paradise. Additionally, North Xinjiang<\/a> is more economically developed compared to its southern counterpart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring South Xinjiang<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, South Xinjiang’s main attractions<\/a> are in places like Kashgar, Hotan, Aksu, and Bayin’gholin. The region is characterized by deserts, gobi terrains, the vast Taklamakan Desert (China’s largest and the world’s tenth-largest desert), and the Tarim Poplar Forest. Kashgar, a pivotal point on the ancient Silk Road, is Xinjiang’s only national historical and cultural city<\/a>, offering visitors a rich tapestry of Uighur culture and arts. South Xinjiang exudes a more profound cultural and ethnic<\/a> ambiance compared to the North.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transportation Insights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n