9-10 is the golden season for tourism in Xinjiang, with autumn colors emerging in Northern Xinjiang and pleasant weather in Southern Xinjiang. Many travelers wonder: How much does a trip to Xinjiang cost from 9 to 10? This article breaks down the expenses for traveling in Xinjiang from 9 to 10, providing real-world references to help you plan your budget effectively.
1. Overall Budget Overview
Total budget for Xinjiang travel from 9 to 10 varies based on trip duration and comfort level. Below is a reference budget for medium comfort (per person):
5-7 Day Short Trip:Approximately $3000–$6000
7-10 Day Classic Tour:Approximately $5000–$10000
10-15 Day Deep Tour:Approximately $8000–$15000
9-10 is peak season for Xinjiang tourism, though prices are lower than the summer peak in 7-8. Accommodation and transportation costs drop by approximately 20%-30% compared to summer.
2. Transportation Costs
Round-trip transportation
Plane:Round-trip flights from major Chinese cities to Urumqi in 9-10 cost approximately 1200-2500, down from peak summer rates (2000-3500). Book early for better deals.
Train:The Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway connects Lanzhou and Urumqi, with second-class seats ranging from 500 to 800 CNY. Ordinary trains offer hard sleeper berths for approximately 300 to 500 CNY; while travel time is longer, this option is more budget-friendly.
Transportation in Xinjiang
Charter / Shared RideCharter with a driver from 9 to 10: approximately 400-700 per day (includes fuel and tolls, split among 4 people), lower than the summer rate of 500-800. Carpooling is more economical at about 150-300 per person per day.
Self-driving:Estimated fuel cost: 0.6-0.8 yuan/km; tolls: 0.3-0.5 yuan/km. Car rental: 150-400 yuan/day, down from summer rates.
CoachDense and affordable intercity bus networks connect cities across Xinjiang. The fare from Urumqi to Kashgar is approximately 200, and to Ili is around 150.
Plane:Multiple airports serve Xinjiang, with flights from Urumqi to Kashgar, Hotan, Altay, and other destinations. One-way fares range from 200 to 600. Prices are lower in 9-10 compared to the summer season.
3. Accommodation Fees
Accommodation prices in Xinjiang from 9 to 10 are approximately 20%-30% lower than during the summer, but advance booking is still required.
Economy Hotel:Approximately 120–250 per night. Chain hotels like Home Inn and Hanting are available in major cities.
Mid-range Hotels:Approximately 250-500 per night, with full facilities and good service.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts:Approximately 500-1200 per night, such as Kanas Mountain Lodge or Sayram Lake Resort.
Featured Homestays:Approximately 200-400 per night, such as Heimu wooden cabin homestays or Kashgar Ancient City courtyard homestays, offering an authentic local experience.
Yurt/Tent:Approximately 80-200 CNY per night. Basic yurt experience on the grassland.
Accommodation prices drop from 9 to 10, but popular attractions like Kanas and Hemu require booking 2–3 months in advance.
4. Dining Expenses
Dining prices in Xinjiang are moderate. Fruits are harvested and affordable from 9 to 10.
Daily Dining:You can enjoy a good meal for 30–60 per person. Staples like ramen and pilaf are affordable, priced at about 15–30 per serving.
Special Meal:Whole roasted lamb: ¥1500–¥3000 per piece (ideal for sharing), Big Plate Chicken: ¥80–¥150 per serving, Grilled Lamb Skewers: ¥5–¥10 per skewer.
Fruits:9-10 is the harvest season for Xinjiang's fruits, with fresh grapes, melons, pomegranates, apples, and more hitting the market at affordable prices. Grapes cost around 5-15 per kilogram, melons around 3-8 per kilogram, and pomegranates around 5-10 per kilogram.
Overall, meal costs are approximately 100-200 CNY per person per day.
5. Ticket Fees
Xinjiang major scenic area ticket prices remain stable; no special promotions from 9 to 10.
Kanas:Ticket 160 + Shuttle Bus 70 = 230
Nalati:Ticket 95 + Shuttle Bus 40 = 135
Sayram Lake:Ticket 70 + Shuttle Bus 75 = 145
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan:Ticket 95 + Shuttle Bus 60 = 155
KeketuohaiTicket 90 + Shuttle Bus 36 = 126
Devil's CityTicket 46 + Shuttle Bus 52 = 98
In total, the ticket cost is approximately 1000-2000 CNY per person for a 7-10 day itinerary.
6. Other Fees
Shopping:9-10 is the harvest season for Xinjiang dried fruits, offering premium raisins, walnuts, almonds, and jujubes at affordable prices. Budget around 500-2000, depending on your needs.
Entertainment:Horseback riding, archery, and other activities cost approximately 100–300 yuan per session.
Insurance:Travel insurance: 50-100 per person; recommended.
Communication:Mobile data plan or local SIM card, approximately 50-100 CNY.
VII. Money-Saving Tips
Book in advance:Book flights, accommodations, and tickets for 9-10 early to get better prices.
Carpooling/Group Booking:Share a ride or join a small group to split transportation and guide costs.
Bring your own food:Some scenic areas have high dining prices; consider bringing your own water and food.
Student/Senior Discount:Some attractions offer discounted admission for students and seniors. Please bring valid ID.
Travel off-peak:From late 9 to early 10, visitor numbers are lower than in early 9, and prices are cheaper.
VIII. Budget Example
Budget example (per person) for a 7-day Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop at a mid-level comfort standard:
Round-trip flight: 1800 CNY
Domestic charter (split among 4 people): 1200 CNY
Accommodation (6 nights): 1500 CNY
Meals (7 days): 1000
Tickets: 1500
Other: 500 yuan
Total: Approximately 7500 CNY per person
IX. Summary
Travel costs in Xinjiang from 9 to 10 vary based on personal needs and travel style. A 2-3 day mid-range comfort trip typically costs 5000-10000 per person. Prices drop compared to the summer peak, making 9-10 a more cost-effective time to visit. Plan your budget ahead of time for a wonderful autumn journey in Xinjiang.
