Xinjiang, nestled in the far northwest of China, is filled with snow-capped mountains, expansive grasslands, deserts, oases, incredible people, culture and history. This vast land occupies one-sixth of China, is where majestic snow-capped mountains embrace emerald lakes, while endless grasslands meet golden deserts. The many heritages and relics from the ancient Silk Road and diverse ethnic culture and traditions further enrich the extraordinary travel experiences in Xinjiang.
However, the immense size of 1.66 million square kilometers, and long distances between attractions make spontaneous trips to Xinjiang a challenge, especially for first-timers.
How can you connect the scattered hidden gems into a seamless journey? How can you make the most of your limited time to encounter the most breathtaking landscapes? This article will unveil the essential keys of planning a trip to Xinjiang, help you create an unforgettable Xinjiang travel experience.
Popular Places in Xinjiang
Urumqi – Gateway to the Xinjiang
The capital city of Xinjiang and a vital transportation hub in the region, Urumqi is home to the International Grand Bazaar, the Silk Road treasures housed in Xinjiang Regional Museum, and stunning Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountain.
Kashgar – A Living Ancient City of the Silk Road
As the cultural heart of southern Xinjiang, Kashgar is where you can look into life of Uyghur neighborhood. The maze-like Kashgar Old Town, iconic Id Kah Mosque, bazaars, centuries-old teahouses, and shops are all testaments to the authentic Uyghur culture.
Turpan – Extreme Natural Landscapes Meet Ancient Civilizations
Turpan is known for tis unique arid climate, and rich historical and cultural heritage. Many tourists go on Turpan tours to marvel at the spectacular landscapes of the Flaming Mountain, the Grape Valley, remnants of the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, and Buddhist Caves in Tuyu Valley.
Kanas – The Top Natural Beauty in Northern Xinjiang
Often described as a fairy-tale wonderland, Kanas Scenic Area features emerald lakes, lush forests, and Tuva villages. The autumn landscapes here top many other northern Xinjiang’s attractions.
Ili – A Visual Feast of Grasslands and Flower Seas
Often referred to as the “Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall”, Ili is a stunning blend of magnificent natural beauty and nomadic culture. It boasts many vast green meadows, such as the Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, crystal-clear Sayram Lake and rich Kazakh culture.
How Many Days to Plan for a Xinjiang Tour
Given the vast expanse of Xinjiang, people used to divide Xinjiang into Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang based on geographic and climatic characteristics. Northern Xinjiang is on the north of the Tianshan, boasting diverse natural landscapes of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and forests, and ethnic cultures. Southern Xinjiang primarily encompasses the Tarim Basin and surrounding mountain ranges. This regions is characterized by its breathtaking desert landscapes, and immersive experience of Silk Road and diverse ethnic cultures.
The length of a trip to Xinjiang can be tailored based on your interests, budget, and available time. Below are some suggestions to plan your Xinjiang tour according to different timeframes:
5-7 Days
With limited time, 5-7 days allow you to focus on core attractions of either Northern or Southern Xinjiang.
In northern Xinjiang, you can visit top attractions in Urumqi (International Grand Bazaar, Regional Museum), and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural beauty of Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village and Sayram Lake.
Or, you can explore top attractions in Turpan, and head to southern Xinjiang to experience the authentic Uyghur culture in Kashgar Old Town.
Recommended 5-7 Days Xinjiang Tours for Your Inspiration:
- 5 Days Best Urumqi and Kashgar Tour by Flight
- 5 Days Xinjiang Highlights Tour to Urumqi and Turpan
- 7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour of Kashgar, Urumqi, Turpan
- 7 Days Southern Xinjiang Tour
- 7 Days Scenic Northern Xinjiang Tour
8-10 Days
This duration is ideal for a more in-depth experience of either northern or southern Xinjiang. For example, in northern Xinjiang, you can enjoy more time at Kanas Lake and extend your trip to Burqin to visit the Five-Colored Beach, and Keketuohai Geopark.
In southern Xinjiang, besides Kashgar Old City, you can also visit the nearby Karakul Lake, and Stone City, and extend your trip to Kizil Grottoes in Kuqa.
Alternatively, you can choose a small loop that covers top attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang.
Recommended 8-10 Xinjiang Itineraries:
- 8 Days Southern Xinjiang Tour with Sayram Lake
- 9 Days Southern Xinjiang Adventure Tour
- 10 Days Classic Southern Xinjiang Historic Tour
- 11 Days In-depth Northern Xinjiang Adventure Tour
11-14 Days
With more time, you can connect top destinations in Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Or, have an in-depth exploration in one part, and extend to the other part for additional exploration. Besides the iconic Urumqi, Turpan, Kanas, Kashgar, you can also delve into regions like Naraty, Hami, Burqin, Taxkorgan, etc.
Best Xinjiang In-depth Travel:
- 12 Days Urumqi-Turpan-Korla-Kuqa-Hotan-Kashgar Silk Road Adventure
- 12 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Tour for Nature and Culture Tracing
- 13 Days In-depth Xinjiang Small Group Tour
- 14 Days Best Xinjiang Silk Road Tour of Ethnic Experience
15+ Days
With ample time, you can explore Xinjiang in depth. Thoroughly experience its natural wonders and cultural richness, and discover some off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as the Altai Mountains, Hami, Kuqa, Tarim Poplar Forest, etc. If you like, feel free to contact us to customize your ideal Xinjiang trip based on your interests and available time.
Special Xinjiang Themed Tours
The vast Xinjiang is known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. More than common tours with top classic experiences, visitors can also explore a variety of themed tours in Xinjiang that cater to specific interests, such as adventure trekking and hiking, ethnic cultural immersion, Silk Road travel, epic photography tour, road trip, and winter tour.
Photography Tour:
Xinjiang boasts numerous seasonal natural landscapes worth capturing through a lens. The autumn scenery of Kanas and Hemu Village, and the golden populus euphratica forest in Tarim Basin, the vibrant sea of wildflowers in Ili during spring, the lush grasslands of Ili in summer, and Karakul Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains are all among the most popular.
8 Days Xinjiang Photography Tour
Silk Road Tour:
As an important heart of the ancient Silk Road, Xinjiang bursts with a wealth of ancient Silk Road cities, Buddhist grottoes, and trade ruins that showcase the millennia-long exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations! Top Silk Road sites in Xinjiang include Jiaohe Ruins (the capital of Che Shi State), Gaochang Ancient City, Kuqa Old City (the ancient capital of the Great Kingdom Guici), Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Kashgar Old Town, etc.
Recommended Xinjiang Silk Road Tours:
- 12 Days Urumqi-Turpan-Korla-Kuqa-Hotan-Kashgar Silk Road Adventure
- 14 Days Best Xinjiang Silk Road Tour of Ethnic Experience
Hiking and Trekking Tour
Hiking enthusiasts can find many world-class trekking routes in Xinjiang. The extensive variety of terrain in Xinjiang, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, glaciers, canyons, and lakes, makes it a hiker’s paradise. It is necessary to participate in an accompanied hiking tour with a reliable travel agency.
Popular Hiking Routes in Xinjiang:
- Kanas Loop: Jiadengyu – Hemu – Heihu – Kanas Lake (about 70 km in total). The trail features enchanting forests, pristine lakes, and Tuva villages, with many supply points along the way.
- Kalajun Grassland Loop: Qiongkushitai – West Kalajun – East Kalajun. This route is perfect for leisurely hiking, offering views of the vast, unspoiled grasslands.
- Sayram Lake Circuit Trek: This route is an ideal option for both outdoor lovers and photographers, offering unique charming scenery in different seasons.
- Tashkurgan Ancient Road: Kashgar – Tashkurgan. This is a challenging trek through the Pamir Plateau’s rugged canyons, and will pass some Tajik Villages.
Recommended Xinjiang Hiking Tours:
Winter Tour
The winter beauty in Xinjiang is often underrated. From icy glaciers, snow-covered plains, to excellent modern ski resorts among breathtaking natural beauty, Xinjiang in winter will captivate you with its mesmerizing landscapes and thrilling activities.
Xinjiang is home to many excellent ski resorts, and most of them are around Altai Mountains.
Recommended ski resorts: Jikepulin Ski Resort near Hemu Village, Keketuohai International Ski Resort in Keketuohai Town, General’s Mountain International Ski Resort in Altay, Silk Road Ski Resort near Urumqi.
Besides skiing, winter also offers some exclusive wonders, such as the stunning “ice push” phenomenon at Sayram Lake.
Road Trip in Xinjiang
The essence of Xinjiang’s beauty is often experienced along its roads. During a Xinjiang road trip, the ever-changing scenery and unique road culture will transform your journey into an experience where “every kilometer is a landscape. If possible, try one of the road routes to experience the exceptional road trips in Xinjiang:
- Duku Highway: the most beautiful road
- China-Pakistan Highway: Kashgar to Tashkurgan
- Taklamakan Desert Highway: traverse the Taklamakan Desert from north to south
- Desert Expressway: Urumqi to Altay, witness boundless Gobi deserts and unique yardangs
Recommended tours:
- 11 Days In-depth Northern Xinjiang Adventure Tour
- 12 Days Urumqi-Turpan-Korla-Kuqa-Hotan-Kashgar Silk Road Adventure
Extend Your Xinjiang Tour to More Destinations
Based on the transportation networks, cultural connections, and complementary attractions, it is advisable to link Xinjiang with nearby provinces for more immersive and diverse travel experiences.
In-depth Silk Road travel: Xinjiang + Gansu + Qinghai
This thorough Silk Road trip will take you from Gansu to Xinjiang and Qinghai, immersing you in richer landscapes and ancient relics from the Hexi Corridor through the Tianshan Mountains.
You can expect to witness the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, Zhangye Danxia landform, ancient Great Wall, Tibetan-style monastery, and mirror-like lakes.
Recommended Silk Road tours for your inspiration:
- 10 Days China Silk Road Tour to Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai
- 13 Days Best Silk Road and North Xinjiang Tour
- 13 Days Memorable Silk Road Adventure Tour from Xining to Kashgar
Xinjiang + Qinghai + Tibet: For epic experience
These are the three most epic destinations in China, covering snow-capped mountains, deserts, grasslands, and rich Tibetan culture. It is the ultimate adventure for those adventurous travelers and with ample time available.
Xian and Other Classic Destinations in China
Xian is the east starting poin of the Silk Road, and the Xian-Gansu-Qinghai-Xinjiang route offers the most comprehensive China Silk Road experience.
For first-timers to China, it is highly recommended to link Xinjiang with other classic travel destinations, like Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, ect.
Recommended China Silk Road Tours:
- 15 Days In-depth Silk Road Tour from Xian to Xinjiang
- 17 Days Itinerary of Silk Road Exploration with Zhangjiajie
- 14 Days China Silk Road Tour with Beijing & Shanghai
Xinjiang Weather & Best Time to Visit
Xinjiang enjoys a typical continental climate, featuring distinct seasonal variations, dryness, intense sunlight, and extreme temperature differences. The exact weather may vary a lot in different regions due to its vastness. Generally, the Tianshan Mountains divided it into two distinct climate patterns.
In northern Xinjiang, winter is snowy and can last five-month, with temperatures plunging to -40°C. While summers are usually cool and lush, especially in the Ili River Valley and Altai regions.
Southern Xinjiang, in contrast, features arid and hot summers, relativaly mild winters, and short and windy springs and autumns.
The high-altitude areas in the mountains see snow year-round, while the basins endure scorching summer temperatures exceeding 45°C.
Best Time to Visit Xinjiang
The best time to visit Xinjiang generally falls between May and October. And the exact time may vary depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
- May to July is when the Ili Valley grasslands are lush and green, Sayram Lake thaws, and grasslands in Ili are transformed into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers.
- Autumn, from late September to October is the best time to capture the golden birch forests of Kanas, and the golden period of the Tarim Desert’s Poplar Forest.
- July to August is the peak season of Kanas and Hemu, and a good time to sample diverse fruits in southern Xinjiang.
- May and September are the time when both northern and southern Xinjiang enjoys milder temperatures.
How to Get to Xinjiang & Travel Around
By air
Xinjiang is far away from most other places in China, so flying is the fastest way to reach it. Most people arrive in Xinjiang from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport which offers direct flights to most cities in China (multiple flights available daily, with a flight time of about 4-6 hours).
Kashgar Airport is also a main gateway to Xinjiang, but offers relatively fewer flights to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, etc. The flight time generally ranges from 5 to 7 hours.
By high-speed train
High-speed train is a more economical and scenic option to reach Xinjiang. High-speed trains from Lanzhou to Urumqi take about 12 hours, and about 13 hours from Xian to Urumqi.
Traveling Around Xinjiang
Air travel is still the most recommended option to reach remote areas like Kanas and Hotan. It takes about 2 hours from Urumqi to Kashgar, and about 4 hours from Yining to Altai (near Kanas).
High-speed trains are also an efficient option to transfer between major cities. It is about a 5 hours’ journey from Urumqi to Yining, and about 1 hour from Urumqi to Turpan.
There are also regular trains connecting Urumqi with Yining, Altai, Korla, and Kashgar, covering attractions like Sayram Lake, Kanas, Tianshan Mountains, and Taklamakan Desert.
It is advisable to charter a vehicle with a local driver included or take part in a Xinjiang tour with a reliable travel agency to ensure you a hassle-free trip. This shoule the most efficient option for traveling around Xinjiang.
Accommodations in Xinjiang
Accommodation options are rich and diverse in Xinjiang, catering to all needs from high-end international hotels to unique guesthouses.
In major cities, like Urumqi nad Kashgar, you can find five-star hotels such as Hilton and Marriott, alongside budget-friendly chains, like Atour.
In popular tourist spots, like Kanas and Hemu Village, accommodations are primarily Tuvan wooden house guesthouses. Though relatively pricey during the peak seasons, they provide an authentic experience.
In Ili grasslands and southern desert areas, you can find feature distinctive stays, such as Kazakh yurts and desert starry sky tents. Modern hotels are also available.
Xinjiang FAQs & Travel Tips
Is It Safe to Travel to Xinjiang?
Yes, traveling to Xinjiang is very safe. It has implemented frequent police checkpoints and patrols in public areas to ensure excellent public security. However, the same as visiting any new place, visitors need to exercise basic precautions, respect local customs, and follow regulations.
Do I Need a Permit to Visit Xinjiang?
Besides a valid passport and Chinese visa, no other special visa is required to enter Xinjiang. A travel permit will be required only when you plan to visit certain areas near international borders. >>How to Pay in China As a Foreigner
How to Pay When Traveling Xinjiang?
Like most places in China, mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in Xinjiang. International bank cards, such as UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are also widely accepted by merchants in major airports, hotels, and tourist attractions. Still, it is necessary to carry some CNY cash as mobile payments may be limited in mountainous areas.
What to Eat in Xinjiang? – Top Xinjiang Cuisine
Xinjiang cuisine is known for its beef and lamb dishes, featuring rich, spicy, and salty flavors. Popular dishes in Xinjiang include Whole Roast Lamb, Big Plate Chicken, Lamb Pilaf, hand-pulled noodles, naan, and various fruits. Vegetarian options are relatively less.
Time Difference
While Xinjiang follows Beijing Time, its daily life and activities are actually about 2 hours later than other cities in China. Be sure to adjust your schedule to match the local rhythm.
