Overview of Xinjiang Travel Guide
Xinjiang is China's largest provincial-level administrative region, boasting an abundance of tourism resources including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, lakes, and ancient cities. Planning a trip to Xinjiang requires considering multiple factors such as time, budget, and personal interests. From pre-trip preparations to itinerary planning, this guide provides you with comprehensiveXinjiang Travel Guide。
Pre-trip Preparation
Prepare Documents
- ID Card (Required)
- Border Permit (Required for border areas such as Baihaba and Tashkurgan)
- Student ID, Military ID, and other discount cards (discounts available at select attractions)
Clothing Preparation
Xinjiang experiences large temperature differences between day and night. Pack warm clothing regardless of the season. We recommend a layered "onion-style" approach for easy adjustment.
- Summer: T-shirt + Jacket + Thin Puffer Jacket (Backup)
- Fall: Fleece + Hardshell Jacket + Lightweight Down Jacket
- Winter: Thick down jacket + thermal underwear + windproof outerwear
Other items
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (high UV)
- Moisturizing Skincare (for Dry Climates)
- Common Medications (Cold & Flu, Digestive, Band-Aids, etc.)
- Power bank, camera, tripod
- Offline Map (for areas with weak signal)
Transportation
Arrive in Xinjiang
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport offers direct flights to major cities across China and serves as the primary gateway to Xinjiang. Train travel is also an option, though it takes longer.
In-Province Transportation
- AirplaneUrumqi offers direct flights to Kashgar, Yining, Altay, and other destinations, making it ideal for travelers with limited time.
- TrainTrains run from Urumqi to Kashgar, Yining, and other cities, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Rental Car / Self-DriveXinjiang's attractions are scattered, making chartered car tours or self-driving the most flexible options. We recommend booking with a reputable local travel agency, such asXinjiang International Travel
Accommodation & Dining
Accommodation
Hotels in Xinjiang offer a wide range of options, from budget to luxury. During peak season (months 6-10), we recommend booking in advance, especially for accommodations near scenic areas like Kanas and Hemu, where availability is limited.
Dining
Xinjiang cuisine is primarily based on beef and mutton.Xinjiang Banmian、Dapan Chicken、Lamb skewers、Hand-Picked Lamb、Xinjiang PilafThese are must-try delicacies. Vegetarians should prepare in advance.
Itinerary Planning
7-day Northern Xinjiang Loop
Urumqi → Heaven's Lake (Tianshan) → Keketuohai → Kanas → Hemu → Dabancheng (Wuerhe) → Sayram Lake → Urumqi
8 Day Southern Xinjiang Loop
Urumqi → Korla → Kuqa → Kashgar → Tashkurgan → Karakul Lake → Hotan → Urumqi
10-day North and South Xinjiang Panorama Tour
North Xinjiang Loop + Duku Highway Southbound → Bayinbuluke → Kuqa → Kashgar → Tarim Poplar Forest
15-Day Deep Dive
Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, Pamir Plateau, Hotan Desert Expedition, and Ili Grasslands
Budget Reference
- Economy: 5000-8000 CNY per person (7-10 days, budget accommodation, shared ride)
- Comfort: 8000-12000 USD per person (7-10 days, comfortable accommodation, private car)
- Luxury: 12000-20000 per person (10-15 days, luxury accommodation, premium routes)
Important Notes
- Xinjiang uses Beijing Time, but actual sunrise and sunset occur about 2 hours later than in inland China.
- Xinjiang has a dry climate. Remember to stay hydrated and moisturized.
- Respect local ethnic religious beliefs and customs.
- Weak signal in remote areas. Download offline maps in advance.
- Dining prices in the scenic area are high; we recommend bringing some snacks.
- Peak season bookings fill up fast—reserve 2-3 weeks in advance.
Why Choose Xinjiang International Travel
Xinjiang International TravelEstablished in 1979, with business license number L-XJ-CJ00005. For over 50 years, we have remained deeply rooted in Xinjiang. We are committed to a pure-play, no-shopping experience, offering intimate small-group tours of 2-6 people with personalized one-on-one service from our expert planners. To customize your itinerary, please visitPremium Routespage, or call the customer service hotline at 18999127242.
Related Reading
For more practical information on traveling and booking in Xinjiang, keep reading:North Xinjiang Loop Trip Preparation Checklist、What to wear in Xinjiang from 9 to 10、Xinjiang Travel Guide、Xinjiang International Travel Routes。
