South Xinjiang Carpooling 7 Day Research Tour Visit Beacon Towers and Post Stations Learn South Xinjiang Silk Road History Carpooling Quotation Details Available Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Exploring Southern Xinjiang:A Silk Road Study Tour Between Beacon Towers and Post Stations
Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination
Southern Xinjiang, a vast expanse of land south of the Tianshan Mountains, was once a crucial corridor of the ancient Silk Road. Here, you’ll find not only magnificent natural landscapes but also a profound historical and cultural heritage. On this land, beacon towers and post stations stand as historical markers, witnessing the glorious past of exchanges and integration among various ethnic groups. In 2026, we are launching a special 7-day carpooling study tour in Southern Xinjiang, taking you deep into the exploration of beacon towers and post stations to unlock the secrets of the Silk Road history in Southern Xinjiang.
This itinerary will focus on the ruins of beacon towers and post stations in Southern Xinjiang. Beacon towers, ancient communication facilities, stand tall in the desert, enduring thousands of years of wind and rain. They are witnesses to history, telling stories of ancient wars and peace. Post stations, on the other hand, were vital nodes for ancient merchants and travelers, bearing the responsibilities of transporting goods and facilitating cultural exchanges. By visiting these sites, you will personally experience the prosperity and glory of the ancient Silk Road and gain a deeper understanding of the interactions and integration of various ethnic groups throughout history.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1:Urumqi – Kuqa
Morning:Take a flight from Urumqi to Kuqa to commence your study tour of Southern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, take a rest, and recover from your journey.
Exploring Southern Xinjiang: A Silk Road Study Tour Between Beacon Towers and Post StationsAfternoon:Stroll through the old town of Kuqa, wander among the colorful corridors of Resitan Road, admire the unique architectural styles, and immerse yourself in the rich folk customs. Visit the Kuqa Royal Palace and Qiuci Museum to quickly establish a preliminary understanding of the historical and cultural heritage of Southern Xinjiang through a wealth of exhibits and detailed introductions.
Day 2:Study Tour of Core Ruins in Kuqa
Morning:Take an in-depth visit to the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. This is a World Cultural Heritage site and the earliest and westernmost large-scale grotto complex excavated in China. The mural styles blend diverse cultures. Although the number of caves open for visiting is limited, the detailed explanations are truly impressive. Please note that photography is strictly prohibited inside the caves, and visitors must comply with regulations to protect the murals. Additionally, be sure to confirm the opening status in advance. The walking distance within the scenic area is not short, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Visits must be guided by a docent, and the fee is included in the ticket price. Real-name ticketing is implemented, and it is strongly advised to make reservations in advance through official channels as the daily reception capacity is limited, especially during peak seasons.
Afternoon: On the way back, visit the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower and the Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins in sequence. The Kizilgaha Beacon Tower is a living fossil of Han Dynasty communication facilities, standing tall in the desert like a giant sword, with its silhouette against the sunset being extremely photogenic. This is an open-air ruin, so adequate sun protection and wind protection measures are necessary. The visit takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins were once the center of Buddhism in the Western Regions, where Xuanzang once lectured on Buddhist scriptures. The site is vast, with a strong sense of history among the ruins. There is a combined ticket for the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower and the Subashi Buddhist Temple, offering good value for money. You can also pay attention to information from the “Qiuci Research Institute” for ticket purchases. Customized car travel is an excellent choice for this day, allowing for flexible itinerary arrangements.
Day 3:Exploration of Kuqa Grand Canyon and Ancient Trails
Morning:Visit the Kuqa Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, where red bed landscapes, salt rocks, and the narrow canyon skyline complement each other, forming a magnificent natural painting. The afternoon light is excellent, making it a great time for photography.
Afternoon:Explore the Kizilgaha Grottoes (same name as the beacon tower but different location) or the Yanshui Gully Ancient Trail along the way. The Kizilgaha Grottoes also boast exquisite murals and unique artistic value, while the Yanshui Gully Ancient Trail carries rich historical memories, waiting for you to uncover its secrets.
Day 4:Kuqa – Shaya -阿拉尔 (Alaer)
Detailed Introduction to the Route or DestinationMorning:Head to Shaya to explore the poplar trees along the Tarim River and the desert culture. The Tarim River meanders, nourishing the poplar forests on both banks and forming a unique ecological landscape. Here, you can closely observe the resilience and tenacity of the poplar trees and experience the unique charm of desert culture.
Afternoon:Arrive in Alaer and experience the风貌 (characteristics) of the new city. Alaer is a vibrant city where you can learn about its development history and the stories of various ethnic groups jointly building a beautiful homeland.
Day 5:Alaer – Awati – Aksu
Morning: Visit the Awati Dao Lang Cultural Tribe to gain an in-depth understanding of the unique connotations of Dao Lang culture. Dao Lang culture is an important part of the diverse cultures in Southern Xinjiang, with strong local characteristics. Here, you can enjoy wonderful performances of Dao Lang Muqam and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Dao Lang people.
Afternoon:Arrive in Aksu in the evening and visit the Regional Museum. The Aksu Regional Museum systematically showcases the local historical and cultural heritage, allowing you to comprehensively understand the historical development of Southern Xinjiang through a wealth of cultural relics and detailed information, preparing you with knowledge for the subsequent itinerary.
Day 6:Aksu – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu
Spend the whole day exploring the Wensu Tomur Grand Canyon, an excellent place to admire geological wonders. The canyon is filled with peculiar peaks and grotesque rocks, with geological landscapes of various shapes that are truly breathtaking. To visit the Wensu Grand Canyon, you need to transfer to a scenic area off-road vehicle, so please set aside transportation costs and time.
Day 7:Return Journey
Southern Xinjiang, a vast expanse of land south of the Tianshan Mountains, was once a crucial corridor of the ancient Silk Road. Here, you’ll find not only magnificent natural landscapes but also a profound historical and cultural heritage. On this land, beacon towers and post stations stand as historical markers, witnessing the glorious past of exchanges and integration among various ethnic groups. In 2026, we are launching a special 7-day carpooling study tour in Southern Xinjiang, taking you deep into the exploration of beacon towers and post stations to unlock the secrets of the Silk Road history in Southern Xinjiang.Depart from Aksu Airport or Railway Station, concluding your pleasant study tour of Southern Xinjiang. If you have sufficient time, you can also choose to extend your trip to Kashgar to continue exploring more wonders of Southern Xinjiang.
Price Information
The price of this 7-day carpooling study tour in Southern Xinjiang is influenced by various factors, including vehicle type, season, and itinerary arrangements. The reference average daily price for officially operated vehicles in Xinjiang in 2026 (including driver’s salary, fuel costs, road and bridge tolls, parking fees, and basic carrier liability insurance) is as follows:
7-seat business vehicle:Approximately 1000-1200 yuan/day during the off-season (November-March), increasing to 1600-1800 yuan/day during the peak season (July-August).
9-12 seat business vehicle:The reference price during the off-season is 1200-2200 yuan/day, with a slight increase during the peak season.
14-17 seat business/minibus:The reference price during the off-season is 1500-3200 yuan/day, with specific prices fluctuating based on the season, route, and number of travel days.
19-30 seat minibus:The reference price is 2500-4500 yuan/day, suitable for medium-sized teams of 15-28 people.
This itinerary will focus on the ruins of beacon towers and post stations in Southern Xinjiang. Beacon towers, ancient communication facilities, stand tall in the desert, enduring thousands of years of wind and rain. They are witnesses to history, telling stories of ancient wars and peace. Post stations, on the other hand, were vital nodes for ancient merchants and travelers, bearing the responsibilities of transporting goods and facilitating cultural exchanges. By visiting these sites, you will personally experience the prosperity and glory of the ancient Silk Road and gain a deeper understanding of the interactions and integration of various ethnic groups throughout history.35-55 seat bus:The reference price is 3800-6800 yuan/day, suitable for large teams of over 30 people.
Please note that the above prices are for reference only, and actual prices may fluctuate due to market supply and demand, vehicle configuration, and other factors. The specific price shall be based on the contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Additionally, the peak season for tourism in Xinjiang (July-August) sees high demand for vehicles, and prices may increase by 20%-40%. It is recommended that travelers confirm vehicle arrangements 1-2 months in advance. During the off-season (November-April), some high-altitude scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang are closed, but routes in Southern Xinjiang remain accessible, with prices decreasing by 20%-30%, making it a suitable time for off-peak travel.
Registration Method
You can register for this 7-day carpooling study tour in Southern Xinjiang through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. This travel agency boasts rich tourism resources in Southern Xinjiang and a professional service team, capable of providing you with a high-quality study tour experience.
Fee Information and Service Description
Fees Include:
Vehicle Usage Fee:Provide vehicle usage services with an appropriate vehicle type based on team size and itinerary arrangements, including fuel costs, road and bridge tolls, and parking fees.
Driver’s Fee:Equip with experienced drivers responsible for driving during the itinerary. The driver’s accommodation and meal expenses usually need to be reimbursed separately (generally at a standard of 120 yuan per day, subject to negotiation with the travel agency).
Brief ItineraryScenic Area Tickets:The ticket fees for major scenic areas involved in the itinerary, such as the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves and Wensu Grand Canyon. However, some self-funded items within scenic areas (such as the off-road vehicle transfer fee in the Wensu Grand Canyon) need to be borne by tourists themselves.
Study Tour Explanation Fee:Arrange professional docents during the itinerary to provide you with detailed explanations of scenic spots and study tour guidance, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical and cultural heritage of Southern Xinjiang.
Insurance Fee:Purchase basic carrier liability insurance for tourists to ensure your basic safety during the itinerary. However, to provide you with more comprehensive protection, it is recommended that you purchase travel accident insurance yourself.
Fees Do Not Include:
Personal Catering Expenses for Tourists:Meals are not uniformly arranged during the itinerary. You can freely choose restaurants based on your taste and budget to savor the特色 (special) cuisines of Southern Xinjiang.
Accommodation Expenses:Accommodation arrangements can be selected based on your needs and budget, ranging from budget hotels to high-end hotels. The expenses need to be borne by yourself.
Additional Expenses Beyond the Itinerary:Such as additional fees incurred due to exceeding mileage or time (specific standards can be agreed upon in advance in the contract), as well as personal consumption and entertainment expenses.
The specific fees shall be based on actual consultation and contract signing. Both parties can make reasonable changes to the itinerary upon mutual agreement. During the itinerary, if changes or cancellations occur due to force majeure factors (such as weather, policies, etc.), we will actively communicate and negotiate with you to safeguard your rights and interests as much as possible.
For single travelers registering, our agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation. We are committed to providing every tourist with a high-quality and comfortable study tour experience, allowing you to leave beautiful memories on the land of Southern Xinjiang. If you have any questions about this itinerary or need further information, you can consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. We look forward to embarking on this wonderful study tour of Southern Xinjiang with you!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
